October 14, 2020
From Farmhouse to Fementer: Your Guide to Kveik Yeast
What is Kveik Yeast
Kveik (pronounced kvike or kuh-vike) is the ancient super yeast you may have heard a lot of buzz about in the last few years. The word “kveik” is actually a dialect word for “yeast” in Norwegian and has been passed down for generations in traditional farmstead brewing. But it’s not just nostalgia or tradition that makes these yeasts so appealing to homebrewers, rather it’s the unique characteristics that make these strains stand apart from most other yeasts.
Key Kveik Qualities
For being from a chilly Scandinavian country, the funny and most impressive quality about kveik is that it can withstand rather high temperature fermentation - at just over 100 degrees, with no off flavors! No AC or fermentation control in your brewcave? No problem when brewing with kveik. And at these higher temperatures, kveik can produce a 5% ABV beer days before other yeast strains are able. Another standout feature is that unlike other yeasts that tap out around 10%, kveik can withstand more alcohol (11-16%ABV).
No matter what strain you choose, you’ll get a tough as nails yeast that withstands nearly anything - just like a Viking. Although brewing with new ingredients can be nerve-wracking, hopefully we’ve shown you that you really can’t go wrong brewing with kveik. To choose which is best for your next batch, you’ll want to check out the one feature that differentiates each strain the most: the flavor profiles. From neutral flavors and aromas to bursts of guava and other exotic fruits, the flavors of these strains range as much as their temperatures.
Or watch our video as our Head Development Brewer covers the popular strains carried here at Northern Brewer.
| Product Name | Brand | Flavor Profile | Range | Flocculation | Attenuation | Origin |
| Imperial Yeast A43 Loki | Imperial | Clean (Cooler), Citrus (Warmer) | 65 - 100 F | Med-High | 75 - 85% | Voss |
| Imperial Yeast A44 Kveiking | Imperial | Pineapple, Guava, Tropical Fruits | 75 - 95 F | Low | 75 - 85% | Blend |
| Imperial Yeast A46 Bartleby Kveik | Imperial | Citrus, Fruity, Juicy, Hazy, Peach, Pineapple | 68 - 98 F | High | 75 - 85% | Hornindal |
| LalBrew® Voss Kveik Ale Dry Yeast | LalBrew® | Neutral, Subtle Fruity Orange, Citrus | 95 - 104 F | Med-High | Very High | Voss |
| Omega Yeast OYL-033 Jovaru™ Lithuanian Farmhouse | Omega | Lemon Pith, Black Pepper | 70 - 95 F | Med-Low | 76 - 82% | Jovarai |
| Omega Yeast OYL-057 HotHead Ale - Kveik Strain | Omega | Honey, Overripe Mango | 62 - 98 F | Low-Med | 75 - 82% | Stranda |
| Omega Yeast OYL-061 Voss Kveik | Omega | Orange, Citrus | 68 - 98 F | Medium | 75 - 82% | Voss |
| Omega Yeast OYL-071 Lutra™ Kveik | Omega | Clean | 68 - 95 F | Med-High | 75 - 82% | Hornindal |
| Omega Yeast OYL-071GF Lutra™ Kveik - Gluten Free Yeast | Omega | Clean | 68 - 95 F | Med-High | 75 - 82% | Hornindal |
| Omega Yeast OYL-090 Espe Kveik | Omega | Lychee, Pear, Tropical Fruit Cup | 68 - 98 F | Med-High | 75 - 80% | Grodås |
| Omega Yeast OYL-091 Hornindal Kveik | Omega | Pineapple, Mango, Tangerine | 70 - 90 F | High | 75 - 82% | Hornindal |
Read More About Kveik and Other Yeasts:
Kveik Yeast from Omega - A deeper dive on two of Omega’s kveik strains
Short Pour: Q & A with Omega Yeast Labs - An interview with Omega’s founder and CEO
How To Make a Yeast Starter - Learn how to make a yeast starter
Dry Yeast vs. Liquid Yeast - Check out the pros and cons
5 Easy Tricks for Boosting Yeast Health
Omega Yeast's Dried Lutra Kviek Yeast - Suitable for almost any English or American beer style
