Best yeast for cider, mead and country wine
Lalvin EC-1118 (Lallemand)The single best dry strain for cider, mead and country wine, and the number that decides it.
Use Lalvin EC-1118. For cider, mead and country wine it is the strongest match on the numbers that matter.
Gauge readout
Attenuationferments to dryness (near-total sugar conversion)
Alcohol tolerance18 % ABV
Fermentation temp10 to 30 C (50 to 86 F)
Attenuation50%75%100%
Alcohol010%20% ABV
Temperature02040 C
Why this strain
| Style | cider, mead and country wine |
|---|---|
| Recommended strain | Lalvin EC-1118 (Lallemand) |
| Fermentation temperature | 10 to 30 C (50 to 86 F) |
| Apparent attenuation | ferments to dryness (near-total sugar conversion) |
| Alcohol tolerance | 18 % ABV |
Notes
For cider, mead or fruit wine, Lalvin EC-1118 is the safe default. Its 18% alcohol tolerance, wide 10 to 30 C range and clean, neutral profile ferment almost any sugar source to dryness without adding off-flavour.
Its neutrality and vigour can strip delicate aromatics, so for an aromatic apple or floral mead where you want fruit character retained, a lower-tolerance aromatic wine strain preserves more of it.