Best yeast for English bitter and ESB
SafAle S-04 (Fermentis)The single best dry strain for English bitter and ESB, and the number that decides it.
Use SafAle S-04. For English bitter and ESB it is the strongest match on the numbers that matter.
Gauge readout
Attenuation74 to 82 %
Alcohol tolerance9 to 11 % ABV
Fermentation temp12 to 25 C (54 to 77 F)
Attenuation50%75%100%
Alcohol010%20% ABV
Temperature02040 C
Why this strain
| Style | English bitter and ESB |
|---|---|
| Recommended strain | SafAle S-04 (Fermentis) |
| Fermentation temperature | 12 to 25 C (54 to 77 F) |
| Apparent attenuation | 74 to 82 % |
| Alcohol tolerance | 9 to 11 % ABV |
Notes
For an English bitter or ESB, SafAle S-04 is the workhorse. Its high, fast flocculation drops the beer bright quickly, which suits cask and short-conditioned English styles, and it leaves balanced fruit and a touch more body than a clean American strain.
Hold fermentation temperature until it is fully finished. S-04 flocculates so hard that if the beer cools early the yeast drops out and leaves the beer under-attenuated and sweet.
The yeast to buy
Related
Sources: Fermentis SafAle S-04 product page ยท SafAle S-04 attenuation, temperature and equivalents reference