SafAle S-04 vs LalBrew Windsor: which to use
SafAle S-04: Fermentis · LalBrew Windsor: LallemandThe two strains side by side on the numbers that decide it, and which to reach for.
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
Published data side by side
| Manufacturer | SafAle S-04: Fermentis · LalBrew Windsor: Lallemand |
|---|---|
| SafAle S-04 temperature | 12 to 25 C (54 to 77 F) |
| LalBrew Windsor temperature | 15 to 22 C (59 to 72 F) |
| SafAle S-04 attenuation | 74 to 82 % |
| LalBrew Windsor attenuation | 70 % (medium) |
| SafAle S-04 alcohol tolerance | 9 to 11 % ABV |
| LalBrew Windsor alcohol tolerance | 12 % ABV |
| SafAle S-04 flocculation | High, fast sedimentation |
| LalBrew Windsor flocculation | Low |
Notes
Both are English strains, but S-04 flocculates hard and attenuates 74 to 82%, while Windsor flocculates low and stops around 70% because it does not ferment maltotriose.
Choose S-04 for a cask or fast-clearing English beer that should still finish reasonably dry.
Choose Windsor for a mild or sweet stout where you want body and residual sweetness left behind.
The strains in full
Sources: Fermentis SafAle S-04 product page · SafAle S-04 attenuation, temperature and equivalents reference · Lallemand LalBrew Windsor Technical Data Sheet