YeastMatch

SafAle US-05 vs SafAle S-04: which to use

SafAle US-05: Fermentis · SafAle S-04: Fermentis

The two strains side by side on the numbers that decide it, and which to reach for.

Gauge readout
Attenuation78 to 82 %
Alcohol tolerance9 to 11 % ABV
Fermentation temp18 to 26 C (64 to 79 F)
Attenuation50%75%100%
Alcohol010%20% ABV
Temperature02040 C

Published data side by side

ManufacturerSafAle US-05: Fermentis · SafAle S-04: Fermentis
SafAle US-05 temperature18 to 26 C (64 to 79 F)
SafAle S-04 temperature12 to 25 C (54 to 77 F)
SafAle US-05 attenuation78 to 82 %
SafAle S-04 attenuation74 to 82 %
SafAle US-05 alcohol tolerance9 to 11 % ABV
SafAle S-04 alcohol tolerance9 to 11 % ABV
SafAle US-05 flocculationMedium sedimentation
SafAle S-04 flocculationHigh, fast sedimentation

Notes

US-05 is the clean American Chico strain; S-04 is a fruity English strain that flocculates hard and drops bright fast.

Choose US-05 for a neutral American beer where hops and malt should lead and clarity can wait.

Choose S-04 for an English ale or a fast-clearing beer, accepting more fruit and a touch less attenuation.

The strains in full

Sources: Fermentis SafAle US-05 product page · Fermentis SafAle S-04 product page · SafAle S-04 attenuation, temperature and equivalents reference