White Labs WLP001 California Ale vs SafAle US-05: which to use
White Labs WLP001 California Ale: White Labs · SafAle US-05: FermentisThe two strains side by side on the numbers that decide it, and which to reach for.
Gauge readout
Attenuation73 to 80 % (73 to 80% published; 76.5% typical)
Alcohol toleranceHigh tolerance
Fermentation temp20 to 23 C (68 to 73 F)
Attenuation50%75%100%
Alcohol010%20% ABV
Temperature02040 C
Published data side by side
| Manufacturer | White Labs WLP001 California Ale: White Labs · SafAle US-05: Fermentis |
|---|---|
| White Labs WLP001 California Ale temperature | 20 to 23 C (68 to 73 F) |
| SafAle US-05 temperature | 18 to 26 C (64 to 79 F) |
| White Labs WLP001 California Ale attenuation | 73 to 80 % (73 to 80% published; 76.5% typical) |
| SafAle US-05 attenuation | 78 to 82 % |
| White Labs WLP001 California Ale alcohol tolerance | High tolerance |
| SafAle US-05 alcohol tolerance | 9 to 11 % ABV |
| White Labs WLP001 California Ale flocculation | Medium |
| SafAle US-05 flocculation | Medium sedimentation |
Notes
WLP001 and US-05 are both the Chico strain, one liquid and one dry, so they make near-identical clean American beers; US-05 is more powdery and WLP001 pitches without a starter but needs refrigeration.
Choose US-05 for shelf stability, a fixed price and no starter.
Choose WLP001 if you already brew with liquid yeast and want to harvest and repitch the Chico strain.
The strains in full
Sources: White Labs WLP001 California Ale specification (Brewer's Friend) · Brewstock Beer Yeast Comparison Chart (White Labs / Wyeast / Omega / Fermentis / Lallemand cross-reference) · Fermentis SafAle US-05 product page