White Labs WLP002 English Ale vs SafAle S-04: which to use
White Labs WLP002 English Ale: White Labs · SafAle S-04: FermentisThe two strains side by side on the numbers that decide it, and which to reach for.
Gauge readout
Attenuation63 to 70 % (66.5% typical)
Alcohol toleranceMedium tolerance
Fermentation temp18 to 20 C (65 to 68 F)
Attenuation50%75%100%
Alcohol010%20% ABV
Temperature02040 C
Published data side by side
| Manufacturer | White Labs WLP002 English Ale: White Labs · SafAle S-04: Fermentis |
|---|---|
| White Labs WLP002 English Ale temperature | 18 to 20 C (65 to 68 F) |
| SafAle S-04 temperature | 12 to 25 C (54 to 77 F) |
| White Labs WLP002 English Ale attenuation | 63 to 70 % (66.5% typical) |
| SafAle S-04 attenuation | 74 to 82 % |
| White Labs WLP002 English Ale alcohol tolerance | Medium tolerance |
| SafAle S-04 alcohol tolerance | 9 to 11 % ABV |
| White Labs WLP002 English Ale flocculation | Very high |
| SafAle S-04 flocculation | High, fast sedimentation |
Notes
WLP002 is the Fuller's English strain; S-04 is a dry Whitbread English strain. Both flocculate very hard and drop bright, but WLP002 is more estery and finishes higher.
Choose S-04 for a fast, dry-pitchable English cask ale.
Choose WLP002 for a fuller, fruitier, sweeter ESB with more English character.
The strains in full
Sources: White Labs WLP002 English Ale specification (Brewer's Friend) · Brewstock Beer Yeast Comparison Chart (White Labs / Wyeast / Omega / Fermentis / Lallemand cross-reference) · Fermentis SafAle S-04 product page · SafAle S-04 attenuation, temperature and equivalents reference