YeastMatch

White Labs WLP002 English Ale vs Wyeast 1968 London ESB Ale: which to use

White Labs WLP002 English Ale: White Labs · Wyeast 1968 London ESB Ale: Wyeast

The 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

ManufacturerWhite Labs WLP002 English Ale: White Labs · Wyeast 1968 London ESB Ale: Wyeast
White Labs WLP002 English Ale temperature18 to 20 C (65 to 68 F)
Wyeast 1968 London ESB Ale temperature18 to 22 C (64 to 72 F)
White Labs WLP002 English Ale attenuation63 to 70 % (66.5% typical)
Wyeast 1968 London ESB Ale attenuation67 to 71 % (69% typical)
White Labs WLP002 English Ale alcohol toleranceMedium tolerance
Wyeast 1968 London ESB Ale alcohol tolerance10 % tolerance
White Labs WLP002 English Ale flocculationVery high
Wyeast 1968 London ESB Ale flocculationVery high

Notes

WLP002 and Wyeast 1968 are both the Fuller's strain, one from White Labs and one from Wyeast, so they make the same very-high-flocculating malty English ale.

Choose WLP002 if your shop carries White Labs.

Choose Wyeast 1968 if you prefer the smack-pack; both need rousing so they do not stall early.

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) · Wyeast 1968 London ESB Ale specification (Brewer's Friend)