YeastMatch

Wyeast 1056 American Ale vs SafAle US-05: which to use

Wyeast 1056 American Ale: Wyeast · SafAle US-05: Fermentis

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

Gauge readout
Attenuation73 to 77 % (75% typical)
Alcohol tolerance10 % tolerance
Fermentation temp16 to 22 C (60 to 72 F)
Attenuation50%75%100%
Alcohol010%20% ABV
Temperature02040 C

Published data side by side

ManufacturerWyeast 1056 American Ale: Wyeast · SafAle US-05: Fermentis
Wyeast 1056 American Ale temperature16 to 22 C (60 to 72 F)
SafAle US-05 temperature18 to 26 C (64 to 79 F)
Wyeast 1056 American Ale attenuation73 to 77 % (75% typical)
SafAle US-05 attenuation78 to 82 %
Wyeast 1056 American Ale alcohol tolerance10 % tolerance
SafAle US-05 alcohol tolerance9 to 11 % ABV
Wyeast 1056 American Ale flocculationLow to medium
SafAle US-05 flocculationMedium sedimentation

Notes

Wyeast 1056 and US-05 are both the Chico strain; blind tests find the beers very hard to tell apart, though 1056 flocculates a little harder and US-05 is more powdery.

Choose US-05 for convenience, cost and shelf life.

Choose Wyeast 1056 for a slightly clearer beer and the ability to repitch a liquid culture.

The strains in full

Sources: Wyeast 1056 American Ale specification (Brewer's Friend) · Brulosophy yeast comparison: SafAle US-05 vs Wyeast 1056 · Fermentis SafAle US-05 product page