YeastMatch

Wyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager vs SafLager W-34/70: which to use

Wyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager: Wyeast · SafLager W-34/70: 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 tolerance9 % tolerance
Fermentation temp9 to 14 C (48 to 58 F)
Attenuation50%75%100%
Alcohol010%20% ABV
Temperature02040 C

Published data side by side

ManufacturerWyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager: Wyeast · SafLager W-34/70: Fermentis
Wyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager temperature9 to 14 C (48 to 58 F)
SafLager W-34/70 temperature12 to 18 C (54 to 64 F)
Wyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager attenuation73 to 77 % (75% typical)
SafLager W-34/70 attenuation80 to 84 %
Wyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager alcohol tolerance9 % tolerance
SafLager W-34/70 alcohol tolerance9 to 11 % ABV
Wyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager flocculationMedium
SafLager W-34/70 flocculationFast sedimentation

Notes

Wyeast 2124 and W-34/70 both descend from Weihenstephan 34/70, so they make a clean German lager, though some brewers find the dry SafLager has a faint tang the liquid does not.

Choose W-34/70 for shelf life and a straight pitch.

Choose Wyeast 2124 for the liquid 34/70 if you want to avoid even a hint of dry-yeast character.

The strains in full

Sources: Wyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager specification (Brewer's Friend) · SafLager W-34/70 equivalents discussion (Homebrew Talk) · Fermentis SafLager W-34/70 product page