YeastMatch

SafAle S-04 substitute: what to use instead

SafAle S-04 (Fermentis)

If you cannot get SafAle S-04, this is the closest replacement and what changes.

Close, with a caveat. White Labs WLP002 English Ale or Wyeast 1968 London ESB is the nearest substitute for SafAle S-04, but it will not match on every point.
Gauge readout
Attenuation74 to 82 %
Alcohol tolerance9 to 11 % ABV
Fermentation temp12 to 25 C (54 to 77 F)
Attenuation50%75%100%
Alcohol010%20% ABV
Temperature02040 C
Substitution
SafAle S-04 (Fermentis)
White Labs WLP002 English AleWyeast 1968 London ESB

Original strain vs substitute

Out ofSafAle S-04 (Fermentis)
Closest substituteWhite Labs WLP002 English Ale or Wyeast 1968 London ESB
Original attenuation74 to 82 %
Original alcohol tolerance9 to 11 % ABV
Original temperature12 to 25 C (54 to 77 F)

Notes

S-04 is a Whitbread-derived English strain; WLP002 and Wyeast 1968 are the usual liquid substitutes because all three are high-flocculating English ale yeasts.

They match on behaviour, high flocculation and a fast, warm English ferment, but not on flavour: WLP002 and 1968 are noticeably more estery and finish higher than S-04. Treat them as the same job, not the same beer, and expect a fruitier, slightly sweeter result.

What to buy instead

Related

Sources: SafAle S-04 attenuation, temperature and equivalents reference ยท Fermentis SafAle S-04 product page