Behind every pint of beer is a bit of magic happening. But when you think of it, brewing indeed feels like creating a magic potion. You throw and mix a few different ingredients together which results in a drink that so many people go crazy about. And what is the main ingredient that makes a beer? It’s yeast.
Thus, choosing the right yeast is important for the type of beer you want to make. This “magic powder” is what gives the beer’s flavour and texture. Understand the different available options for a brewers’ yeast supplement and pick the one that can improve your beer.
What Is Brewing Yeast?
The yeast used in brewing beer is a special strain of microorganism that is part of the fungi family and it’s what makes beer what it is.
So, what does a brewers’ yeast supplement do? To put it simply, this yeast is the key ingredient that allows the fermentation to happen. The yeast ferments the sugars extracted from malted grains and transforms them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. During the fermentation, the yeast is what creates unique flavour compounds that give the beer the final taste and aroma.
And this is why you should be mindful here: there are different types of beer and there are two main types of yeast – ale and lager. To choose a brewers yeast supplement, first, you need to decide on the beer you want to brew. Think about the flavour profile you’re aiming for and choose accordingly.
What are the Advantages of Powdered Yeast in Brewing
Longer Shelf Life
Beer yeast comes in two forms: liquid and powdered. So, what you choose will largely depend on your personal preferences and how often you brew. But one big reason why powdered yeasts are often the go-to choice is because they last much longer.
When stored in a cool and dry place as instructed on the package, the yeast retains its potency for much longer than a liquid yeast could. This is why powder yeast is an excellent choice for those who don’t brew as often. That means you keep it for your next batch without worrying if it has gone bad which is the perfect solution for home brewing.
Convenient
Brewing yeats in a powdered form is so easy to store and use and this makes it a great option for beginners. It doesn’t require refrigeration like its liquid counterpart. All you need to do is place it somewhere cool and dry and away from direct sunlight and you’re good. Plus, no spills, and no fuss like with liquid yeast. Just measure and mix – that simple.
Consistency
This is where a powder yeast excels. Because of the way is made, this brewing yeast delivers more consistent results than liquid yeast. And here is the reason for that: powdered yeast undergoes a drying process that is carefully controlled as a way to ensure that every batch is uniform. The controlled drying process is what helps the yeast maintain its potency and results in reducing the chances of spoilage and variation.
On the other hand, liquid yeast is more susceptible to environmental changes which affects its potency. But because powdered yeast produces repeatable results every time, it’s a super reliable choice for both beginners and experienced brewers.
Types of Powdered Brewing Yeast
Ale Yeast
Ale yeast is undoubtedly one of the most popular brewing yeasts and it’s easy to see why – it delivers quicker fermentation compared to the other types. This type of yeast requires warmer temperatures to start fermenting, usually between 15-22°C. The warmer temperatures are what accelerate the fermentation.
That’s why ale is often used for brewing pale beers like Upas, stouts and porters. Surely some of you have noticed a more complex flavour or even fruity notes on some of these beers. This is thanks to the ale yeast as it tends to produce richer aromas and flavours. Ale is also a robust yeast that is super easy to use, which makes it a great choice for brewers of any level.
Lager Yeast
Lager brewing yeast gives a beer a crisp and clean-tasting profile like those in bocks and pilsners. Lager does not require warm temperatures to start fermenting like ale does. Instead, it works best in cooler temperatures between 7-13°C. The lower temperatures result in slower fermentation, which helps produce a beer with a smooth and refreshing profile.
Specialty Strains
Speciality yeast strains are used to create beer styles that differ from standard beers. These strains require a specific kind of fermentation, which brings a unique flavour to the beer. These include yeasts used in brewing sour ales like Belgian-style beers and beers with high alcohol content.
Each strain gives a unique flavour to the beer and this is what makes these brews stand out. Their uniqueness lies in their complex and unusual tastes.
