Fermentis SafAle BW-20 (Belgian Wheat Beer) Yeast 50g
$25.00
SafAle BW-20, produced by Fermentis, is a specialized dry yeast strain designed for brewing authentic Belgian-style wheat beers. It generates a balanced flavor profile with subtle fruity esters, complemented by distinctive clove and peppery notes. Note: This is a repack – see below for more details.
Out of stock
- Australia Post from $9.95, Express available
- Free local pickup in Noble Park, VIC
- Real best-before dates: what you see is what ships
Description
Safale BW-20 is Fermentis’s dedicated Belgian-inspired wheat beer yeast, crafted to deliver the authentic character that defines hefeweizen and witbier — a lively interplay of spicy clove phenols and soft banana esters set against a plush, permanently hazy body. Available at Yeast Platform as a 500 g repacked brick, it gives home and small craft brewers the volume to run multiple batches from a single purchase without compromising freshness.
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Fermentation Temperature | 15–25°C (optimum 17–22°C) |
| Apparent Attenuation | 70–78% |
| Flocculation | Low |
| Alcohol Tolerance | ~9% ABV |
| Pitching Rate | 50–80 g per hL |
| Format | 500 g repacked brick |
Brewing Notes
BW-20 thrives with a wheat-forward grist — aim for 50% or more raw or malted wheat to support its characteristic haze and mouthfeel. Temperature is the key lever for balancing the phenol–ester ratio: fermenting at the lower end of the range (17–18°C) emphasises clean clove spice, while nudging above 20°C shifts the character toward ripe banana. Rehydrate in 25–29°C water for 15 minutes before pitching and oxygenate the cold wort well to support a vigorous primary. Skip filtration entirely — the yeast haze is part of the intended style.
Beer Styles & Brewing Tips
- Hefeweizen & Dunkelweizen — the classic application; a step mash with a ferulic acid rest at 43°C enhances phenol expression before saccharification.
- Witbier — pair with coriander seed, dried orange peel, and a portion of raw unmalted wheat for a cloudy, refreshing Belgian-style pour.
- Berliner Weisse — BW-20’s low flocculation suits a lactic co-fermentation or kettle souring process while maintaining a lively effervescence.
- American Wheat & Hazy Wheat — a relaxed ferment at 20–22°C produces a softer ester profile that lets dry-hop additions come forward cleanly.
In the Glass: Expect a pillowy white head above a golden, permanently hazy pour. The nose leads with banana bread and a hint of vanilla, underpinned by subtle white-pepper spice. The palate is creamy and full, finishing slightly dry — quintessentially drinkable at session ABV.
Safale BW-20 is in stock and ships Australia-wide from our Queensland warehouse. Questions about pitching rates or grist percentages? Get in touch with the team at Yeast Platform.
Recommended Hops for This Yeast
BW-20’s delicate wheat-beer character pairs best with hops that complement rather than compete. Noble and Southern Hemisphere varieties bring floral, herbal, and citrus notes that harmonise with the yeast’s clove and banana esters without overwhelming them.
- Saaz — spicy, earthy noble character; the traditional choice for hefeweizen and Czech-style wheat beers
- East Kent Goldings — floral and honeyed; lifts the softer ester notes of witbier and English wheat styles
- Riwaka — grapefruit and passionfruit; adds a contemporary NZ dimension to American wheat and hazy styles
- Motueka — lemon and lime zest; keeps the finish bright and refreshing in session wheat beers
Additional information
| Weight | 0.05 kg |
|---|---|
| Weight | 50g |
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.