Fermentis SafAle W-68 (Weihenstephan Wheat Beer) Yeast 25g

Description

SafAle W-68 is the Weihenstephan wheat strain in dry form — the classic choice for Bavarian Hefeweizen and other German wheat beer styles. This POF-positive yeast produces the characteristic combination of clove and banana that defines authentic Hefeweizen, with high ester levels and a naturally hazy pour. Whether you’re brewing a traditional Hefeweizen, Dunkelweizen, Kristallweizen, or a Weizenbock, W-68 delivers real Weihenstephan character in a convenient dry sachet. Available in Australia at Yeast Platform.

Brewing Notes

Temperature is the key fermentation lever with W-68. Ferment cooler (18–20°C) for more clove-forward, spicy results via enhanced 4-vinyl guaiacol production. Ferment warmer (22–26°C) for more banana and isoamyl acetate character. This is the fundamental Hefeweizen tradeoff: cooler = spicy/clove, warmer = fruity/banana. W-68 stays in suspension during and after fermentation, contributing to the beer’s natural haze. Pitch at 50–80 g/hL.

Beer Styles & Brewing Tips

W-68 is the definitive Hefeweizen yeast — from the same Weihenstephan lineage that defines the style globally. Temperature is everything: you control the clove-to-banana ratio through fermentation management.

Best styles: Classic Bavarian Hefeweizen (50% wheat malt minimum, German Hallertau hops, unfiltered — the definitive W-68 showcase), Dunkelweizen (dark wheat malt adds chocolate and roast complexity to the clove/banana character), Weizenbock (high-gravity wheat — rich, complex, warming — ferment cooler for clove dominance in a big beer).

Australian brewing tips:

• In hot Australian summers, controlling fermentation below 24°C is essential — a warm Hefeweizen goes banana-dominant and cloying. A fermentation fridge or esky ice bath makes a real difference.
• A 50–70% wheat malt grain bill produces the protein haze and full body characteristic of authentic Hefeweizen; Pilsner malt for the remainder.
• Australian tap water is suitable for Hefeweizen in most regions without significant mineral adjustment — aim for low sulfate and moderate carbonate for a soft mouthfeel.
• Pair with Hallertau Mittelfrüh or Tettnang hops for traditional spicy hop character that complements W-68’s natural clove phenolics.

In the Glass

Banana and clove in a balance you control through fermentation temperature. Light, refreshing, and naturally hazy. Authentic Bavarian wheat character from the same Weihenstephan lineage that’s been producing great Hefeweizen for generations.

Order SafAle W-68 Hefeweizen yeast Australia from Yeast Platform. 11.5g sachets in stock with fast dispatch.

Recommended Hops for This Yeast

Hefeweizen traditionally uses minimal hops — let the yeast’s banana and clove esters take centre stage.

• Saaz Hops — Noble, low-alpha bittering hop — traditional Hefeweizen addition, stays in the background
• East Kent Golding Hops — Soft, earthy bittering — won’t clash with the banana and clove profile
• Riwaka Hops — NZ citrus — light late addition for a modern twist on Hefeweizen
• Motueka Hops — Lemon and lime zest — gentle aroma addition that complements the fruity ester profile