Fermentis SafLager S-189 Lager Yeast 11.5g

Description

SafLager S-189 is a Swiss lager strain with heritage from the Hürlimann Brewery in Zurich — one of the most influential yeast research breweries in brewing history. S-189 produces clean, neutral lagers with high drinkability, expressing elegant herbal and floral notes that set it apart from the more widely-used Weihenstephan strains. If you’re looking for a reliable workhorse lager yeast with a subtly distinctive flavour signature, S-189 is worth adding to your yeast rotation. Available in Australia at Yeast Platform.

Brewing Notes

S-189’s Swiss heritage produces reliable, workhorse behaviour — fast flocculation for easy clarification, consistent attenuation, and a sensory profile that complements a wide range of lager grain bills. Ferment cool (12–15°C) for the best herbal and floral expression. The fast sedimentation allows cold crashing and serving relatively quickly without extended lagering — useful if your brewing schedule is tight. Dosage 80–120 g/hL.

Beer Styles & Brewing Tips

S-189’s Swiss heritage gives it a different flavour signature than the more common Weihenstephan strains — slightly more herbaceous and floral, with a reliable workhorse fermentation profile that suits a wide variety of traditional lager styles.

Best styles: Swiss/German Pilsner (S-189’s herbal and floral notes complement Saaz and Hallertau beautifully — a slightly different character than W-34/70, worth comparing), Munich Helles (elegant and malt-forward — S-189’s clean profile lets the Vienna and Pilsner malt express itself fully), Vienna Lager (amber, toasty, and malt-driven — S-189’s Swiss cleanliness complements the toasted malt backbone).

Australian brewing tips:

• S-189’s fast flocculation is a practical advantage in Australia — shorter cold conditioning time before packaging compared to slower-floccing lager strains like W-34/70.
• Pair with continental hops — Czech Saaz, German Hallertau, Tettnang — for the most authentic Swiss/Bavarian lager character; avoid high-alpha hops that mask S-189’s delicate herbal notes.
• Target soft, low-mineral brewing water for Pilsner; add a small calcium sulfate addition for Helles or Vienna to support enzyme activity during the mash.
• S-189 is excellent for repitching — harvest the compact, fast-settling yeast cake, store at 2°C, and re-use within 2–3 weeks for consistent results.

In the Glass

Clean and neutral with subtle herbal and floral notes on the nose. High drinkability with a crisp finish. A classic European lager character that’s approachable, reliable, and highly sessionable.

Order SafLager S-189 Swiss lager yeast in Australia at Yeast Platform. In stock with fast dispatch nationwide.

Recommended Hops for This Yeast

Pair with classic noble hops to keep the focus on malt character and a clean, crisp finish.

• Saaz Hops — Czech noble hop — spicy, herbal, the traditional choice for Pilsner and Helles
• East Kent Golding Hops — English noble hop — earthy, floral, perfect for session lagers and Märzen
• Chinook Hops — High-alpha US hop — clean pine bitterness for bittering in American-style lagers
• Cascade Hops — Iconic citrus and floral hop — adds lift to pale lagers without overpowering