Saflager S-23: Your Guide to Perfect Homebrewing

Fermentis S-23 Overview

This bottom fermenting yeast is perfect for creating fruitier and more estery lagers, giving your brews a unique flavour profile.

SafLager S-23 yeast adapts to various lager styles, consistently delivering exceptional taste. It’s ideal for crafting beers like Pilsners, Helles, Bocks, Oktoberfest/Märzen, and California Common. Whatever style you favor, S-23 promises to elevate its flavour profile. 

S-23, a member of the E2U™ active dry yeasts, offers convenience in its direct pitching or rehydration flexibility. This, combined with its unique flavour, has earned its popularity among European breweries and home brewers.

Ideal Styles for Fermentis SafLager S-23

SafLager S-23 is a versatile yeast suitable for a variety of lager styles, offering a reliable and consistent choice for creating tasty beer.

When using this yeast, you can expect to achieve excellent results for the following styles of beer:

Pilsners: Prepare to be impressed by clean and crisp pilsners with a well-balanced malt and hop character when using S-23 yeast.

Helles: Your Helles beers will be smooth and malty with a delicate hop aroma, thanks to the characteristics of the S-23 strain.

Bocks: For a strong and rich Bock beer with a complex malt profile and a warming alcohol finish, S-23 yeast is a fantastic option.

Oktoberfest/Märzen: Get ready to brew satisfying amber and malty Oktoberfest beers with moderate hop bitterness using SafLager S-23.

California Common: Run your fermentation at higher temperatures and still produce fruity and hoppy California Common beers using the S-23 yeast strain.

SafLager S-23 aids brewers in producing diverse and flavorful lagers for any style.

S-23 Alternatives

If you’re searching for an alternative to the Saflager S-23 German lager dry yeast, there are several other dry lager yeasts you can consider using for your brewing needs. The following active dry yeast options can produce comparable results in your beer:

W-34/70: This German lager yeast is a popular choice that’s known for yielding clean and crisp beers with a low ester profile. You might find the W-34/70 to be an excellent alternative to the Saflager S-23, depending on the desired taste and character of your brew.

S-189: This Swiss lager yeast creates smooth and well-rounded beers with a complex malt character. If you’re looking for a dried lager yeast that adds depth to your beer’s malt profile, S-189 is definitely worth trying.

M84: Hailing from New Zealand, the M84 lager yeast is perfect for those looking to produce dry and crisp beers with a subtle fruitiness. While this yeast might differ slightly from the estery quality typically associated with Saflager S-23, it’s still worth considering if you’re after a bit of a twist in your lager.

These alternative yeast strains can help you achieve the desired flavours and characteristics in your lagers while still being easy to use, just like the Saflager S-23 yeast. Give them a go and see which one becomes your new go-to choice for brewing.

Saflager S-23 Fermentation Temperature

It’s crucial to set the right fermentation temperature when using S-23. The recommended range is 12°C to 18°C (53.6°F to 64.4°F). However, brewers might adjust this slightly based on desired beer attributes.

If you’re looking to create a beer with more fruity and estery flavours, such as a California common or steam beer, you might consider fermenting S-23 at around 20°C (68°F). This higher temperature can help bring out those desired characteristics in your brew.

On the other hand, if cleaner and crisper flavours are your goal for styles like pilsner or helles, you can try fermenting S-23 at a lower temperature of about 8°C (46.4°F). This cooler fermentation environment can help produce the desired flavours and aromas associated with these beer styles.

As with any brewing endeavour, experimenting with different fermentation temperatures is key to discovering what works best for your specific brew and personal taste. So, don’t hesitate to take a chance and adjust the conditions as you see fit. After all, home brewing is an art, and finding the perfect balance of temperature and flavour is just one more step towards creating a truly exceptional beer.

Pitching Fermentis S-23

Pitch Rate

When using Fermentis S-23 yeast in your brewing process, it’s important to consider the pitch rate. The recommended pitch rate for S-23 is 80 to 120 g/hl, which is about 0.8 to 1.2 g/L or 3 to 4.5 g/gal. In simpler terms, you’d need about one to two packets (15 to 22.5 grams) of S-23 for a typical 5-gallon batch of beer.

Keep in mind that the pitch rate may vary depending on factors like the original gravity, fermentation temperature, and the desired flavor profile. For example, when brewing a high gravity beer (greater than 1.060 OG), you might want to up the pitch rate by 50% for a healthy fermentation. However, when working with a low gravity beer (less than 1.040 OG), consider reducing the pitch rate by 25% to avoid over-pitching and off-flavors.

Direct Pitching Instructions

One of the great aspects of S-23 yeast is the convenience of pitching it directly into the wort without needing to rehydrate. It saves you time and decreases the chances of contamination or loss of viability. To make sure you pitch S-23 yeast correctly, follow these steps:

1. As you fill the fermentation vessel, sprinkle the yeast evenly over the surface of the wort. Ideally, do this early during the filling process, so the yeast mixes well with the wort as it fills up the vessel.

By considering the appropriate pitch rate and following these direct pitching instructions, you’ll be well on your way to successfully brewing with Fermentis S-23 yeast.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage of Saflager S-23 yeast is essential for optimal lager results. To preserve its quality, adhere to these guidelines: 

• Keep it cool: Store your Saflager S-23 yeast in a cool environment, ideally below 10°C. This helps preserve the yeast’s viability and prevents premature deterioration.
  
• Maintain a dry atmosphere: Make sure your storage area is dry to prevent moisture from entering the yeast packaging and compromising the yeast quality.
  
• Pay attention to the packaging: Opened sachets of Saflager S-23 should be sealed tightly and stored at 4°C. Be sure to use them within 7 days of opening to maintain optimal yeast performance. Always inspect the packaging for any damage, and avoid using any soft or damaged sachets as they might have been compromised.
  
• Mind the expiry date: Keep an eye on the best before end date printed on the yeast sachets. Saflager S-23 has a shelf life of 24 months from the production date when stored under the recommended conditions, so make sure to use the yeast within that timeframe for the best results.
  
• Transport conditions: During transport, it’s acceptable for the Saflager S-23 yeast to be stored at room temperature. Just ensure that it’s kept properly sealed and dry.
  

By following these storage instructions, you’ll ensure that your Saflager S-23 yeast maintains its quality and effectiveness, contributing to the delightful flavours and aromas of your lagers. Enjoy the brewing experience!

Shelf Life

SafLager S-23’s shelf life significantly impacts its fermentation performance. Proper storage ensures optimal fermentation activity and yeast viability. 

SafLager S-23 has a shelf life of 36 months from the production date. To ensure you’re using the yeast within its optimal period, always refer to the best before end date printed on the sachet. Proper storage is essential, so make sure to keep unopened sachets in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Once a sachet has been opened, reseal it and store it at 4°C (39°F). It’s essential to use the opened product within 7 days to maintain the yeast’s viability and fermentation performance. Avoid using soft or damaged sachets, as they might compromise the fermentation activity.

In terms of fermentation activity, SafLager S-23 focuses on alcohol production, residual sugars, flocculation, and fermentation kinetics. This yeast strain is known for producing fruitier and more estery lagers, making it an excellent choice when you’re aiming for a brew with a lasting palate.

For the best results, ensure that the yeast has a viable cell count at packaging, which should be >1 x 10^10 cfu/g for ales and >6 x 10^9 cfu/g for lagers. With proper storage and usage, SafLager S-23 will help you craft lagers with distinct fruitiness and lasting flavours.

Remember, staying mindful of the shelf life, viability, and storage conditions for SafLager S-23 will guarantee the best fermentation activity and, ultimately, a more satisfying brew for your taste buds. Happy brewing!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Saflager S-23 typically take to ferment?

Saflager S-23 is a reliable and efficient yeast for fermenting lagers. While the fermentation time can vary depending on factors such as temperature, wort composition, and pitch rates, you can generally expect the primary fermentation to complete within 7 to 14 days. To achieve optimal results, maintain the fermentation temperature between 12°C to 18°C (53.6°F to 64.4°F). It’s essential to give the yeast enough time to clean up any byproducts and settle properly before moving on to the next stage of your brewing process.

What is the origin of Saflager S-23 yeast?

Saflager S-23 is a bottom-fermenting lager yeast that originates from Germany. Renowned for its ability to produce clean, crisp, and refreshing lagers, this yeast strain is a favourite amongst brewers around the world. The distinct characteristics of S-23 make it well-suited for brewing various lager styles, including Pilsners, Helles, and Bocks. By choosing Saflager S-23 for your brewing endeavours, you can trust that your lagers will exhibit a balanced flavour profile and a desirable, crisp finish.

Learn more about Saflager S-23 here.