SafAle US-05 is the most popular dry ale yeast in the world — the American ale standard used in more home and craft breweries than any other strain. Delivering clean, crisp, well-balanced fermentation with low diacetyl and minimal ester production, US-05 lets your hops and malt speak clearly. Whether you’re brewing an American Pale Ale, a dry-hopped IPA, or a Cream Ale, US-05 handles it effortlessly. Order SafAle US-05 yeast Australia from Yeast Platform.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Fermentation Temperature | 18–26°C (64–79°F) |
| Attenuation | 78–82% |
| Flocculation | Medium |
| Alcohol Tolerance | 9–11% ABV |
| Recommended Styles | American Pale Ale, IPA, APA, AIPA, Cream Ale, California Common |
Brewing Notes
US-05 is the dry equivalent of the legendary Chico strain — the yeast behind Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and countless other classic American craft beers. It forms a firm foam head during fermentation and maintains good suspension for effective yeast-to-wort contact. Medium flocculation means it drops clear naturally at room temperature — no fining usually needed. Pitch direct at 18–22°C; ferment warmer (up to 26°C) to push a touch more fruity ester character.
Beer Styles & Brewing Tips
US-05’s versatility makes it the backbone of countless styles, but it excels where clean, hop-forward character is the objective. It’s the original Chico strain — the yeast behind the American craft beer revolution.
Best styles: American Pale Ale (classic balance of bitterness and hop aroma — US-05 lets the hops lead without competing), West Coast IPA (ferment at 18–19°C for maximum clarity and hop precision), Cream Ale (light and refreshing — US-05’s neutral cleanliness suits this approachable summer style perfectly).
Australian brewing tips:
- Australian hops — Galaxy, Vic Secret, Ella, and Enigma — pair brilliantly with US-05’s neutral profile, letting distinctly Australian tropical and citrus hop character dominate.
- Autumn and spring in most AU states allow ambient 18–22°C fermentation without a temperature controller, making US-05 ideal for the budget-conscious brewer.
- A firm foam head during fermentation keeps the krausen tight and reduces oxidation risk during dry-hop additions.
- For a West Coast IPA, ferment at 18–19°C, cold crash to 2°C, and fine with Biofine Clear — US-05 drops brilliantly clear with minimal effort.
In the Glass
Neutral and clean with very low diacetyl. Slight bready quality at cooler fermentation temperatures. An exceptionally versatile strain that stays out of your beer’s way — ideal when the hops are meant to do the talking.
Stock up on US-05 yeast Australia at Yeast Platform. Available in 11.5g sachets or a bulk 500g brick. Fast nationwide shipping.
Recommended Hops for This Yeast
A clean, neutral profile makes this yeast the perfect canvas for forward, punchy American hops.
- Cascade Hops — The classic American pale ale hop — citrus, grapefruit, floral
- Simcoe Hops — Piney, resinous with slight stone fruit — cornerstone of countless US IPAs
- Amarillo Hops — Tropical, orange, peachy — dry-hop king for hazy-leaning pale ales
- El Dorado Hops — Watermelon and tropical candy — adds pop and sweetness to dry-hop-forward beers
Aaron Green –
One of my favourite yeast types.