OnTap Magazine

Q: How do these new strains compliment your existing range?What is it about these strains, that makes them suitable for wheat beers? A: In the diverse world of wheat beers, some things are common – you should expect a nice blend of fruity and spicy (phenolic) flavours, with some styles perhaps displaying more of one aspect than the other. We had strains that produce these notes, for example the well-known SafAle WB-06 TM , which remains a great candidate for wheat beers (both German and Belgian styles) that could be more attenuated, due to its diastaticus nature. We have added two more yeasts suggested for these types of beers, depending on the desired outcome – as they both produce these fruity and spicy notes, albeit differently Q: Can you quickly elaborate on German vs Belgian-style wheat beers? A: German-style wheat beers, like Hefeweizen, have robust flavours – from phenolic clove-like, spicy flavours to fruity and banana notes. Usually brewed using malted wheat anywhere from 40% to 70% of the grain bill. These flavours arise from yeast and malt interplay only, being brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot, or Purity Law. Belgian-style wheat beers, likeWitbier, are perhaps a bit more subtle, their uniqueness arising from the lower percentage of (usually unmalted) wheat in themash and the addition of spices and adjuncts (coriander, orange peel etc.), allowing these ingredients to shine. Q: So, then what can I expect from the SafAle W-68 TM and SafAle BW-20 TM when brewingwheat- based beers? A: The SafAle W-68 TM really favours prominent banana and fruity notes, with more moderate phenolic notes. In addition, you can expect medium attenuation (say, around 80%). This is great for many German wheat beer styles. The SafAle BW-20 TM is more moderate in phenolic and ester flavours. This is suitable for Belgian-style wheat beers, like Witbier, that will allow the spices added to be expressed. This yeast also has medium attenuation. However, having said all this, we do encourage experimentation! These strains could be used for other wheat-based styles too. FERMENTIS HAS RECENTLY RELEASED TWO EXCITING NEW STRAINS OF YEAST ESTABLISHED RANGE. I SAT DOWN WITH ANDREW DE GROOT, REGIONAL SALES SUITABLE FOR GERMAN AND BELGIAN STYLE WHEAT BEERS, TO ADD TO THEIR MANAGER FOR AFRICA, IN THE PICTURESQUE TOWN OF STELLENBOSCH, TO DISCUSS THESE TWO PRODUCTS: SAFALE W68 TM AND SAFALE BW20 TM . ADV E RTOR I A L ANDREW DE GROOT Regional Sales Manager 16 | Autumn 2024 | ontapmag.co.za