OnTap Magazine

SafSour LB 1 ™ Previously, Fermentis had launched Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP 652 a homofermentative Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), under the commercial name of SafSour™ LP 652. This bacterium converts glucose into lactic acid mainly, i.e. minimum 90%. To complement the SafSour™ range, Fermentis has specifically selected Levilactobacillus brevis LB 1™, a heterofermentative lactic acid bacterium which converts glucose primarily into lactic acid and either ethanol or acetic acid, depending on the oxygen content in the non-hopped wort to be fermented. By introducing SafSour LB 1™ , we empower brewers to choose the acidity perception they want to develop in their sour beer. WHY DID FERMENTIS DECIDE TO ADD SAFSOUR LB 1™ TO THE RANGE? HOW WAS IT DEVELOPED? Fermentis was searching for a way to achieve an equilibrium between the lactic and acetic acid notes produced by LAB. A heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria could achieve this goal. Levilactobacillus brevis LB 1™ was selected from among the Lesaffre collection specifically for that purpose. First, SafSour LB 1™ promotes a desirable balance between the lactic and acetic notes in sour beer. The Levilactobacillus brevis LB 1™ produces both lactic and acetic acid, and its equilibrium can be influenced by controlling the oxygen quantity injected into the wort prior to or during lactic fermentation. The more oxygen content in the wort, the more acetic acid production is enhanced. Secondly, Levilactobacillus brevis LB 1™ reveals a neutral aromatic profile, respecting the aromatic signature of the yeast doing the main alcoholic fermentation, following kettle souring, in the final product. WHAT ARE THE KEY ADVANTAGES OF THIS PRODUCT? WHAT IS IT FOR? SafSour LB 1™ has been launched to enable brewers to produce sour beer through a kettle-souring process, which consists of an acidification of a non-hopped pre-boiled wort. Lactic fermentation occurs before the addition of hops during the boiling step. Hops, due to their bacteriostatic properties, inhibit LAB development and prevent lactic fermentation. Levilactobacillus brevis LB 1™ is recommended to produce any balanced kettle sour beers such as Gose, Berliner Weisse and several other sour beer styles. The main difference is that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP 652 is a homofermentative bacteria, whereas Levilactobacillus brevis LB 1™ is a heterofermentative bacteria. That means that SafSour LP 652™ produces primarily lactic acid (Min 90%), while SafSour LB 1™ produces both lactic and acetic acids during lactic fermentation. This difference will bring flavor and aromatic perception differences in sour beers. Secondly, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP 652 produces citrus, tropical and peach notes during lactic fermentation, whereas Levilactobacillus brevis LB 1™ is more aromatically neutral. And finally, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP 652 consumes ferulic acid and p-coumaric contained in the wort. This will reduce spicy aromatic notes and enhance fruity notes produced by POF+ yeasts during alcoholic fermentation. HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM SAFSOUR™ LP 652? At Fermentis we launched a bacteria for wort souring: SafSour LB-1™. Find out everything you need to know about this innovative fermentation solution, by reading our question & answers with the product R&D Manager, Olivier Caille. SafSour ™ LB 1