The Complete Home Brew Yeast Guide — Beer, Wine, Cider & Distilling

🧬 Shop All Home Brew Yeast — 60+ strains for beer, wine, cider, mead and spirits

Core specs below are drawn from our internal yeast reference (Yeast Master) for strains we stock, cross-checked against manufacturer sheets where available. For a deeper look at ester/phenolic character, hop and malt pairings, and which commercial beers each strain resembles, see our companion Yeast Flavour, Hop & Malt Pairing Guide.

Which Yeast Should I Use? Quick Answers

Goal Recommended Why
Clean session / low-alcohol beer Safale US-05, Gervin GV12 ABV is mainly set by starting gravity, not yeast — these finish dry rather than cloying at low OG
Low-alcohol wine Young's Dried Active Yeast Specifically suited to low-alcohol wines; or stop any wine yeast early with Potassium Sorbate + Campden Tablets
High-alcohol / strong wines, mead, fortified styles Gervin GV4 (up to 21% ABV), MJ CL23, SN9 (18% ABV), Bulldog Bayanus Built to tolerate high sugar and keep fermenting without stalling
Lager MJ M76 Bavarian Lager, Saflager W-34/70 W-34/70 is the world's most widely used lager strain; M76 is the top pick for most Bavarian/Helles/Dunkel styles
Wheat beer / Belgian styles MJ M20 Bavarian Wheat, MJ M31 Belgian Tripel Banana-and-clove Hefeweizen character / high attenuation with spicy Belgian esters
Cider MJ M02, Gervin GV13 High attenuation, up to 14% ABV tolerance, fast clean fermentation
Champagne / sparkling wine Lalvin EC-1118 The world-standard sparkling wine yeast, up to 18% ABV
Mead MJ M05, Bulldog Mead Yeast & Nutrition Both 18% ABV tolerance; Bulldog is a fast, all-in-one 28g sachet for 20–25L batches, typically done in 5–7 days
Hop-forward / hazy IPA MJ M66 Hophead Ale High esters (tropical/citrus), pairs with Citra/Mosaic, built for NEIPA
Very warm / uncontrolled fermentation temps MJ M12 Kveik Ferments cleanly across 20–40°C (68–104°F)
Fast, versatile lager — wide temp range MJ M24 Versa Lager High attenuation, ferments 10–25°C, up to 13% ABV
Distilling / spirit base Alcotec 48 Turbo Yeast Sugar-and-water only, ferments in as little as 48 hours
Stuck or sluggish fermentation Gervin GV7 Restart Yeast Formulated specifically to restart stalled batches
Reliable all-rounder / not sure Young's Dried Active Yeast Wide temperature tolerance, works across beer and low-alcohol wine

Ale Yeast — British & American Styles

Top-fermenting strains for pale ales, IPAs, bitters, stouts and porters

Strain Species Best For Temp Range (Optimal) Attenuation ABV Tolerance Flocculation Notes
Gervin GV12 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Bitters, Golden Ale — all-round British/American ales 15–25°C (18°C) High 15% High Fast fermentation, high sedimentation, good cold-crash. Medium esters (pear/light fruit). Pairs with EKG/Fuggles hops, Maris Otter malt. Reference: traditional English ales. Pitch 11g/23L.
Safale S-04 Saccharomyces cerevisiae English Ales/Porters 15–24°C (19°C) Medium 12% High Fast, high sedimentation, excellent cold-crash. Low/neutral esters. EKG/Fuggles + Maris Otter. Reference: Fuller's-style beers. Pitch 11.5g/20–30L.
Safale US-05 Saccharomyces cerevisiae American Ales/IPAs 15–24°C (20°C) Medium 11% Medium Medium speed, medium sedimentation, good cold-crash, low foam. Low esters, clean citrus. Cascade/Centennial + Pale Malt. Reference: Sierra Nevada-style. Pitch 11.5g/20–30L.
MJ M15 Empire Ale Saccharomyces cerevisiae Scottish Ales 18–22°C (20°C) Medium 8% Medium Medium speed, moderate cold-crash. Medium esters (dark fruit). EKG/Fuggles + Crystal/Munich malt. Reference: Scottish Export. Pitch 10–12g/20–30L.
MJ M66 Hophead Ale Saccharomyces cerevisiae NEIPA/Hazy IPA 18–22°C (20°C) High 10% Medium Fast, moderate cold-crash, low foam. High esters (tropical/citrus). Citra/Mosaic + Oats/Wheat malt. Reference: modern NEIPA. Pitch 10–12g/20–30L.
MJ M36 Liberty Bell Ale Saccharomyces cerevisiae ESB/Golden Ale 18–23°C (20°C) Medium 9% Medium Medium speed, moderate cold-crash. Medium esters (pear/strawberry). EKG/Fuggles + Maris Otter. Reference: English ESB. Pitch 10–12g/20–30L.
MJ M42 New World Strong Ale Saccharomyces cerevisiae IPA/Russian Imperial Stout 16–22°C (19°C) High 12% High Fast, excellent cold-crash. Low/neutral esters. Columbus/Centennial + Pale/Munich malt. Reference: strong British ales. Pitch 10–12g/20–30L.
MJ M44 US West Coast Saccharomyces cerevisiae APA/DIPA 18–23°C (20°C) High 11% Medium Fast, good cold-crash, low foam. Low esters, clean citrus. Cascade/Simcoe + Pale Malt. Reference: West Coast IPA. Pitch 10–12g/20–30L.
MJ M12 Kveik Saccharomyces cerevisiae Kveik/Farmhouse, any style at very warm temps 20–40°C (30°C) High 12% High Very fast, excellent cold-crash. High esters (orange/tropical). Citra/Mosaic + Pilsner/Wheat malt. Reference: Norwegian farmhouse. Pitch 10–12g/20–30L.

Belgian & Wheat Beer Yeast

Specialty strains for witbier, tripel, saison and Bavarian wheat beer

Strain Species Best For Temp Range (Optimal) Attenuation ABV Tolerance Flocculation Notes
Safale S-33 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Belgian Blonde/Belgian Pale 15–22°C (19°C) Medium 9% Medium Medium speed, moderate cold-crash. Medium esters (fruity/apricot), light phenolic. Styrian Goldings/Saaz + Pilsner/Carapils. Reference: Leffe-style ales. Pitch 11.5g/20–30L.
Safale T-58 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Saison/Witbier/Belgian Specialty 15–22°C (20°C) Medium-High 11% Medium Medium speed, moderate cold-crash. High esters (clove/pepper), strong phenolic. Saaz/Hallertau + Pilsner/Wheat. Reference: Hoegaarden-style wit. Pitch 11.5g/20–30L.
MJ M47 Belgian Abbey Saccharomyces cerevisiae Abbey/Double/Belgian Dark 18–25°C (21°C) Medium 8% Medium Medium speed, moderate cold-crash. High esters (banana/spice), strong phenolic. Saaz/Styrian Goldings + Pilsner/Caramunich. Reference: Chimay-style ales. Pitch 10–12g/20–30L.
MJ M41 Belgian Ale Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. diastaticus (POF+) Tripel/Golden Strong 18–28°C (24°C) High 12% Low Fast, poor cold-crash — diastaticus strain, ferments very dry. High esters (spicy/plum), strong phenolic. Saaz/Hallertau + Pilsner/Sugar. Reference: Duvel-style ales. Pitch 10–12g/20–30L.
MJ M31 Belgian Tripel Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. diastaticus (POF+) Tripel/Golden Strong 18–28°C (24°C) High 10% Low Fast, poor cold-crash — diastaticus strain. High esters (fruity/spicy), strong phenolic. Saaz/Styrian Goldings + Pilsner/Sugar. Reference: Westmalle-style Tripel. Pitch 10–12g/20–30L.
MJ M21 Belgian Wit Saccharomyces cerevisiae Witbier/White Ale 18–25°C (21°C) Medium 8% Low Medium speed, moderate cold-crash. Medium esters (citrus/spice), light phenolic. Saaz/Hallertau + Wheat/Pilsner. Reference: Hoegaarden-style. Pitch 10–12g/20–30L.
MJ M29 French Saison Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. diastaticus (POF+) Saison/Farmhouse 26–32°C (28°C) Very High 14% Low Fast, poor cold-crash — diastaticus strain. High esters (pepper/lemon), strong phenolic. Saaz/Hallertau + Pilsner/Wheat. Reference: Dupont-style Saison. Pitch 10–12g/20–30L.
MJ M20 Bavarian Wheat Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hefeweizen/Dunkelweizen 18–30°C (22°C) Medium 7.5% Low Medium speed, poor cold-crash. High esters (banana/clove), strong phenolic. Hersbrucker/Hallertau + Wheat/Munich. Reference: Weihenstephan-style. Pitch 10–12g/20–30L.

Lager Yeast

Bottom-fermenting strains for clean, crisp lager character

Strain Species Best For Temp Range (Optimal) Attenuation ABV Tolerance Flocculation Notes
Saflager W-34/70 Saccharomyces pastorianus German Pils/Helles — the world's most-used lager strain 9–15°C (12°C) High 9% High Slow, excellent cold-crash, low foam. Low/neutral esters. Hallertau/Saaz + Pilsner/Munich. Reference: Weihenstephan-style lagers. Pitch 11.5g/20–30L.
Saflager S-23 Saccharomyces pastorianus Fruity Lager/Kölsch-like 9–15°C (12°C) Medium 9% Medium Medium speed, moderate cold-crash. Medium esters (fruity/estery). Saaz/Styrian Goldings + Pilsner. Reference: continental lagers. Pitch 11.5g/20–30L.
MJ M76 Bavarian Lager Saccharomyces pastorianus Bavarian Helles/Dunkel 8–14°C (11°C) Medium 8% Medium Slow, moderate cold-crash, low foam. Low/neutral esters. Hallertau Mittelfrüh + Pilsner/Munich. Reference: Bavarian-style lagers. Pitch 10–12g/20–30L.
MJ M54 Californian Lager Saccharomyces cerevisiae California Common 18–20°C (19°C) High 9% Medium Fast, good cold-crash, low foam. Low/neutral esters. Cluster/Northern Brewer + Pale/Munich. Reference: Anchor Steam-style. Pitch 10–12g/20–30L.
MJ M84 Bohemian Lager Saccharomyces pastorianus Czech Pilsner 10–15°C (12°C) Medium 8% Medium Slow, moderate cold-crash, low foam. Low/neutral esters. Saaz + Pilsner malt. Reference: Bohemian-style lagers. Pitch 10–12g/20–30L.
MJ M24 Versa Lager Saccharomyces pastorianus (NovaLager) Modern Lager/Cold IPA 10–25°C (18°C) High 13% Medium Fast, excellent cold-crash, low foam. Low/neutral esters. Citra/Saaz + Pilsner/Munich. Reference: NovaLager-style beers. Powered by Lallemand LalBrew NovaLager™. Pitch 10–12g/20–30L.

Cider Yeast

Strain Species Best For Temp Range (Optimal) Attenuation ABV Tolerance Flocculation Notes
Gervin GV13 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Traditional Cider 12–28°C (20°C) High 14% Medium Fast, good cold-crash, medium foam. Medium esters (apple/pear). Reference: West Country-style cider. Dosage 11g/23L.
MJ M02 Cider Saccharomyces cerevisiae Modern Cider 12–28°C (20°C) High 14% Medium Fast, good cold-crash, medium foam. Medium esters (fresh apple). Reference: New World-style cider. Pitch 10–12g/20–30L.

Wine Yeast — Table, Fruit & Dessert Wines

Matched to wine style — white, red, dessert or all-purpose

Strain Species Best For Temp Range ABV Tolerance Nitrogen Req. Notes
Gervin GV1 Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Narbonne) All-purpose, high sugar tolerance, low nutrient needs 15–25°C Up to 18% Low Low volatile acidity for a smoother-tasting wine. SO2 tolerance up to 100ppm. Good flocculation — clears well. Dosage 5g per 23L.
Gervin GV2 Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Burgundy-type) Full-bodied reds, ports, high-alcohol fruit wines 15–25°C Up to 16% Pair with Yeast Nutrient and Bentonite; stabilise with Campden Tablets. Low foam; killer factor inhibits wild yeast for a cleaner fermentation.
Gervin GV5 Saccharomyces cerevisiae (French Strain GVN) Crisp white fruit wines (apricot, peach, strawberry, elderflower, gooseberry) 8–25°C 15% Combats volatile acidity and oxidation; preserves delicate aromas. Forms little foam; ferments well at low temperatures (8–15°C) for excellent bouquet development.
Gervin GV6 Light dessert & sweet country wines 6–25°C 16% A true Sauternes yeast selected by Brian Croser. Ferments down to 6°C, suited to lighter dessert wines. Add nutrient to prevent excess volatile acidity.
Gervin GV8 Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Narbonne) Red table wines (Bordeaux/Claret) — grape kits, elderberry, blackberry 18–30°C 15% Restores colour and complexity; structured tannin backbone. Selected by INRA at Narbonne. Minimal frothing, good glycerol yield, pleasant lasting aroma.
Gervin GV9 High-clarity, clean white wines (rhubarb, gooseberry) 10–25°C 15% German-style yeast; ferments down to 10°C. Metabolises up to 30% of malic acid — good for high-malic-acid fruits.
Gervin GV11 Blackberry, elderberry, cherry, plum, apple wines 15–25°C 15% Balance of estery aromas; rich colour and depth. Metabolises up to 35% of malic acid — favoured for apples, ripe bananas, blackberries, apricots.
Lalvin K1V-1116 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Aromatic whites 15–30°C (22°C) 18% Fast, good cold-crash, low foam. High esters — floral/tropical. Reference: Muscat-style wines. Pitch 5g/4–5L.
Lalvin D47 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Barrel-fermented Chardonnay, full-bodied whites, mead 15–30°C (22°C) 14% Medium speed, excellent cold-crash, medium foam. Medium esters — apricot/vanilla. Reference: full-bodied whites. Pitch 5g/4–5L.
MJ AW4 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Riesling, dessert wine 16–24°C (61–75°F) 14% Low Medium fermentation speed. Highly aromatic — intense fragrant fruity/spicy esters. Moderate glycerol enhances body. Killer factor: Positive. Not suitable above 14% ABV.
MJ CY17 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Muscat, Muscadet, Gewurztraminer 16–24°C (61–75°F) 14% Low Medium fermentation speed. Complex tropical fruit and floral aromatics; full, well-rounded body. Killer factor: Sensitive. Not suitable above 14% ABV.
MJ MA33 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Zinfandel, fruit wines 18–28°C (64–82°F) 14% Low Medium fermentation speed. Reduces malic acid 30–35% and total titratable acidity — ideal for young wines and high-acid fruit. Softens palate, adds fresh fruity esters. Killer factor: Sensitive. Not suitable above 14% ABV.
MJ BV7 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Semillon (dual purpose) 14–28°C (57–82°F) 14% Low Medium fermentation speed. Enhances volume/intensity for full varietal expression; good body and structure while respecting grape character. Killer factor: Positive. Not suitable above 14% ABV.
MJ CR51 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Grenache, Gamay, Pinot Noir — light, fresh, fruity reds 16–24°C (61–75°F) 14% High Medium fermentation speed. Soft, velvety-smooth wines with enhanced red berry fruit notes. Killer factor: Sensitive. Not suitable above 14% ABV.
MJ VR21 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Shiraz, Zinfandel, Grenache, Tempranillo, Sangiovese 18–28°C (64–82°F) 15% High Medium fermentation speed. Well-structured, balanced reds with enhanced dark fruit and good palate length; gentle on the must. Killer factor: Positive.
MJ R56 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Nebbiolo, Zinfandel, Tempranillo, red fruit wines 18–28°C (64–82°F) 15% Low Medium fermentation speed. Enhances body/mouthfeel, complex fruit flavours; ideal for new and old world styles, structure and longevity. Killer factor: Sensitive.
Young's Super Wine Yeast Compound All-in-one — yeast, nutrient, pectolase & vitamin B1 in one sachet Treats up to 10 gallons (45L). Removes need for separate additives.

Wine yeast rehydration note (Gervin/Lalvin/MJ): do not rehydrate before use — add directly to the must/juice. Ensure must/juice is above 20°C (68°F) for the start of fermentation and for at least the first 24 hours to avoid extended lag time and bacterial contamination risk. Ferment within each strain's specified range — generally 20–24°C (68–75°F) unless cold-fermenting for flavour/aroma development.

Champagne, Sparkling & High-Alcohol Yeast

Strain Species Best For Temp Range ABV Tolerance Nitrogen Req. Notes
Lalvin EC-1118 Saccharomyces bayanus World-standard Champagne & sparkling wine; also the go-to for restarting stuck fermentations 10–30°C (20°C) 18% Fast, excellent cold-crash, low foam. Low/neutral esters. Killer factor: positive. Reference: Prise de Mousse style. Pitch 5g/4–5L.
Gervin GV3 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sparkling wine / Champagne base, cider, elderflower, mead 15–25°C Up to 18% Low foam production for less mess. Excellent for restarting stuck, over-sugared fermentations. Dosage 5g per 23L.
Gervin GV4 Saccharomyces cerevisiae (French) Port-style dessert wines, full-bodied fruit wines — highest ABV tolerance in the range 15–25°C Up to 21% (given adequate nutrients) Low foaming, fast-acting. Dosage 5g per 23L.
Gervin GV10 Saccharomyces cerevisiae (EC1118 strain) Fine, persistent effervescence — rose, dessert, Champagne 15–25°C 18.5% One of the world's most popular wine yeasts, reportedly involved in ~70% of Champagne production. Ferments well at low temperatures, flocculates well; good for stuck-ferment restarts.
MJ CL23 Saccharomyces bayanus Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, vegetable wine — crisp dry whites & all sparkling; highest alcohol tolerance 14–32°C (57–90°F) 18% Low Fast fermentation speed. Very neutral sensory impact — crisp, dry, rigidly structured, low-medium bodied; low fusel oil. Killer factor: Positive. Cleanly ferments to 18% ABV.
MJ SN9 Saccharomyces bayanus Fortified wines, high alcohol wines, perry, mead, vegetable/flower wines 14–28°C (57–82°F) 18% Low Fast fermentation speed. Relatively neutral sensory impact, high glycerol enhances mouthfeel. Killer factor: Positive. Robust, well-structured wines up to 18% ABV.
Bulldog Bayanus Saccharomyces bayanus Champagne, fortified & high-alcohol wines High Clean fermentation character; also useful to restart stuck fermentations in high-alcohol environments.

Mead Yeast

Strain Species Temp Range (Optimal) Attenuation ABV Tolerance Flocculation Notes
Bulldog Mead Yeast & Nutrition 20–30°C 18% All-in-one 28g dried sachet — yeast, vitamins and nutrients in one pack, for 20–25L batches. Eliminates the need to measure separate yeast energiser. Mix 20L water (30–35°C) with 6–9kg honey, pitch below 30°C, ferment 20–30°C. Fermentation typically completes in 5–7 days.
MJ M05 Mead Saccharomyces cerevisiae 20–30°C (25°C) High 18% Medium Fast, good cold-crash, medium foam. Medium esters (floral/honey). Reference: modern mead. Pitch 10–12g/20–30L.

Distilling Turbo Yeast

For sugar-wash spirit bases — not for beer or wine

Strain Best For Notes
Alcotec 48 Turbo Yeast Fast, high-alcohol sugar wash Ferments in as little as 48 hours; treats 8kg sugar in 25L water.
Alcotec Carbon 48 Turbo Yeast Cleaner-tasting sugar wash Built-in activated carbon for preliminary filtration.

Restarting a Stuck Fermentation

Strain Species Best For Temp Range ABV Tolerance Notes
Gervin GV7 Restart Yeast Kick-starting a stalled or sluggish fermentation, particularly lagers 15–25°C 15% Warm the beer to 20–22°C, sprinkle onto the surface without stirring, add a teaspoon of Yeast Nutrient. Leave 24 hours undisturbed — usually restarts within 24–48 hours. Dosage 5g per 23L. Lalvin EC-1118 (above) is also widely used for this.

General-Purpose & Beginner Yeast

Strain Best For Temp Range Notes
Young's Dried Active Yeast Beer and low-alcohol wines, beginners 18–24°C 100g tub — approx. 15–20 batches. 5–7g per 23L beer batch, 5g per 4.5L wine. Rehydrate 30–35°C water, 15 minutes.

How to Use Mangrove Jack's Craft Series Dried Beer Yeast

These strains don't need propagating or starters and offer extended shelf life versus liquid yeast. Key handling notes from the manufacturer's own technical guide:

  • Rehydration: not required, but cleaner results if rehydrated. For all strains except lagers, add the sachet to 100ml water at 30–35°C (86–95°F), stir into a cream for 8–12 minutes, then pitch. For lager strains, use 100ml water at 20–25°C (68–77°F) instead. Alternatively, sprinkle dry onto the wort surface and leave 10–15 minutes before stirring.
  • Pitch rate: one 10g sachet per 23L (6 US Gal) in most cases. Use 2 sachets minimum for ales with OG over 1.050, 2 sachets for lagers fermented at 14°C (57°F) or lower, and 4 sachets minimum for lagers with OG over 1.050. Under-pitching causes extended lag time, stressed yeast, and excess esters/sulphur compounds.
  • Storage: keep sachets below 10°C (50°F), or in the freezer for maximum viability. Opened packets: reseal and use within 2 days at below 10°C, or freeze.
  • Maturation guide: ale strains generally reach premium flavour after ~4 weeks (1–2 weeks in fermenter, 2–3 weeks in bottle). Lagers need 8–10 weeks (3 weeks fermenter, 5–7 weeks bottle). Strong ales need at least 4 weeks. Bavarian Wheat needs ~3 weeks. Cider needs ~3 weeks. Mead is drinkable as soon as bottled but improves with age. Craft Series dried yeasts are not suitable for harvesting/repitching — use a fresh sachet each brew.

Yeast Accessories

Most wine and some beer yeasts perform best with support: Yeast Nutrient feeds the yeast through fermentation, Campden Tablets stabilise before bottling, and Bentonite helps with final clarity. Check each strain's notes above for what it's typically paired with.

Browse the full range any time via Home Brew Yeast, or shop by brand: Gervin, Lalvin, Mangrove Jack's Craft Series, and Mangrove Jack's Wine Yeast.

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