Saflager W-34/70 Lager Yeast
Saflager W-34/70 is one of the most widely used lager yeast strains in the world, renowned for its clean flavor profile, excellent attenuation, and ability to produce authentic German-style lagers. Originating from the famous Weihenstephan yeast strain, it delivers exceptional performance for both home and professional brewers.
This yeast is highly valued for its consistency, cold fermentation tolerance, and ability to emphasize malt and hop subtleties without overshadowing the overall character of the beer.
W-34/70 lager yeast produces elegant, well-attenuated beers with a crisp finish, subtle ester profile, and firm body. It forms a compact sediment after fermentation, helping improve clarity without filtration.
Technical Details:
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Flocculation: High, resulting in improved clarity and compact sedimentation.
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Attenuation: Medium to High, typically ranging from 80-84%, providing a balanced dryness.
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Alcohol Tolerance: Can handle ABV levels up to 9% with proper pitching.
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Fermentation Temperature: Best performance between 12–15°C (53–59°F), but can be fermented as low as 9°C (48°F) for traditional lagers.
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Usage: Pitch directly into cooled wort or rehydrate for optimal cell count and viability.
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Ideal Beer Styles: Excellent for Pilsners, Helles, Bocks, Märzens, Dunkels, and any style where crispness and smooth lager character are desired.
Saflager W-34/70 Lager Yeast FAQ
What makes Saflager W-34/70 so popular with lager brewers?
W-34/70 is prized for its balance, clean malt expression, and light esters, which are all the characteristics desired in world-class lagers. It ferments reliably and flocculates well, producing beers that are crisp, smooth, and refreshing with minimal off-flavors.
Can I ferment W-34/70 at room temperature?
Yes! One of the best things about Saflager W-34/70 is its flexibility. While traditional lager fermentations happen around 50°F (10°C), this yeast can still produce clean results in the low 60s°F (16–17°C), especially when fermented under pressure. It’s a favorite for brewers who want lager flavor without a dedicated fermentation fridge.
Is W-34/70 a true lager yeast?
Absolutely. Saflager W-34/70 is a classic Bavarian lager strain originally from the Weihenstephan Institute. It’s ideal for brewing a wide range of lagers, from Helles and Dunkel to Pilsners and Bocks.
What’s a good alternative to Saflager W-34/70?
If you're looking for another dry lager yeast, Saflager S-23 Lager Yeast is a great choice. It offers a slightly more estery, fruity profile and works well in a variety of European lager styles.
How do I use Saflager W-34/70 for pressure fermentation?
To ferment Saflager W-34/70 under pressure, pitch a healthy amount of yeast and seal your fermenter with a spunding valve set between 10–15 PSI. This method suppresses ester and fusel production, allowing you to ferment in the low-to-mid 60s°F (16–18°C) while still producing clean, crisp lager results. It’s a great option when you don’t have cold fermentation capability but still want that classic lager finish.
