Wyeast 1056 American Ale Yeast

Please note that 1056 American Ale yeast has been known to bloat when shipping due to the metabolic activity of the yeast even when refrigerated or shipped with an ice pack. Please put this yeast in your refrigerator when received, as the yeast will be fine and should still be viable. Please visit Wyeast FAQ pages for further information on Wyeast 1056.  

Species: Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Origin: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, but they got it from someone. Perhaps Ballentine?
Flocculation: Medium-Low
Attenuation: 73-77%
Temperature Range: 60-72F, 15-22C
Alcohol Tolerance: 11% ABV

Affectionately known as the "Chico" yeast from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Wyeast 1056 American ale yeast produces a very clean and crisp flavor characteristics with low fruitiness and mild ester production. It's a versatile choice for many styles where dominant malt and hop character are desired, making it an excellent "House" strain. When fermented at cooler temperatures (60-66 °F or 15-19 °C), it develops mild citrus notes. To achieve bright clear beers, this strain typically requires filtration, but cold crashing helps.

FAQs about Wyeast 1056 American Ale Yeast

What beer styles are best suited for Wyeast 1056?

Wyeast 1056 American Ale Yeast is true workhorse. It’s used for a wide range of American ales, including pale Ales, IPAs, porters, and stouts, but because it’s so clean and versatile, you are only limited by your imagination. Its clean fermentation profile (low ester, no phenol) also makes it a great choice for experimental and house beers where a neutral yeast character is desired.

What are the best fermentation temperatures for Wyeast 1056?

The ideal fermentation temperature range for Wyeast 1056 American Ale Yesat is between 60-72 °F (15-22 °C). Cooler fermentations (60-66 °F or 15-19 °C) can produce mild citrus notes, while higher temperatures can enhance ester production slightly.

Does Wyeast 1056 require filtration for bright beers?

As a home brewer, no, because we don’t care if our beers have a slight haze. We’re all about making things easy while maximizing our beers’ flavor. Professional breweries using Wyeast 1056 typically filter their beers to achieve a bright, clear appearance. This yeast strain tends to stay in suspension longer than some others, so filtration helps achieve the desired clarity. But remember, Sierra Nevada used to bottle condition their beers using this strain, and it dropped clear in the bottles.

How long does Wyeast 1056 take to ferment?

Wyeast 1056 generally completes primary fermentation in 5-7 days at the optimal temperature range, but of course higher gravity beers will take more time.  However, it's recommended to allow an additional 1-2 weeks for secondary fermentation and conditioning to ensure complete attenuation and flavor development.

Can I reuse / repitch Wyeast 1056 from a previous batch?

Heck yeah, if you are so inclined. Wyeast 1056 American Ale Yeast can be harvested and reused for multiple batches. Be sure to follow proper yeast harvesting and storage practices to maintain yeast viability and prevent contamination.

What is the alcohol tolerance of Wyeast 1056?

Oh, so you’re that brewer looking to push things to the limit. Good thing, because Wyeast 1056 has an alcohol tolerance of approximately 11% ABV, making it a fine choice for a wide range of beer styles, including stronger ales that put smiles on our faces.

How do I store Wyeast 1056 before use?

Store Wyeast 1056 in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. Keeping it cold helps maintain yeast viability and performance. In other words, you keep it alive, which is a bonus. Before pitching, allow the yeast to warm up to room temperature to reduce thermal shock.

How do I know if Wyeast 1056 is viable?

Always check the best-by date on the package, and be sure to activate the pouch according to Wyeast’s instructions.  To further check yeast viability, you can make a yeast starter, which, if you’re not lazy, is always a good idea.

What are options for dry yeast substitutions for Wyeast 1056?

Many companies offer their dried version of Wyeast 1056. If you prefer a dried yeast, choices include Safale US-05, LalBrew BRY-97, Mangrove Jack's M44 or Cellar Science Cali. Each of these yeasts have similar performance and flavor profile to Wyeast 1056.