When to brew with S23 Saflager Lager Yeast?

January 20, 2025

The Perfect Yeast for Clean Lagers: A Handy Brewing Guide

Let’s be real for a moment – brewing your own beer isn’t just a hobby; it’s practically a rite of passage for anyone who adores a crisp, refreshing lager. But here’s the thing, making beer from scratch requires some precision. It’s not just about throwing random ingredients into a fermenter and hoping for magic. The secret to your brewing success? Picking the right yeast. And trust me, if you’re after clean, well-balanced lagers, S23 Saflager Lager Yeast is your new best mate.

Why S23 Saflager Lager Yeast Is a Brewer’s Best Friend

S23 Saflager Lager Yeast is beloved for good reason – this gem is a bottom-fermenting yeast that’s ideal for crafting those crisp and clean lagers we all crave after a scorching day. Sporting impressive versatility and consistency, it’s a worthy companion for both homebrewers tinkering in their sheds and professionals refining their masterpieces. Forget the hassle of finicky yeasts that throw tantrums if conditions aren’t exactly perfect – S23 stays reliable, producing smooth beers complete with a balanced malty touch.

Want to venture into classic pilsners? Maybe test the waters with a hearty bock? S23 has got your back. With an optimal fermentation temperature range of 9–15°C, you can create that perfect flavour profile without breaking a sweat.

When Should You Brew with S23?

Alright, let’s get to the nuts and bolts of it. Timing your brewing session when using S23 Saflager Lager Yeast is crucial. Lager brewing isn’t one of those slap-it-together-in-an-afternoon kind of projects. You’ll want to set aside enough time for the yeast to do its thing and do it well.

1. Understand Your Optimal Temperature Window

The magic of S23 happens at cooler temperatures. Aim for that sweet spot of 9–15°C. Brewing in a cold garage during winter or in a temperature-controlled fermenter? Perfect. If you live somewhere warm, don’t worry – a good-quality fermentation fridge will do the trick. Keeping that temperature stable is your number one mission.

2. Plan for a Slower Fermentation

Lagers need patience. S23 likes taking its time, which is exactly what you need for those signature clean, crisp flavours. Think of it like slow-cooking a roast – low and steady brings out perfection. Plan for a couple of weeks longer than you would with ales. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!

3. Perfect Pairings: Recipe Ideas

S23 Saflager really shines in brews such as pilsners, bocks, and even Munich-style lagers. If you’ve ever dreamed of brewing a beer that’s beautiful enough to rival those snazzy craft bottles lining supermarket shelves, you’re already on the right track with S23. Imagine cracking open your own lager that’s malty, rich, and finishes refreshingly clean. It doesn’t get better than that.

Troubleshooting S23: Common Questions

If you’re new to brewing (or are just itching to perfect your craft), it’s normal to hit stumbling blocks. Here are some typical brewing questions and answers for working with S23:

“The fermentation is taking forever – is that normal?” Yes! Lager yeast like S23 naturally ferments more slowly at cooler temperatures. Check that your temp setup is stabilised between 9–15°C and let it ride.
“Am I over-pitching or under-pitching yeast?” Follow the packet instructions carefully for a standard batch. With S23 Saflager's 11.5g size, one packet does densely-hopped lagers like a pro.
“Why doesn’t my lager taste right?” The issue could be fluctuating fermentation temps. Double-check your thermostat and storage environment from brew-day through to bottling.

Gear Up and Get Brewing

Here’s what excites me most about S23 Saflager Lager Yeast: it empowers brewers of all levels to take the plunge into creating world-class lagers at home. If you’re just starting out, grab one of our beginner’s brewing kits at Strathalbyn H Hardware, which pairs seamlessly with this yeast. Already a seasoned brewer? Elevate your recipes (without forcing a hard sell, I promise) by experimenting with various malt profiles and funky hop combos alongside S23.

If you’re intrigued, check out S23 Saflager Lager Yeast for your next brewing session or swing past Strathalbyn H Hardware in person to load up on supplies. We’re here to help with expert advice, troubleshooting tips, and maybe even a cheeky brewing story or two.

Before You Go, Read This!

Remember, brewing isn’t supposed to be intimidating. It’s about having fun, learning by doing, and heck, enjoying the fruits of your labour with mates. Whether this is your first brew day or your hundredth, S23 is your companion for everything crisp, fresh, and wonderfully balanced in a lager. So, when will you be kicking off your next brew?

Cheers to fantastic fermentations! 🍺

Candeece