The Yeast Story
More than any other product in the past year, we have struggled with yeast. We either have the wrong strain, the wrong brand, or it expires on us. It really has been a struggle, but after much debate, we have decided on a path forward.
Our first choice for yeast is Escarpment Labs of Guelph, but in recent months, we have been unable to obtain a wide enough selection of homebrew pitches, as they are simply not available for purchase. We understand that Escarpment is doing everything they can to ensure a wide and deep selection is available, but so far, it has resulted in frustration and long wait times for both clients and us. Still, we want to support Escarpment and will continue to special order as requested.
Our day to day "go to" yeast has been White Labs, for the simple reason that we could see search after search on our website by people looking for it, and many recipes continue to call for it. However, White Labs pitches offer 100 billion cells on packaging date, and by the time we get them, or you purchase the pitch, it might have lost 30% or more of it viability and starters are needed. If these pitches were $4.99 each, buy two and away you go, problem solved, but they are not. We needed to find a solution that offered high cell counts at reasonable prices and good inventory support.
Imperial. We had a number of conversations with Imperial last summer and nearly made the commitment to stock their product, but decided to try the local option. Needless to say, when we reopened that conversation recently, Imperial was more than happy to pick up right where we left off. I have to say, they are a GREAT company to deal with.. very supportive of efforts by staff and students to learn about their products, a great "shelf protection" plan for expired yeast (in fact dealers are asked NOT to sell expired yeast but to discard it), and great pricing! Oh, did I mention that each pitch is 200 Billion cells? Even with loss of viability in transit or in our fridge, most pitches will still be sufficient to pitch without a starter, and they are only $1.50 more than the 100 billion option! THAT is your best value, hands down.
Why is 200 Billion cells better than 100 Billion cells?
- Shorter lag times, decreasing the likelihood that you end up with infected beer.
- Faster and healthier fermentations
- Less yeast-stress derived off flavors such as: diacetyl, isoamyl acetate, Acetaldehyde, nail polish, oxidation, etc....
- Increased number of generations from each pitch. Saving brewers money!
- No starter necessary for 19L batches under 1.070, compared to 1.048 for White Labs
- No more buying multiple packs for single batches
- More consistent beer
So, for these reasons, we are happy to announce that we will be stocking Imperial Yeast. Products are online now.. CLICK HERE
Simple Cross Reference Table
Imperial Strain | Escarpment Strain | White Labs Strain | Assumed Origin |
A01 House | N/A | WLP007 | Whitbread |
A04 Barbarian | N/A | N/A | The Alchemist |
A07 Flagship | Cali Ale | WLP001 | Sierra Nevada |
A09 Pub | English Ale I, II | WLP002 | Fuller's |
A10 Darkness | Irish Ale | WLP004 | Guiness |
A15 Independence | American Ale | WLP051 | Anchor Liberty |
A18 Joystick | N/A | N/A | Rogue |
A20 Citrus | N/A | WLP644 | Unicorn Dust |
A24 Dry Hop | N/A | N/A | Blend A04/A20 |
A31 Tartan | Scottish Ale | WLP028 | McEwan |
A38 Juice | Foggy London | N/A | Boddingtons |
B44 Whiteout | Classic Witbier | WLP400 | Hoegaarden |
B45 Gnome | Ardennes | N/A | Achouffe |
B48 Triple Double | West Abbey Ale | WLP530 | Westmalle |
B51 Workhorse | N/A | N/A | Kasteel |
B56 Rustic | N/A | N/A | Brasserie de Blaugies |
B63 Monastic | N/A | WLP500 | Chimay |
B64 Napoleon | N/A | N/A | Brasserie Thiriez |
G01 Stefon | N/A | WLP300 | Weihenstephan |
G02 Kaiser | N/A | WLP036 | Zum Uerige |
G03 Dieter | Kolsch, Weisen I | WLP029 | PJ Fruh |
L05 Cablecar | California Common | WLP810 | Anchor |
L13 Global | Munich Lager | WLP830 | Weihenstephan |
L17 Harvest | N/A | WLP860 | Augustiner |
L28 Urkel | N/A | N/A | Urquell |
F08 Sour Batch Kidz | N/A | N/A | Blend of Saccro, Lacto, Brett |
W15 Suburban Brett | N/A | N/A | Proprietary |