WLP885 Zurich Lager Yeast
Liquid Lager yeast from White Labs.
Lab
White Labs· Lager · Liquid · WLP885
White Labs· Lager · Liquid · WLP885Specs
Attenuation
70–80%
The share of sugars the yeast ferments out. Higher attenuation means a drier, stronger beer.
Optimal temp
10–13°C
50–55°F
The range where this strain ferments cleanly, without throwing off-flavors. Most brewers pitch near the low end.
Flocculation
Medium
How readily the yeast clumps together and drops clear once fermentation winds down.
Genetic traits
Phenolics
POF+
Clove & spice
Throws phenolics — the clove and spice notes (4-vinyl-guaiacol) behind hefeweizens, witbiers, and saisons. Expect a spicy character, not a clean one.
Diastatic
STA-1+
Finishes bone-dry
Carries the STA1 (diastaticus) gene, so it keeps eating sugars other yeast leave behind and finishes very dry. It's also a contamination risk: it can over-carbonate or gush if it crosses into other beers.
Common questions
- What is WLP885 Zurich Lager Yeast's attenuation?
- 70–80% apparent attenuation.
- What temperature should I ferment WLP885 Zurich Lager Yeast at?
- 10–13°C is the recommended range.
- Does WLP885 Zurich Lager Yeast produce phenolics (clove and spice)?
- Yes. WLP885 Zurich Lager Yeast is POF-positive — it makes 4-vinyl-guaiacol, the clove and spice character of hefeweizens, witbiers, and saisons.
- Is WLP885 Zurich Lager Yeast diastatic (STA-1)?
- Yes. WLP885 Zurich Lager Yeast carries the STA1 gene (S. cerevisiae var. diastaticus). It super-attenuates to a dry finish, and can over-carbonate or gush if it cross-contaminates other beers.
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