SafBrew™ LD-20 Questions & Answers

Find out everything you need to know about this innovative fermentation solution, by reading our question & answers with the product R&D Manager, Philippe Janssens.

Why did Fermentis decide to add this yeast product to the range?

At Fermentis, we are always keeping a close eye on market trends. One of our strengths is having teams located throughout the world, providing timely insights and feedback on the needs and desires of a very dynamic market.

We have been monitoring the lower alcohol and lower calorie trends for a while now and in the last few years, we released several products to meet the new demand (SafBrew™ LA-01 for low alcohol beers and SpringFerm™ NAB for hard seltzers).

In the case of lower carbohydrates (or lower calories), we didn’t have a product in the range designed specifically for these beers. Of course, one could achieve a lower calorie beer using SafBrew™ HA-18 or DA-16, but SafBrew™ LD-20 is our first yeast and enzyme mix designed specifically for lower carb* lagers.

*meaning reduction of up to 20% carbohydrates in the beer vs same yeast without enzyme. The information provided by Fermentis is for informational purposes to the attention of professionals only. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the information: regulatory and intellectual property requirements (including product use and claims) shall be reviewed locally for their particular purposes.

How was it developed?

We identified a strong lager yeast strain in association with a carefully chosen enzyme, specifically one which performs well at low temperatures (above 12°C). We blended the two into a nicely balanced All-In-1™ product, producing fairly neutral lagers, with no defects, in many different fermentation conditions.

What is is for?

SafBrew™ LD-20 is for dry lagers, neutral flavor, generally recommended to reduce residual sugars and calories.

What are the key advantages of this product?

• Lower carbs* in your final beer (with same wort)
• No defects
• Neutral flavor
• Strong fermentation performance
• The carefully selected enzyme works at very low temperatures.

How does this compare to other SafBrew™ products?

SafBrew™ HA-18 is designed for high alcohol beers, such as barley wine, and high temperature fermentation. SafBrew™ DA-16 is great for dry, flavorful beers, such as Brut IPA, and high temperature fermentation. And of course, SafBrew™LD-20 is perfect for neutral lager beers and low temperature fermentation.

What are the differences between SafBrew™ LD-20 and the SafLager™ range?

SafBrew™ LD-20 is a mix of yeast and enzymes, while the SafLager™ range is yeast only. SafBrew™ LD-20 has a higher pitching rate compared to a SafLager™ strain (because the product is a mix). And the carefully selected enzyme works at very low temperatures. The presence of the enzymes allows for higher attenuation, up to 100% conversion of sugar leaving lower or no residual carbs for increased dryness. And because the yeast and enzymes are all in one package of SafBrew™ LD-20, it’s more convenient.