{"id":614744,"date":"2025-07-25T16:58:54","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T14:58:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fermentis.com\/?p=614744"},"modified":"2025-08-07T11:47:17","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T09:47:17","slug":"german-style-wheat-beer-yeast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fermentis.com\/en\/news\/fermentation\/beer-brewing\/german-style-wheat-beer-yeast\/","title":{"rendered":"Brewer Stories: Creating German-style Wheat Beers with SafAle W-68\u2122"},"content":{"rendered":"

Interested in German-style wheat beers? Fermentis sat down with brewmaster Lu Jun from Urbrew to talk about his experience using wheat beer yeast, notably SafAle W-68\u2122<\/a>, to reproduce this popular beer style for a modern Chinese market.<\/p>\n

The goal<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One of the largest craft beer brewing facilities in China, Urbrew is passionate about maintaining the spirit of craft brewing and aims to constantly expand and innovate its range. Located in the historical city of Handan, Hebei, Urbrew currently boasts the highest sales volume in China.<\/p>\n

When it comes to wheat beer, traditional German styles are increasingly sought after by Chinese customers. Lu Jun wanted to brew an authentic German wheat beer that was suited to local tastes. For this project, he selected the wheat beer style yeast SafAle W-68\u2122<\/a> \u2013 a historic Bavarian yeast strain known for its medium fermentation levels and high ester flavour.<\/p>\n

The style<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Also known as Weissbier or Hefeweizen, German-style wheat beers are world-renowned and enjoy enduring popularity. Like all wheat beers, they are made using a large proportion of wheat relative to the amount of malted barley. By law, authentic Bavarian styles must be brewed with at least 50 per cent wheat malt, though 60 to 70 per cent is more common. This contributes to the beer\u2019s bready taste and soft, pillowy mouthfeel. The famous aroma and flavor of a Weissbier come largely from the yeast, which delivers the beer\u2019s signature banana and clove characteristics.<\/p>\n

The yeast – what yeast for wheat beer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Originating from Weihenstephan in Bavaria, SafAle W-68\u2122<\/a> is the ideal wheat yeast strain for brewing classic Weissbier. This historical wheat yeast strongly contributes by producing the quintessential esters (banana and tutti-frutti notes) and phenols (clove and pepper flavors) expected of the style. The yeast also reliably offers medium attenuation, which delivers a silky texture and creamy fullness to the mouthfeel.<\/p>\n

The result<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Drawing on hundreds of years of brewing heritage thanks to SafAle W-68\u2122<\/a>, Urbrew successfully produced its own German-style wheat beer, making it readily accessible to the modern Chinese consumer. \u201cWhat stands out are the banana and fruit aromas,\u201d says Lu Jun. \u201cWe were really satisfied with how this beer came out. It has amazing mouthfeel and is super sessionable.\u201d<\/p>\n

For more information about SafAle W-68\u2122<\/a>, brewing German-style wheat beers and much more<\/a>, visit this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n