373: Amplifying Expression in Lager Fermentation with Fermentis, Highland Park, and Boston Beer

Lager yeast and the evolution of expression is the subject of this spotlight podcast, brought to you interruption-free by Fermentis, the experts in fermentation for more than 160 years. Brewers everywhere depend on Fermentis for yeast that’s consistent, controllable, and high quality—whether you’re brewing an ester-forward Belgian-style beer, your favorite IPA, or a clean lager.

This episode focuses on an evolving subject—using lager yeast for character beyond “cleanliness,” and joining for the conversation are Urs Wellhoener, technical director and brewing R&D for Boston Beer, Grant Lawrence, former professional brewer, active homebrewer, and Southwestern sales rep for Fermentis, and Bob Kunz, founder of Highland Park Brewing in Los Angeles.

Through the podcast, we focus on the why, the what, and the how of using lager yeast to achieve not just neutral, but characterful fermentations, especially as it pertains to hop-forward lager styles. Along the way, the panelists discuss:

• the interaction of sulfur compounds derived from hops with the sulfur compounds created through lager fermentation
• lager strains’ beta-lyase activity and biotransformation
• leaning into hop creep and using it to your advantage
• reducing acetaldehyde production by changing diacetyl rest timing
• cone angle’s impact on mercaptan formation
• testing tried-and-true beers such as Highland Park’s Timbo Pils with alternate yeast strains

And more.

Fermentis, is a worldwide leader in brewing yeast, and brewers everywhere depend on Fermentis for successful, predictable, and controllable beer fermentation. They’re the obvious choice for beverage fermentation. To learn more about their range of dried brewing yeast and the work they’re doing to help brewers understand how to use them, visit Fermentis.com,