Yeast is the cornerstone of cidermaking, transforming apple juice into a beverage full of complexity and character. While fermentation is often seen as a natural process, the choice of yeast significantly impacts the aroma, flavour, and finish of the cider. This blog explores the vital role yeast plays in cidermaking and highlights three versatile yeast strains—Lalvin EC1118™, Fermentis SafCider, and Lalvin QA23™—with recommendations on how to use them for the best results.
Why Yeast Matters in Cidermaking
Yeast is not just a fermenting agent; it’s a flavour influencer. During fermentation, yeast metabolises sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide while producing a range of byproducts, including esters, phenols, and acids. These byproducts contribute to a cider’s flavour profile, from fruity and floral notes to earthy or crisp characteristics.
Choosing the right yeast allows cidermakers to control fermentation efficiency, enhance desired flavours, and minimise unwanted characteristics. Factors like fermentation temperature, nutrient availability, and the yeast’s tolerance to alcohol and acidity all come into play.
Yeast Recommendations for Cidermaking
1. Lalvin EC1118™
Profile: Neutral, robust, and reliable.
Best For: Traditional and sparkling ciders.
Lalvin EC1118™ is a go-to yeast for cidermakers due to its consistent fermentation performance and high alcohol tolerance (up to 18%). It produces a clean, neutral profile, allowing the natural character of the apples to shine. Its ability to ferment under challenging conditions—such as low temperatures or nutrient deficiencies—makes it ideal for large-scale production or complex apple blends. EC1118™ is also an excellent choice for sparkling ciders due to its high tolerance to carbonation processes.
Tips for Use:
- Ensure proper hydration of the yeast before pitching to maximise viability.
- Use in ciders where a clean, crisp finish is desired without pronounced yeast-derived flavours.
2. Fermentis SafCider
Profile: Clean fermentation with fruit-forward characteristics.
Best For: Highlighting natural apple flavours in a range of cider styles.
Fermentis SafCider is designed specifically for cidermaking, offering multiple strain options to suit different cider styles, from sweet to dry. It enhances the fruit expression of the apples, delivering balanced, aromatic ciders. With its clean fermentation finish, SafCider is an excellent choice for modern cider styles where clarity and brightness are key.
Tips for Use:
- Pair SafCider with nutrient additions to ensure a smooth fermentation process.
- Experiment with different SafCider strains to create sweet, semi-dry, or fully dry ciders, depending on your target audience.
3. Lalvin QA23™
Profile: Aromatic, fruit-enhancing, and acid-balancing.
Best For: Crafting aromatic ciders with a rich, fruit-forward profile.
Lalvin QA23™ is known for its ability to bring out fruit-forward aromatics and balance acidity, making it a favorite for ciders where apple character is paramount. It’s particularly suited for creating ciders with floral and citrusy notes, ideal for lighter, refreshing styles. QA23™ also supports fermentation in low-nutrient musts, making it versatile for a variety of apple blends.
Tips for Use:
- Use QA23™ when crafting ciders with delicate flavour profiles or when blending aromatic apple varieties.
- Combine with apple blends that have higher acidity to achieve a balanced, refreshing finish.
Choosing the Right Yeast for Your Cider
When selecting a yeast strain, consider these factors:
- Cider Style: Do you want a traditional, sparkling, or fruit-forward cider?
- Apple Varietals: Different apples bring different sugar levels, acidity, and flavour profiles. Match the yeast to amplify these characteristics.
- Fermentation Conditions: Temperature, nutrient availability, and alcohol content can influence yeast performance. Choose a strain that aligns with your fermentation setup.
Final Thoughts
The yeast you choose can make or break your cider. Lalvin EC1118™, Fermentis SafCider, and Lalvin QA23™ each offer unique benefits to cidermakers, whether you’re crafting a traditional sparkling cider or a modern, aromatic style. By understanding their profiles and leveraging their strengths, you can create ciders that stand out in flavour, balance, and quality.
Ready to explore your options? Check out our range of yeast strains and take your cidermaking to the next level.
