Lalbrew – NovaLager – 500g packet

LalBrew NovaLager™ Dry Yeast

LalBrew NovaLager™ represents a new lineage of lager yeast (Group III) developed through classical, non-GMO breeding techniques. This robust strain is engineered to solve traditional lager challenges, offering fast fermentations and high attenuation across a flexible temperature range. A standout technical feature is its utilisation of patented technology from UC Davis that prevents the formation of H2S off-flavors, eliminating the “rotten egg” sulfur notes typical of lager fermentations and significantly shortening the lagering (maturation) phase. It produces a remarkably clean profile with low-to-medium esters and no sulfur, even when fermented at the warmer end of its range. Additionally, its expression of beta-glucosidase enzymes promotes bio-transformation, making it a unique choice for modern, hoppy lagers.

Key Benefits

1. H2S Prevention: Patented technology ensures zero sulfur production, leading to cleaner beer and faster tank turnaround.
2. Temperature Flexibility: Maintains a clean lager profile even at warmer “ale-like” temperatures (up to 20°C).
3. Vigorous Kinetics: Capable of completing primary fermentation in as little as 6 days.
4. Low VDK/Diacetyl: Reduced production of diacetyl precursors shortens the diacetyl rest and maturation time.
5. High Alcohol Tolerance: Reliable performance in high-gravity brews up to 13% ABV.
6. Bio-transformation: Enhances hop complexity through enzymatic interaction with hop compounds.

Applications

1. Brewing: The premier choice for all modern and traditional lagers, including German Pilsner, Helles, Märzen, and Bock. Its clean profile and hop-interaction make it the gold standard for Cold IPAs and Mexican Lagers.
2. Distilling: Highly effective for clean, grain-neutral washes or light whiskey bases where a sulfur-free, neutral fermentation is required.
3. Cider Making: Excellent for “Lagered Ciders” where a crisp, clean, and sulfur-free finish is desired to highlight primary fruit aromatics.

Typical Usage

1. Pitch Rate: 50 – 100g per hL of wort. This is a lower pitch rate than traditional lagers, performing more like an ale yeast.
2. Temperature Strategy: For traditional crisp profiles, ferment at 10°C – 12°C. For faster turnaround or more modern styles (like Cold IPA), it can be pushed up to 20°C without significant ester increases.

Technical Data & Properties

1. Classification: Saccharomyces pastorianus (Hybrid).
2. Attenuation: High (78% – 84%).
3. Flocculation: Medium.
4. Alcohol Tolerance: 13% ABV.
5. Optimal Temp Range: 10°C – 20°C.
6. STA1 (Diastaticus): Negative.
7. POF Status: POF Negative.
8. H2S Production: Negative (Patented non-producing strain).

Storage and Handling

1. Storage: Must be stored in a vacuum-sealed package in dry conditions below 4°C.
2. Shelf Life: 3 years from the date of manufacture.
3. Handling: Use within 3 days once the vacuum seal is broken. If resealed under vacuum immediately, it can be stored until the expiry date.
4. Pitching: Direct dry pitching is the preferred method; sprinkle the yeast evenly on the surface of the wort.

Summary

LalBrew NovaLager™ is a “modern classic.” By eliminating the sulfur and slow fermentation times associated with traditional lager strains, it allows breweries to produce world-class, crisp lagers with the efficiency and speed of an ale production schedule.