← Yeast
Safale S-04
Fermentis · ale · Dry
Fast, dependable English ale dry yeast with light fruity-estery character and very high flocculation. Drops bright quickly and emphasises malt, making it a go-to for British ales, porters and quick-turnaround hoppy beers.
1 brew
About
A well-known commercial English ale yeast selected for fast fermentation and for forming a very compact sediment that drops the beer bright quickly. It carries a light fruity, slightly estery character that leaves room for malt to show, and works across British and American ale styles, from bitters and porters to highly hopped pales. Its high flocculation makes it a strong choice for cask-conditioned and cylindro-conical fermentations.
Specs
- Attenuation
- 74–82%
- Flocculation
- High
- Temperature
- 12–25°C
- Optimal
- 15–20°C
- Alcohol tolerance
- 11% ABV
- Ferment time
- 4–10 days
- Pitch rate
- 50–80 g/hL; 1 pack for ~20 L
- Form
- Dry
Recipe pairing
- Grains
- Maris Otter and pale ale malt; crystal malts for British depth
- Hops
- East Kent Goldings, Fuggles
- Adjuncts
- Minimal; the strain leaves malt body, so adjust mash temperature for the finish you want
- Suited to
- English Bitter / ESB, English Pale Ale, Porter, Stout, Brown Ale, American Pale Ale
Brewing tips
- Ferments fast and flocculates hard, so it can drop before fully attenuating — rouse or warm slightly if it stalls high.
- Its medium attenuation leaves some malt body, ideal for British styles; mash cooler if you want it drier.
- Excellent for cask and quick-turnaround ales thanks to rapid clearing.
- Keep below ~22°C to avoid pushing esters too far.
Handling & storage
- Rehydration
- Rehydrate 15–30 min at ~27°C, or direct-pitch.
- Storage
- 2–8°C; room temperature acceptable short-term.
- Shelf life
- ~36 months from production; check the date code.
In your brews
Used in 1 batch 2025-01-25
Attenuation (achieved) 81% spec 74–82%
ABV range 7.2% 1 measured