Beer Yeast

Shop beer yeast for home brewing, with dry brewing yeast for ales, lagers, IPAs, Belgian beers, wheat beers, saisons, kveik and more. We stock trusted strains from Fermentis, Lallemand, Mangrove Jack’s and Gervin for beer kits, extract brewing and all-grain recipes.

The yeast you choose has a major effect on flavour, aroma, attenuation and fermentation performance. Whether you want a clean American ale profile, a traditional English character, crisp lager fermentation or expressive Belgian and farmhouse notes, choosing the right strain helps you get closer to the beer style you want.

• Ale Yeast – for bitters, pale ales, stouts, porters and many other top-fermented beer styles
• Lager Yeast – for clean, crisp lagers and pilsners
• IPA Yeast – strains suited to hop-forward pale ales and IPAs
• Speciality Beer Yeast – Belgian, wheat, saison, kveik and other distinctive strains

How to choose the right beer yeast

For traditional British ales, choose a strain that supports malt character and can contribute gentle fruity esters. Cleaner American ale yeasts are ideal when you want hop flavour and aroma to take the lead. Lager strains ferment with a cleaner profile, while Belgian, wheat, saison and kveik yeasts can provide more distinctive spicy, fruity or farmhouse character.

Before pitching, check the strain’s recommended fermentation temperature, attenuation and alcohol tolerance. Keeping fermentation within the manufacturer’s recommended range gives the yeast the best chance of performing properly and helps reduce unwanted flavours.

Dry brewing yeast for beer kits and homebrew recipes

Dry beer yeast is easy to store, simple to use and suitable for a wide range of home brewing methods. It can be used to replace or upgrade the yeast supplied with a beer kit, or selected specifically for an extract or all-grain recipe when you want greater control over fermentation character.

Always follow the individual manufacturer’s pitching instructions and use a hydrometer to confirm fermentation has finished before bottling or kegging.

Beer yeast FAQs

What is the best yeast for brewing beer?

There is no single best beer yeast. The right strain depends on the style you are brewing, the flavour profile you want and the temperature at which you can ferment. Ale, lager, Belgian, wheat, saison and kveik strains all behave differently.

Can I replace the yeast supplied with a beer kit?

Yes. Many home brewers use a different brewing yeast to change the fermentation character or choose a strain better suited to the beer style they are making. Check the strain’s temperature range and alcohol tolerance before use.

How much beer yeast do I need?

The correct amount depends on the yeast strain, batch size, original gravity and fermentation temperature. Follow the pitching guidance on the individual yeast product rather than relying on one fixed amount for every beer.

What is the difference between ale yeast and lager yeast?

Ale yeasts are generally selected for warmer fermentation and can produce a broader range of fruity and malt-supporting flavours. Lager yeasts are chosen for cleaner fermentation profiles and are commonly used for lager and pilsner styles.

Looking for red, white or country-wine strains? Browse our wine yeast. For cider, mead and other fermentation cultures, visit our complete brewing and winemaking yeast range.