SafAle W-68 – Fermentis German Wheat Beer Yeast
Fermentis SafAle W-68 is a world-renowned dry brewing yeast selected for traditional German-style wheat beers, including Hefeweizen, Weizen, Dunkelweizen and Weizenbock.
Originating from the famous Weihenstephan brewing tradition, W-68 produces the classic combination of fruity banana esters and spicy clove phenolics expected from authentic German wheat beer.
With 78–84% apparent attenuation, high ester production and medium sedimentation, SafAle W-68 produces expressive, aromatic wheat beers while retaining the characteristic haze associated with traditional Hefeweizen.
Why You'll Love It
- Classic German wheat beer yeast
- Ideal for Hefeweizen, Weizen and Weissbier
- Excellent for Dunkelweizen and Weizenbock
- Produces classic banana and fruity esters
- Distinct clove and spicy phenolic character
- 78–84% apparent attenuation
- Medium sedimentation
- Helps produce traditional wheat beer haze
- Active dry yeast for convenient pitching
- Fermentis by Lesaffre
Classic Banana & Clove Character
Yeast character is a defining feature of traditional German wheat beer, and SafAle W-68 is specifically selected to produce the fruity and spicy fermentation profile associated with the style.
Expect expressive banana and other fruity esters alongside characteristic clove, pepper and spicy phenolics.
Fermentation conditions and wort composition can influence the balance of these flavours, giving brewers some control over the final expression of the yeast.
Ideal for German Wheat Beer Styles
SafAle W-68 is particularly well suited to:
- Hefeweizen
- Weizen
- Weissbier
- Dunkelweizen
- Weizenbock
- German-style wheat beers
- Other fruity and spicy wheat-based beers
The strain's combination of fruity esters, phenolic character and medium sedimentation makes it particularly suited to beers where yeast expression is an important part of the finished flavour and aroma.
Fermentation Temperature
Fermentis recommends a fermentation temperature of approximately:
18–26°C
For classic German wheat beer character, fermentation temperature can be used alongside recipe design and pitching practices to influence the balance between fruity esters and spicy phenolics.
Pitching Rate
Recommended pitching rate:
50–80g/hL
For a typical homebrew batch, this equates to approximately:
11.5–23g per 23 litres
Always consider wort gravity, fermentation conditions and the desired yeast character when determining the appropriate pitching rate.
Attenuation & Sedimentation
SafAle W-68 has an apparent attenuation of approximately:
78–84%
Sedimentation is medium, with the yeast tending to produce a powdery haze when resuspended rather than forming tightly compacted clumps.
This behaviour suits traditional Hefeweizen and other German wheat beers where a naturally hazy appearance is desirable.
Features
- Fermentis SafAle W-68
- Active dry brewing yeast
- German wheat beer yeast
- 78–84% apparent attenuation
- Medium sedimentation
- High ester production
- POF+ yeast strain
- Fruity and floral fermentation character
- Clove and pepper phenolics
- Recommended fermentation range of 18–26°C
- Recommended pitching rate of 50–80g/hL
Specifications
Brand: Fermentis
Yeast: SafAle W-68
Type: Active Dry Ale Yeast
Species: Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Yeast Character: Fruity, Floral, Clove & Spicy
Apparent Attenuation: 78–84%
Sedimentation: Medium
Fermentation Temperature: 18–26°C
Pitching Rate: 50–80g/hL
Phenolic: POF+
Recommended Styles: Hefeweizen, Weizen, Weissbier, Dunkelweizen & Weizenbock
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SafAle W-68 yeast?
SafAle W-68 is a Fermentis active dry brewing yeast selected specifically for traditional German-style wheat beers. It produces the fruity esters and spicy phenolics characteristic of styles such as Hefeweizen and Weizen.
Is SafAle W-68 good for Hefeweizen?
Yes. Hefeweizen is one of the primary styles for SafAle W-68. The strain produces the characteristic banana, fruity and clove-like fermentation character expected from German wheat beer.
What temperature should I ferment SafAle W-68 at?
Fermentis specifies an ideal fermentation range of approximately 18–26°C.
What is the attenuation of SafAle W-68?
SafAle W-68 has an apparent attenuation of approximately 78–84% under Fermentis' specified test conditions.
Does SafAle W-68 produce banana flavour?
Yes. SafAle W-68 produces high levels of fruity esters associated with classic German wheat beer, including the characteristic banana-like character, alongside clove and other spicy phenolics.
Is SafAle W-68 suitable for Dunkelweizen?
Yes. W-68 is well suited to Dunkelweizen, where its fruity and spicy fermentation character complements the richer Munich and caramel malt flavours of the style.
Can I use SafAle W-68 for Weizenbock?
Yes. W-68's traditional German wheat beer fermentation profile also makes it suitable for Weizenbock, provided an appropriate pitching rate and fermentation conditions are used.
How much SafAle W-68 should I pitch?
Fermentis specifies approximately 50–80g/hL, equivalent to around 11.5–23g for 23 litres.
Why Buy from Border Brewing Supplies?
Buy Fermentis SafAle W-68 German Wheat Ale Yeast from Border Brewing Supplies for Hefeweizen, Dunkelweizen, Weizenbock and other traditional wheat beer recipes.
- Australia-wide shipping
- Click & Collect available
- Buy any 5+ beer yeasts and receive an online quantity discount
- Local pickup in Tweed Heads South
- Local service across the Gold Coast, Tweed Heads and Northern NSW
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