Modern Hybrid Lager Yeast
Brew clean, crisp lager beers with fast fermentation, high attenuation and minimal sulphur character using Lallemand LalBrew NovaLager.
NovaLager is a true bottom-fermenting Saccharomyces pastorianus hybrid selected for superior fermentation performance across a broad temperature range. It produces the clean flavour expected from a lager yeast while supporting faster fermentation and reliable attenuation.
Its clean profile, low-to-medium ester production, low sulphur character and low diacetyl potential make NovaLager an excellent choice for traditional lagers and modern hop-forward lager styles.
Why You'll Love It
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Clean and crisp lager fermentation profile
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Fast and vigorous fermentation
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High apparent attenuation of 78–84%
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Low sulphur production
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Low diacetyl potential
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Performs across a broad 10–20°C temperature range
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High flocculation for improved settling
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POF negative
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Alcohol tolerance up to 13% ABV
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Suitable for traditional and modern lager styles
Aroma and Flavour Profile
LalBrew NovaLager produces a clean lager profile with low-to-medium fruity esters and very low sulphur character.
When fermented at traditional lager temperatures, it delivers a crisp and neutral profile that allows delicate malt and hop flavours to remain clearly defined.
At warmer temperatures, NovaLager can ferment efficiently while maintaining a cleaner profile than many traditional lager strains, making it useful when precise cold fermentation is difficult to maintain.
Fermentation Performance
NovaLager is known for its short lag phase, vigorous fermentation and dependable attenuation.
Under suitable conditions in wort fermented at 12°C, fermentation may be completed in approximately six days. Actual fermentation time will depend on pitching rate, wort gravity, oxygenation, yeast handling, temperature and nutrient availability.
Its high attenuation produces a relatively dry, crisp finish, while high flocculation helps the yeast settle after fermentation.
Recommended Beer Styles
| Pale and Crisp Lagers | Malty and Modern Lagers |
|---|---|
| German Pilsner | Märzen |
| Czech Pale Lager | Festbier |
| Munich Helles | Vienna Lager |
| International Pale Lager | Dunkel |
| American Lager | Schwarzbier |
| Rice Lager | Bock |
| Mexican Cerveza | Cold IPA |
| New Zealand Pilsner | West Coast Pilsner |
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Lallemand LalBrew |
| Strain | NovaLager |
| Yeast type | Modern hybrid lager yeast |
| Species | Saccharomyces pastorianus |
| Pack size | 11g |
| Fermentation temperature | 10–20°C |
| Apparent attenuation | 78–84% |
| Flocculation | High |
| Alcohol tolerance | Up to 13% ABV |
| Aroma profile | Clean with low-to-medium esters |
| Sulphur production | Low |
| POF | Negative |
| Recommended pitching rate | 50–100g/hL |
Pitching and Dosage
The manufacturer’s recommended pitching rate is 50–100g of yeast per hectolitre of wort.
One 11g sachet provides the recommended pitching rate for approximately 11–22 litres of wort, depending on wort gravity and fermentation temperature.
For a standard 23-litre batch, one sachet may be suitable under favourable conditions. Consider using two sachets for high-gravity wort, very cold pitching temperatures or when particularly fast and reliable fermentation is required.
Fermentation Guidance
NovaLager can be sprinkled directly onto the surface of the wort or rehydrated according to Lallemand’s recommended dry yeast rehydration procedure.
For the best fermentation performance:
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Pitch into well-oxygenated wort
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Maintain a stable fermentation temperature
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Use an appropriate pitching rate
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Provide sufficient yeast nutrients
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Allow fermentation to finish completely before cold crashing
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Raise the temperature near the end of fermentation if a diacetyl rest is required
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NovaLager a true lager yeast?
Yes. NovaLager is a bottom-fermenting Saccharomyces pastorianus hybrid selected specifically for lager beer production.
What temperature should NovaLager be fermented at?
The recommended fermentation range is 10–20°C. Traditional lager styles will generally produce their cleanest profile toward the cooler end of this range.
Can NovaLager ferment at ale temperatures?
Yes. NovaLager can ferment at warmer temperatures while maintaining a relatively clean lager profile. However, the precise flavour will still be influenced by temperature, pitching rate and wort composition.
How quickly does NovaLager ferment?
Under suitable conditions, fermentation at 12°C may be completed in approximately six days. Actual fermentation time depends on wort gravity, pitching rate, oxygenation, nutrients and temperature.
How many packets do I need for 23 litres?
One sachet may ferment a standard-strength 23-litre batch under favourable conditions. Two sachets are recommended when pitching particularly cold, brewing a stronger lager or seeking maximum fermentation reliability.
Does NovaLager produce sulphur?
NovaLager is selected for low sulphur production and generally produces less noticeable sulphur character than many traditional lager strains.
Does NovaLager require a diacetyl rest?
NovaLager has low diacetyl potential, but fermentation conditions vary. A temperature rise near the end of fermentation can still help ensure complete maturation before cold crashing.
What is the difference between NovaLager and Diamond Lager yeast?
NovaLager offers faster fermentation, higher attenuation and lower sulphur production across a broader temperature range. Diamond Lager provides a more traditional European lager fermentation profile and performs particularly well under controlled cold-fermentation conditions.
Why Buy from Border Brewing Supplies?
Border Brewing Supplies stores brewing yeast refrigerated to help maintain freshness and fermentation performance.
We supply brewers throughout Tweed Heads, the Gold Coast, Northern Rivers, Brisbane and the wider Queensland–New South Wales border region, with Australia-wide shipping also available.
Whether you are brewing a traditional European lager or a modern hop-forward pilsner, we can help you select the right yeast, nutrients and fermentation equipment for your recipe.
Recommended Products
For the best fermentation results, consider adding:
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Servomyces Yeast Nutrient
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Whirlfloc Tablets
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Brewing Water Salts
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Digital Brewing Thermometer
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Temperature Controller
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Phosphoric Acid
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No-Rinse Sanitiser