White Labs 002 = US-04?

Benny Blanco · 05-04-2008, 04:05 AM

Yes...here I am again. Making my first ESB this fine Sunday. Both LBHS shops here were out of the London ESB yeast I needed. I settled for Saf US-04

Dry??? God forbid. Last time I used this yeast I finished 10 points higher than my intended FG. Should I go ahead and brew the ESB?

With this very specific and commonly used yeast, WHAT SHOULD I MASH AT? 152 sound good? 150? I don't want to finish too high.

I most likely will brew since it's been a few weeks since the last time. Perhaps I need a second opinion? Perhaps I should just relax?

Or perhaps I just need Yooper to tell me all is well....

You guys are the best advisors.

EvilTOJ · 05-04-2008, 10:53 AM

What's wrong, the chat was dead tonight?

Mashing in at 152 will work just fine. Saf US-04 is usually a good yeast. Before you pitch it try hydrating it in warm water first.

CBBaron · 05-04-2008, 12:01 PM

Both Whitelabs 002 and S-04 will finish higher than your average beer yeast. I've had similar results from both. I use S-04 alot on my English styles and like the flavor it imparts.
If you are worried about a high finish then keep it below 152. If your like me and embrace a chewy beer than use 154+ for your mash temp.

Craig

**DeathBrewer** · 05-04-2008, 05:09 PM

i used it on my assassination ale and mashed at about 152. it was tasty.

**Franc103** · 09-04-2011, 02:46 PM

I'm resurrecting this thread to help fellow searchers.

S-04's closest match is WLP007, Dry English Ale (Whitbread Dry).

ArcaneXor · 09-04-2011, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Franc103

I'm resurrecting this thread to help fellow searchers.

S-04's closest match is WLP007, Dry English Ale (Whitbread Dry).

I am 99% sure that S-04 is the regular Whitbread strain, not the dry one. White Labs doesn't sell it, but Wyeast does as WY1099 Whitbread Ale Yeast.

**Franc103** · 09-04-2011, 04:11 PM

Could be...I'm just repeating information I've read online.

My sources:

http://alestolagers.blogspot.com/2010/05/for-hombrewer-dry-yeast-substitution.html

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f12/dry-yeast-liquid-yeast-equivalents-114424/

http://finnhillbrewing.blogspot.com/2010/12/dry-yeast-conversion-chart.html

**DeathBrewer** · 09-12-2011, 05:00 AM

I've made many split batches with s-04 and WLP002. The S-04 can be a little more bland and perhaps would give more fruitiness and character at higher temperatures (high 60sF) whereas the WLP002 is my choice for nearly all english-style beers and I use it at around 63F. WLP002 is one of my favorite yeasts in general, but I still often use S-04 in a pinch or simply when I don't want to take the time to make a starter.