Stressed Yeast Produces Fusels?

[Srmatt]

Recently experienced fusel alcohols in my Saison. I used Belle Saison dry yeast, one pack, pitched at 1.054. Temperature was kept @ mid 60's (I use a chest freezer, nothing fancy). While I know this to be a very temp tolerant strain, having coaxed it up to 90f before with good results, I'm wondering if I stressed the yeast during rehydration prior to pitching (I rehydrated using lukewarm tap water)? Incidentally, this batch developed the characteristic subtle pepper flavor of a Saison, something I've never noticed before from this yeast (yes!). Belle Saison is a great product.

 

[RPh_Guy]

Recently experienced fusel alcohols in my Saison. I used Belle Saison dry yeast, one pack, pitched at 1.054. Temperature was kept @ mid 60's (I use a chest freezer, nothing fancy). While I know this to be a very temp tolerant strain, having coaxed it up to 90f before with good results, I'm wondering if I stressed the yeast during rehydration prior to pitching (I rehydrated using lukewarm tap water)? Incidentally, this batch developed the characteristic subtle pepper flavor of a Saison, something I've never noticed before from this yeast (yes!). Belle Saison is a great product.

Hi & welcome to HBT.

It's possible to stress/damage yeast during rehydration, so maybe.