Safale S-04: wtf?

[gbx]

I had previously stopped using s-04 as all my beers brewed with it had a distinct yeasty-tang that as you said, got stronger as it aged. I even entered one of the beers into a comp (it was a special bitter) to see what the judges thought. The beer scored a 33 and one of the judges commented that the beer tasted like I had used s04 and fermented it too high. He was right.

Now whenever I use s04 I ferment it as low as it will tolerate. No more off flavors.

Bierhaus! where have you been? update your blog please.

but on topic, what is the lowest you've had a decent ferment with S04? It struggles in the 16C range and often flocs out early. It seems to have a very narrow temp range that makes decent beer (17-19C).

 

[Hanglow]

That post was from 7 years ago.....

 

[ericbw]

That post was from 7 years ago.....

That explains why his blog has not been updated.

I didn't read this whole thread, but has anyone mentioned that S-04 is just gross? I know it's preference, but I haven't liked any beers I have done with it, and they all have a similar bad taste to me. I know that it likes to be kept cooler than 68-70, which makes it a less than ideal homebrew yeast, especially for beginners with no temp control.

Unfortunately, it is the go-to British style yeast. I don't use it anymore because I realized I don't like it. I could try it again and keep it cool.

 

[gbx]

That explains why his blog has not been updated.

I didn't read this whole thread, but has anyone mentioned that S-04 is just gross? I know it's preference, but I haven't liked any beers I have done with it, and they all have a similar bad taste to me. I know that it likes to be kept cooler than 68-70, which makes it a less than ideal homebrew yeast, especially for beginners with no temp control.

Unfortunately, it is the go-to British style yeast. I don't use it anymore because I realized I don't like it. I could try it again and keep it cool.

Even worse than the temp control is that it tastes gross with any yeast in suspension which makes it a bad bottle conditioner but I think its probably better than US-05 because it is a decent flocculater. Its a little fussy (as are all the british yeasts) but it can make a good beer if you keep it under 19C (which doesn't require a fridge or anything fancy), let it floc out fully and keg. Figuring it out is one of my current brewing goals.

 

[ericbw]

I guess I just don't see any advantage of it for me with the beers I make. I love WLP004 Irish Ale for Irish Red, but use US-05 for most others.

 

[ciderjäst]

I also got an off-flavor with the s-04 on apple cider but after racking it, after only 12 hours it improved considerably. It's a funny yeast when used for cider and I was worried there for a second but it's all ok now. It is a fast fermenting yeast after all. it only took 6 days for the first fermentation. I'm not an expert 'cause it's only my third time making cider but I have faith in it. I tasted it today, after like 12 hours since I racked and it tastes allot better and I'm sure tomorrow the funny taste will be completely gone. In my case I would say, if it doesn't smell bad just rack it and give it time. I fermented at 21-22 C.