Standby yeast - just in case

[IdahoSpud]

I recently had a batch of brew that didn't ferment. I have to get all my stuff online as I live quite a way from any sources of brewing yeast.

Since the wort was in a sanitized (not sterile) container, I suspecting that other bugs would be growing while I waited for Fedex to bring me some expensive 2-day delivery yeast. So I panicked and pitched some Fleischmann's Baking Yeast.

Well, the airlock started bubbling merrily and 6 weeks later I have what I would consider a decent second try (sort of an off-the-cuff Blue Moon) - definitely not as good as the real deal.

Here's a thought though, and a question.

Thought: It would be wise to have some packets of dry brewing yeast in the fridge, just in case a batch of yeast turns up dead (and I am still not positive that yeast was dead. But it certainly didn't kick as fast as the other batch I brewed on the same day)

Question: Is there a good all-purpose strain of yeast I should keep on hand for the lighter varieties of beer?

 

[amandabab]

I always keep some extra s-04 and s-05 on hand.

 

[Haputanlas]

I ALWAYS keep extra Safale US-05 packets on hand. In fact, I use Safale US-05 in most of my brews. Fantastic with SO many different styles (IPAs, Porters, Stouts, Mild, pale, etc, etc).

 

[Yooper]

Yes, I always have a couple of packages of dry yeast in my fridge and they last for years and may save a batch sometime.

I'd order two packages each of Safale S05 and S04. The S05 is a good all-purpose American ale yeast strain that is clean and well-attenuating (the same as Wyeast 1056). The S04 is an English strain, but when fermented cool it is also very clean and makes a super clear beer. At warmer temperatures, it will get a little fruity and taste "Englishy" if that can be a description. I use both often, and keep them on hand just in case I need them in an emergency.

 

[beergolf]

I usually keep a pack or two of US-05 in the fridge. Just in case.

US-05 is a neutral yeast so it works for a lot of brews.

 

[Golddiggie]

I make sure to have more than one packet of liquid yeast in the fridge, for beers, as well as several dry packets (Lalvin) for my meads/other things. Fortunately, I live where there are several HBS within driving distance (most are less than 30 minutes to get to them).

 

[bighorn_brew]

I have a small arsenal of almost every kind of dry yeast available in my spare fridge, recently I am really liking the s-33, but nottingham, as well as us05, or even s04 are good standbys. Purchase a couple of each, its hard to go wrong with any of them except for windsor, and even that yeast will make a decent mild or brown ale.

In case this happens again, perhaps call a local brewery to see if you can get a bit of yeast slurry from one of their conicals...I had to do that once...

 

[Haputanlas]

I have a small arsenal of almost every kind of dry yeast available in my spare fridge, recently I am really liking the s-33, but nottingham, as well as us05, or even s04 are good standbys. Purchase a couple of each, its hard to go wrong with any of them except for windsor, and even that yeast will make a decent mild or brown ale.

In case this happens again, perhaps call a local brewery to see if you can get a bit of yeast slurry from one of their conicals...I had to do that once...

What's wrong with Windsor?

 

[bighorn_brew]

What's wrong with Windsor?

Nothing, with a yeast like windsor I feel it is somewhat constrained in the styles that are appropriate to pitch it in. I made some fine session/small beers with it. I just couldn't see having it around as a "standby" yeast.

 

[IdahoSpud]

Thanks for all the tips fellas. I very much appreciate the responses. It sounds like US-04 and 05 in dry form cover my needs in the event another emergency arises.

 

[marconlin]

I have been using Coppers ale yeast almost exclusively. I have just started brew All grain and Partial mash, and when I bought the kits I bought some Coopers as well. Just in case and because I am used to it.