Why So Few Dry Yeast Options?

[Pancoastbrewing]

Why are there so few options available for dry yeasts? I really want to branch out and try different yeast strains, but liquids take more effort and time than I can give. It's hard to find time to brew and I generally don't have a week's notice as to when I'm going to brew...so it's tough to go through the whole starter process (and it's another thing that can go wrong).

I generally always use 34/70. I have used s-189, but it's hard to find, and s-23 which I did not enjoy. How can there be dozens of liquid yeasts available but only a few trusted dry yeasts? Really wish they would come out with more. Drys are so much easier to use.

 

[Newsman]

Hah! You haven't looked very hard. Look on Amazon for "brewing yeast" (http://preview.tinyurl.com/js4ouqc)

 

[dstockwell]

Have you tried any of Mangrove Jacks http://mangrovejacks.com/collections/craft-series-yeasts

 

[Silver_Is_Money]

Most isolated yeast strains apparently can't survive the drying process.

 

[kh54s10]

Most isolated yeast strains apparently can't survive the drying process.

This is true.

But also, where does "so few" come in? There are dozens of different dry yeasts. Look around. Danstar alone has 10 varieties.

 

[Pancoastbrewing]

Hah! You haven't looked very hard. Look on Amazon for "brewing yeast" (http://preview.tinyurl.com/js4ouqc)

I know there are other producers of dry yeast aside from Fermentis, but how are they on quality?

 

[Pancoastbrewing]

Have you tried any of Mangrove Jacks http://mangrovejacks.com/collections/craft-series-yeasts

Never tried them, how are they?

 

[Pancoastbrewing]

This is true.

But also, where does "so few" come in? There are dozens of different dry yeasts. Look around. Danstar alone has 10 varieties.

I should have been more specific, I usually brew lagers only. I know there are plenty of ale yeasts.

 

[Kharnynb]

Danstar is great:
Nottingham is a great dry english yeast, similarish to s-04
Munich is a great white beer yeast
Abbaye is good for belgian style beers, though a bit lacking for actual tripel/quads
Have not tried the others enough to give a good opinion.

Mangrove jack does good yeasts, but i've only tried their cider yeast so far.
Mauribrew does a few yeasts as well, Their draught yeast is pretty good.

edit, you just posted inbetween me reading and posting

 

[dstockwell]

Never tried them, how are they?

I use M36 Liberty Bell Ale, finishes mid 1.015 or so. I don't usually brew lagers, I really don't have the cold crash capability. But if you were to buy a liquid strain and then save the yeast you can get several batches from one.

 

[beernutz]

nm