Fermentis SafAle S-04 Yeast x 11.5g is a traditional English ale yeast selected for its fast fermentation performance and strong ability to form compact sediment once fermentation is complete. This helps the finished beer clear more efficiently and makes the yeast especially useful for brewers who want a clean transfer into bottles, kegs or casks.

S-04 is suitable for a broad range of ale styles. It performs particularly well in malt-forward recipes where caramel, biscuit, chocolate, roasted grain and traditional English hop character should remain prominent. The strain is also well suited to cask-conditioned beer and fermentation in cylindro-conical tanks.

Its dependable performance makes it a popular choice for both fresh wort kits and recipes brewed from extract or grain. When used within the recommended temperature range, it can produce a rounded English-style fermentation profile with good malt expression and a smooth finish.

Suitable Beer Styles

Use SafAle S-04 for brewing:

• English Pale Ale
• Best Bitter
• Extra Special Bitter
• Brown Ale
• Porter
• Dry Stout
• Oatmeal Stout
• Red Ale
• Amber Ale
• English IPA
• Cask-conditioned ales
• Malt-forward fresh wort kits

It is also a useful option for homebrewers who want a faster fermentation and compact yeast sediment before packaging.

Yeast Characteristics

• Yeast type: English ale yeast
• Format: Active dry brewing yeast
• Sachet size: 11.5 grams
• Recommended fermentation range: 15–20°C
• Fermentation speed: Fast
• Sedimentation: Compact
• Beer clarity: Supports improved clearing
• Suitable for cask-conditioned beer: Yes
• Suitable for cylindro-conical fermentation: Yes

The final flavour and attenuation will depend on the wort composition, pitching rate, original gravity and fermentation temperature.

Fermentation Profile

The Fermentis SafAle S-04 Yeast x 11.5g is designed to ferment quickly and settle firmly at the end of fermentation. This compact yeast bed can make transferring the beer easier while helping reduce the amount of sediment carried into bottles or kegs.

Fermenting near the lower end of the recommended range may produce a cleaner result. Warmer fermentation within the stated range may encourage more noticeable English-style fruity esters.

Maintain a steady temperature throughout active fermentation. Large temperature changes can stress the yeast and affect the final flavour.

General Pitching Instructions

1. Thoroughly clean and sanitise your fermenter and all equipment that will contact the wort.
2. Transfer the wort into the sanitised fermenter.
3. Bring the wort into the recommended fermentation range.
4. Pitch the yeast according to the instructions printed on the sachet.
5. Seal the fermenter and maintain a stable temperature between 15–20°C.
6. Allow fermentation to continue until the specific gravity remains stable over consecutive days.
7. Bottle, keg or transfer to a cask only after confirming fermentation is complete.

A single sachet may suit many standard homebrew batches. However, higher-gravity wort and larger volumes may require additional yeast. Always consider the original gravity and batch size before pitching.

Using S-04 with Fresh Wort Kits

S-04 is an excellent match for many fresh wort kits, particularly darker or malt-driven beer styles.

It can be used with:

• Irish-style stouts
• Oatmeal stouts
• Porters
• British pale ales
• Amber ales
• Red ales
• English bitters
• Malt-forward seasonal beers

Its quick fermentation and strong settling ability make it a practical choice when you want a traditional ale profile and a clearer finished beer.

Yeast Nutrient Recommendation

Adding a suitable yeast nutrient can help support healthy fermentation. This may be especially useful when brewing high-gravity beer, wort with a large proportion of simple sugars or batches where nutrient levels may be limited.

Use yeast nutrient at the amount recommended on its packaging. Avoid adding more than the stated dose.

Brewer’s Tips

Leave enough headspace in the fermenter during active fermentation. Although S-04 settles compactly at the end, it can still create a healthy fermentation head.

Check the specific gravity rather than relying only on airlock activity. Bubbling may slow before fermentation has fully finished.

Cold conditioning after fermentation may further improve clarity. However, allow the yeast enough time to complete fermentation and settle naturally before reducing the temperature.

When bottling, always confirm stable gravity readings first. Packaging beer before fermentation is complete can create dangerous pressure inside bottles.

Storage and Shelf Life

Refer to the best-before date printed on the sachet.

Once opened:

• Seal the sachet securely
• Store it at approximately 4°C
• Use the remaining yeast within seven days

Do not use yeast from a sachet that is soft, swollen, damaged or poorly sealed.

Store unopened sachets according to the directions on the packaging and protect them from excessive heat. During hot weather, an express shipping option may help reduce time spent in transit.

The Fermentis SafAle S-04 Yeast x 11.5g is an excellent choice for brewers seeking fast fermentation, compact sediment and traditional English ale character. It is dependable, easy to use and suitable for a wide variety of malt-forward beer styles.