Fermentis SafAle S-33 Yeast x 11.5g

Fermentis SafAle S-33 Yeast x 11.5g is a versatile all-purpose ale yeast with a neutral flavour profile and low attenuation, helping produce beers with a fuller body and excellent length on the palate.

It is particularly well suited to specialty ales, Trappist-style beers, Belgian-inspired recipes and other styles where a rounded finish and gentle yeast character are preferred.

• Temperature range: 12–25°C
• Ideal fermentation range: 15–20°C
• Neutral flavour profile
• Low attenuation
• Medium sedimentation
• Sachet size: 11.5g

Full Product Description

Fermentis SafAle S-33 Yeast x 11.5g is a dependable all-purpose ale yeast designed for brewers who want a neutral fermentation profile, fuller body and a long, rounded finish. Its relatively low attenuation leaves more residual sugars in the finished beer, which can help create a softer mouthfeel and greater palate length.

This active dry yeast is especially well suited to specialty ales and Trappist-style beers. However, its balanced fermentation character also makes it useful across a broad range of recipes where the brewer wants malt, hops and specialty ingredients to remain the main focus.

S-33 produces medium sedimentation and does not form firm clumps in the same way as highly flocculent yeast strains. Instead, it may create a fine, powdery haze when the sediment is disturbed or resuspended. This makes it suitable for naturally hazy, bottle-conditioned and fuller-bodied beer styles.

Suitable Beer Styles

Use SafAle S-33 for brewing:

• Specialty Ale
• Trappist-style Ale
• Belgian Blond Ale
• Belgian Pale Ale
• Abbey-style Ale
• Strong Golden Ale
• Hazy Pale Ale
• Wheat Ale
• Fruit Beer
• Spiced Ale
• Full-bodied Pale Ale
• Bottle-conditioned beer
• Experimental ales

Its neutral flavour profile makes it a practical option for recipes containing fruit, spices, specialty sugars or expressive hops.

Yeast Characteristics

• Yeast type: All-purpose ale yeast
• Format: Active dry brewing yeast
• Sachet size: 11.5 grams
• Flavour profile: Neutral and balanced
• Attenuation: Low
• Mouthfeel: Full and rounded
• Sedimentation: Medium
• Sediment character: Fine and powdery
• General temperature range: 12–25°C
• Ideal fermentation range: 15–20°C
• Suitable for specialty and Trappist-style ales

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

Fermentation Profile

The Fermentis SafAle S-33 Yeast x 11.5g is known for its lower attenuation compared with many clean American ale strains. As a result, it can leave more body and residual sweetness in the beer.

This makes it a good choice when brewing styles that should feel soft, rounded and full on the palate. It may be less suitable when the goal is a very dry or highly attenuated finish.

Fermenting toward the lower end of the ideal range may produce a cleaner and more restrained result. Warmer fermentation may encourage a little more fruit character, depending on the wort and brewing conditions.

General Brewing Instructions

1. Clean and sanitise the fermenter and all equipment that will contact the wort.
2. Transfer the wort into the sanitised fermentation vessel.
3. Bring the wort within the suitable pitching temperature range.
4. Pitch the yeast according to the directions printed on the sachet.
5. Seal the fermenter and maintain a stable temperature.
6. Allow fermentation to continue until the specific gravity remains stable over consecutive days.
7. Bottle or keg only after confirming fermentation is complete.
8. Condition the beer according to the chosen style.

One sachet may suit many standard homebrew batches. However, high-gravity wort or larger batch volumes may require additional yeast. Always consider the batch size and original gravity when selecting the pitching rate.

Using S-33 in Specialty Beer

S-33 works especially well when the recipe includes ingredients that benefit from a fuller finish.

These may include:

• Belgian-style brewing sugars
• Fruit additions
• Citrus peel
• Coriander
• Honey
• Specialty malts
• Caramel malts
• Wheat
• Oats
• Strong hop additions

Its neutral profile allows these ingredients to remain expressive while the lower attenuation helps support body and flavour length.

Yeast Nutrient Recommendation

Adding a suitable yeast nutrient can support healthy fermentation, particularly in high-gravity wort, recipes containing large amounts of simple sugar or wort with limited nutrients.

Always use the nutrient at the amount recommended on the packaging. Avoid exceeding the stated dosage.

Brewer’s Tips

Leave adequate headspace in the fermenter during active fermentation. The intensity of the krausen can vary depending on wort gravity and temperature.

Because S-33 creates a powdery sediment, move the fermenter carefully before packaging. Cold conditioning may help more yeast settle, although some haze can remain when the beer is disturbed.

Check specific gravity rather than relying only on airlock activity. Fermentation can continue after bubbling slows, and the beer should not be packaged until gravity readings remain stable.

When bottle conditioning, allow enough time for carbonation and maturation. Fuller-bodied and stronger beers may benefit from additional conditioning before serving.

Storage and Shelf Life

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

After opening:

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

Do not use sachets that appear soft, swollen, damaged or poorly sealed.

Store unopened yeast according to the instructions printed on the packaging and protect it from excessive heat. During warm weather, an express freight option may help reduce transit time.

Fermentis SafAle S-33 Yeast x 11.5g is an excellent choice for brewers seeking a flexible ale yeast with neutral flavour, low attenuation and a smooth, full finish. It is especially useful for specialty ales, Trappist-style beers and recipes where body and palate length are important.