Imagine a world where beer is just a flat, sweet liquid devoid of its characteristic fizz and complex flavours. It sounds pretty terrible, right? Well, that's what the world of beer would look like without yeast. That’s why today, we're celebrating yeast in our final instalment of the Dorking Brewery 101 series.
In case you didn’t already know, we're passionate about crafting exceptional beers at Dorking Brewery. We want to tantalise taste buds, quench thirst and brew a beer you never get tired of going back to. That means we know that the quality of our beer starts with the quality of our ingredients, including the humble yet mighty yeast.
Much like all other elements of the beer brewing process, yeast is an essential ingredient that transforms wort (the sugary liquid extracted from malted barley) into the beloved beverage we call beer. Through fermentation, yeast consumes the sugars in the wort, which results in a range of benefits that give each beer its unique character.
Today, we are delving into the fascinating world of yeast and discovering its significant role in creating the beers that we brew and you love.
Yeast: The Unsung Hero of Brewing
Yeast may sound like we’re about to bake a loaf of bread, but it's the heart and soul of every beer. So, what exactly is this microscopic marvel?
Yeast: A Tiny Fungus with a Big Job
Yeast is a single-celled microorganism, a fungus type that plays a crucial role in brewing. These tiny cells are powerhouses of fermentation, converting sugars into alcohol, carbon dioxide, and flavour compounds.
Types of Brewery Yeast
There are two main categories of yeast used in brewing:
- Ale Yeast: This type of yeast ferments at warmer temperatures and typically rises to the top of the fermentation vessel. It produces a wide range of flavours, including fruity esters and spicy phenols, contributing to the complexity of many ale styles.
- Lager Yeast: This yeast ferments at cooler temperatures and settles to the bottom of the vessel. It produces a cleaner, crisper flavour profile characteristic of lagers and pilsners.
Dorking Brewery's Approach
At Dorking Brewery, we carefully select yeast strains to match the specific characteristics of each beer style we brew. We understand that yeast plays a crucial role in shaping the final flavour profile, and we choose yeasts that complement the malt, hops, and other ingredients to create a harmonious and delicious beer. Whether it's a classic ale, a crisp lager, or a unique specialty brew, our yeast selection is critical in our pursuit of brewing excellence.
When you visit the Dorking Brewery shop, you can see the yeast used in each beer so you can get an idea of how the beer will taste. For example, in our Surrey XPA and Pilcrow Pale, we use a West Coast Ale Yeast, which is ideal for bringing a signature classic American ale taste to our beers.
The Fermentation Process: Yeast in Action
Fermentation is where the magic happens in brewing. It's the process that transforms the sweet, sugary wort into the flavorful, alcoholic beverage we know and love. And at the heart of this transformation is, you guessed it, yeast!
The Fermentation Fundamentals
In simple terms, fermentation is like a microscopic feast for the yeast. We introduce the yeast to the wort, and the yeast cells consume the sugars, converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process also generates heat and a range of flavours that contribute to the beer's character.
Top-Fermenting vs. Bottom-Fermenting
As mentioned earlier, different types of yeast have different fermentation characteristics.
- Top-fermenting yeasts (typically ale yeasts) prefer warmer temperatures and tend to rise to the top of the fermentation vessel, creating a thick, foamy head. They produce a more comprehensive range of flavour compounds, contributing to the fruity, spicy, or fresh notes often found in ales.
- Bottom-fermenting yeasts (typically lager yeasts) prefer cooler temperatures and settle to the bottom of the vessel during fermentation. They produce a cleaner, crisper flavour profile, characteristic of lagers and pilsners.
Factors Affecting Fermentation
Several factors influence the fermentation process and the outcome of the beer:
- Temperature: Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for yeast health and optimal fermentation. Different yeast strains have different temperature preferences.
- Time: The duration of fermentation varies depending on the beer style and the yeast used. Longer fermentation times can lead to drier, more attenuated beers.
- Yeast Health: Ensuring the yeast is healthy and vigorous is essential for successful fermentation. This involves pitching (adding) the right amount of yeast and providing it with the necessary nutrients.
Dorking Brewery's Expertise
At Dorking Brewery, we take great care in the fermentation process to achieve each beer's desired flavour profile and quality. We carefully monitor temperature, time, and yeast health, ensuring that fermentation progresses smoothly and efficiently. Our brewers deeply understand yeast behaviour and adjust the fermentation conditions to create the perfect environment for each beer style.
This attention to detail and expertise in fermentation are key factors in the consistent quality and premium taste of Dorking Brewery's beers. It's a testament to our commitment to using the finest ingredients and mastering the art of brewing.
Yeast and Flavor: Beyond the Bubbles
While hops and malt often take centre stage in discussions of beer flavour, yeast plays a crucial role in shaping the final taste profile. Different yeast strains produce a variety of compounds during fermentation that contribute to the wide range of flavours we find in beer.
Yeast's Flavorful Footprint
- Esters: These chemical compounds contribute fruity flavours to many types of alcohol, such as beer, wine, and even sake!
- Phenols: Phenols can create spicy, clove-like, or even medicinal flavours, familiar in certain Belgian ales and wheat beers.
- Other Compounds: Yeast also produces various compounds that contribute to beer flavour, including alcohols, organic acids, and sulfur compounds, which can add complexity and depth.
Dorking Brewery's Flavorful Creations
At Dorking Brewery, we carefully select yeast strains to complement the other ingredients and create a harmonious taste experience. Here’s more information about two of our beers that are highly influenced by the choice of yeast.
Five Claw
Five Claw is a powerful West Coast IPA that explodes with tropical fruit aromas thanks to a blend of six different hops and a distinct American ale yeast. This yeast strain enhances the citrusy and floral hop notes and contributes to a subtle fruitiness that complements the beer's bold character. The result is an authentic West Coast IPA that is both refreshing and hard to put down.
DB One (Best Bitter)
Our flagship beer, DB One, is a testament to traditional British brewing. Brewed with 100% English malt and a classic British ale yeast, this easy-drinking Best Bitter delivers a balanced malt profile with subtle earthy and spicy notes from the Bobek and Bramling Cross hops. The yeast plays a crucial role in creating the smooth, satisfying finish that makes this beer a true classic.
Final Thoughts
As we've explored in this journey through the world of yeast, this tiny organism plays a monumental role in creating the diverse and delicious beers we enjoy. From the fermentation process to the development of complex flavours, yeast is truly the unsung hero of brewing.
We encourage you to explore the fascinating world of beer with a newfound appreciation for the magic of yeast. Discover the nuances of different beer styles, experiment with new flavours, and savour the artistry of brewing.
Visit Dorking Brewery
Experience the passion and craftsmanship that goes into every pint of Dorking Brewery beer. Visit our taproom, sample our latest creations, and learn more about our brewing process. We're always happy to share our love of beer and the fascinating world of yeast!