Premium Cider Yeast for Crisp, Clean Fermentation
Turn fresh-pressed juice or cider concentrate into delicious homemade hard cider with our Cider Yeast collection. Whether you’re crafting a dry English-style cider, a semi-sweet apple blend, or a bold fruit-infused variation, the right yeast can make all the difference in clarity, carbonation, and complexity.
Craft a Brew offers a wide selection of cider, ale, and wine yeasts—each chosen for reliability, performance, and the ability to highlight natural fruit character while producing a clean fermentation finish.
Top Cider Yeast Strains
- SafCider AB-1 – A balanced, all-purpose cider yeast that delivers bright apple aroma and medium dryness.
- SafCider TF-6 – Accentuates fruity esters and retains a soft, full mouthfeel—ideal for sweeter ciders.
- SafCider AS-2 – Produces a round, rich cider with low acidity and smooth finish.
- SafCider AC-4 – Creates crisp, dry ciders with great aromatic balance and clean fermentation.
- Lalvin EC-1118 – A strong fermenter with high alcohol tolerance for dry, sparkling ciders.
- LalBrew Nottingham Ale Yeast – A versatile option for clean, medium-bodied ciders that ferment quickly and consistently.
What’s Inside the Cider Yeast Collection
- Dedicated Cider Yeasts – SafCider strains AB-1, AC-4, AS-2, and TF-6 provide excellent control over dryness and fruit intensity.
- Wine Yeasts – Options like K1-V1116 and Premier Blanc produce crisp, clean fermentations with high alcohol tolerance.
- Ale Yeasts – English strains such as SafAle S-04 and Nottingham enhance body and roundness in modern craft cider styles.
- Specialty Yeasts – Experiment with Fruity Ale Yeast for expressive esters or Cote des Blancs for subtle fruit enhancement.
Why Use Specialized Cider Yeast?
- Cleaner Flavor – Cider-specific strains reduce off-flavors and highlight the natural apple and fruit notes.
- Control Sweetness – Choose a strain based on desired dryness, from semi-sweet to bone dry.
- Reliable Fermentation – Engineered to perform in low-nutrient environments typical of apple juice.
- Consistency – Achieve repeatable results from batch to batch with predictable performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What yeast should I use for dry cider?
SafCider AC-4 and Lalvin EC-1118 are excellent for clean, crisp, fully dry ciders.
How can I make a sweeter cider?
Use SafCider TF-6 or Lalvin 71B to preserve natural sweetness and enhance fruit aroma. Stabilize before backsweetening if desired.
Can I use ale yeast to ferment cider?
Yes. Yeasts like Nottingham and S-04 create smooth, malty ciders with fuller body.
Do I need to add nutrients when fermenting cider?
It’s recommended. Cider juice is often nutrient-poor, so adding yeast nutrient or energizer ensures a healthy fermentation.
What temperature should I ferment cider yeast at?
Most cider yeasts perform best between 60–70°F. Cooler temperatures yield cleaner ciders, while warmer fermentations can enhance fruity esters.
Ferment Crisp, Refreshing Ciders
Bring out the best in every apple with our Cider Yeast collection. Whether you prefer dry and sparkling or smooth and sweet, Craft a Brew has the perfect yeast to match your flavor goals.
