LAX: Clean West Coast IPA Dry Yeast (11g)

LAX: Clean West Coast IPA Dry Yeast

LAX is a high-performance Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain, often referred to as the “Chico” strain, which has become the backbone of the American craft brewing revolution. It is prized by professional brewers for its remarkably neutral fermentation, producing very low levels of esters and phenols. This “blank canvas” quality makes it the perfect vehicle for showcasing complex hop profiles, particularly the citrus, pine, and resinous notes synonymous with West Coast IPAs. With a wide fermentation temperature range (17°C – 23°C) and robust attenuation, LAX delivers a reliably dry finish that enhances the perceived bitterness and refreshment of the beer. Its medium-to-high flocculation ensures that while it stays in suspension long enough to finish the job, it eventually settles out to produce a bright, clear product. Whether you are brewing a flagship Pale Ale, a resinous Double IPA, or a clean American Stout, LAX provides the consistency and purity required for world-class results.

Key Benefits

• Ultra-Neutral Profile: Minimal ester production ensures hops and malts remain the focus.
• Reliable Attenuation: Consistently achieves a dry, crisp finish for high drinkability.
• Versatile Performance: Suitable for a vast range of American and international ale styles.
• Stable Fermentation: Forgiving across a variety of temperatures and wort compositions.
• Good Flocculation: Settles well post-fermentation, aiding in clarity and yeast management.

Applications

• Brewing: The primary choice for West Coast IPAs, American Pale Ales, Double IPAs, Cream Ales, and American Porters/Stouts. Also excellent for Blonde Ales and Amber Ales.
• Cider Making: A great option for “New World” ciders where a clean, dry fermentation is desired to preserve the primary fruit aromatics of the apples.
• Distilling: Excellent for American Whiskey or Bourbon-style washes where a clean fermentation is needed to allow the grain bill to be the primary flavour driver.
• Winemaking: Not typically used in traditional winemaking, though suitable for neutral fruit wine bases.

Typical Usage

• Pitch Rate: 50–100g per hectolitre (hl) of wort.
• Standard Gravity (1.050): 50–70g/hl is usually sufficient for a healthy fermentation.
• High Gravity (>1.065): Increase pitch rate to 100g/hl to ensure a clean finish and avoid stress-related esters.
• Instruction: Sprinkle directly onto the wort surface. Oxygenation of the wort is recommended to ensure a strong start and optimal attenuation.

Technical Data / Properties

• Strain: Saccharomyces cerevisiae
• Fermentation Temperature: 17°C – 23°C (Ideal: 18°C – 21°C)
• Attenuation: 77% – 82%
• Flocculation: Medium to High
• ABV Tolerance: 12%
• Nitrogen Demand: Medium
• Ingredients: Yeast (98.8%–99.2%), Emulsifier E491 (Sorbitan Monostearate).

Storage and Handling

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place (5°C to 15°C). Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Shelf Life: 3 years from the date of production if the vacuum seal remains intact.
• Handling: Reseal the foil pack immediately after opening to exclude air. Store resealed packs in a refrigerator (0°C to 10°C) and use as soon as possible.

Summary

LAX is the definitive “house strain” for any brewery focused on clean, hop-forward American ales. By providing a dependable, neutral background and a crisp finish, it ensures that your hops are always the star of the show, delivering the professional quality and consistency that craft drinkers expect.