Yeast is available in two forms, dry and liquid. It also
divided into a wide variety of strains. The dry varieties are usually general ale yeast
providing an easy reliable fermentation, however their characteristics may be variable and
their purity questionable. Liquid cultures provide the brewer with pure strains suited to
specific styles of beer. The liquid cultures require a little more attention as the yeast
require a start up period of one or two days.
Liquid cultures are also the best source of true cold fermenting lager strains. Most dry
yeast users will notice a decrease in fruity esters and a longer fermentation with liquid
yeast. |