Imperial Harvest is a highly revered lager yeast strain that is beloved by brewers for its incredible versatility. As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of working with this strain on numerous occasions, and it never fails to impress me with its exceptional fermentation capabilities.
One of the standout characteristics of Imperial Harvest is its ability to ferment a wide range of lager styles. Whether you're brewing a crisp and refreshing Pilsner, a robust and malty Oktoberfest, or a smooth and rich Bock, this yeast strain can handle it all with ease. It adapts effortlessly to different fermentation conditions and consistently produces excellent results across the board.
Another notable feature of Imperial Harvest is its flocculation characteristics. Flocculation refers to the clumping together and settling of yeast cells during fermentation. This strain exhibits good flocculation, which means that it forms compact yeast cakes at the bottom of the fermentation vessel, making it easier to separate the beer from the yeast during the aging process. This not only facilitates a clearer and brighter final product but also simplifies the overall brewing process.
Furthermore, Imperial Harvest is known for its low sulfur production. Sulfur compounds can sometimes be undesirable in beer, as they can impart off-flavors and aromas reminiscent of rotten eggs or burning matches. With this strain, however, you can expect minimal sulfur production, ensuring that the focus remains on the desired flavors and aromas of the beer style you are brewing.
Diacetyl, a compound that can contribute a buttery or butterscotch-like flavor to beer, is also kept in check by Imperial Harvest. This strain produces low levels of diacetyl, allowing the true character of the lager style to shine through without any unwanted off-flavors.
In my personal experience, I have found Imperial Harvest to be an incredibly reliable and consistent yeast strain. It consistently produces clean and crisp lagers with a smooth mouthfeel and a well-rounded flavor profile. I have used it to brew traditional German lagers, such as Märzens and Dunkels, as well as more experimental styles like IPLs (India Pale Lagers), and it has never disappointed me.
To summarize the qualities of Imperial Harvest:
– Versatile, capable of fermenting a wide range of lager styles
– Exhibits good flocculation, facilitating a clear and bright final product
– Produces low levels of sulfur, avoiding undesirable off-flavors
– Low diacetyl production, allowing the true character of the beer style to shine through
Imperial Harvest is a strain that any brewer would be thrilled to work with. Its adaptability, flocculation characteristics, and low sulfur and diacetyl production make it a stand-out choice for brewing exceptional lagers. Whether you're a professional brewer or a homebrew enthusiast, this yeast strain will undoubtedly elevate your lager brewing game to new heights.