Introduction
In the world of brewing, yeast plays a crucial role in shaping the flavor, aroma, and character of a beer. It is the microscopic organism that converts the sugars in wort, the liquid mixture of fermented grains, into alcohol and carbon dioxide, the key components of beer. Among the various yeast strains available, NovaLager™ stands out as a versatile choice for crafting a wide range of lager styles. Developed by Lallemand, a leading supplier of yeast and brewing ingredients, NovaLager™ offers brewers a reliable and consistent performance. It is known for its ability to produce clean, crisp, and refreshing lagers with subtle fruity notes. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of lager styles, from pale lagers to Oktoberfest beers.
Distinctive Characteristics
NovaLager™ is a bottom-fermenting yeast strain, meaning it settles to the bottom of the fermentation vessel during the brewing process. This characteristic is typical of lager yeasts, which are known for producing clean, crisp, and refreshing beers.
NovaLager™ exhibits a moderate attenuation, which translates to a balance between fermentable and non-fermentable sugars. This balance contributes to the clean and dry profile often associated with lagers. Additionally, NovaLager™ imparts subtle hints of fruitiness, adding complexity to the overall flavor profile.
Effortless Fermentation
NovaLager™ is known for its robust and efficient fermentation performance. It can thrive in a wide range of fermentation temperatures, making it suitable for brewing various lager styles. Whether you prefer pale lagers, pilsners, or darker lagers like amber or Oktoberfest beers, NovaLager™ can reliably deliver the desired results.
Brewing Properties and Specifications
NovaLager™ is a medium-flocculant yeast strain with a moderate attenuation of 75% - 82%. It can ferment within a wide temperature range of 50-68°F (10-20°C). The optimal fermentation temperature for NovaLager™ is 58-62°F (14-17°C). This yeast strain has a low diacetyl production rate, and fermentation typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Aroma and Flavor
NovaLager™ imparts a clean, crisp, and refreshing flavor profile to beer. It can also contribute subtle fruity notes to the beer's aroma.
Appearance
NovaLager™ typically produces crystal-clear beer with a white head.
Applications and Benefits
NovaLager™ is a versatile yeast strain that can be used to brew a wide range of lager styles, including:
Pale Lagers: NovaLager™ lends itself perfectly to crafting classic pale lagers, characterized by their light color, crisp flavor, and clean finish.
Pilsners: For a true pilsner experience, NovaLager™ offers the right balance of crispness, bitterness, and subtle malt sweetness.
Amber Lagers: NovaLager™ can be employed to produce amber lagers, which feature a touch of caramel sweetness and a slightly deeper color compared to pale lagers.
Oktoberfest Beers: NovaLager™ is a popular choice for Oktoberfest beers, known for their rich caramelized malt character, subtle fruitiness, and slightly fuller body.
Suitable for All Brewer Levels
NovaLager™ is a user-friendly yeast strain that caters to brewers of all levels of experience. Its reliable performance and adaptability to various brewing conditions make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced brewers alike.