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WLP550 Belgian Ale Yeast

  • Organic Strains
  • Yeast: Specialty/Belgian

ATTENUATION :

78% - 85%

FLOCCULATION :

Medium

ALCOHOL TOLERANCE :

High (10-15%)

FERMENTATION TEMPERATURE :

68° - 78° F
20° - 26° C

STA1 :

Negative

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Description

WLP550 Belgian Ale Yeast is a very expressive, phenol-forward strain that produces flavors and aromas reminiscent of clove, allspice, and cracked peppercorn, layered over a soft, fruity ester character. Its versatility and medium-to-high alcohol tolerance make it one of the most widely used strains for classic Belgian styles — from delicate table beers to rich, malt-driven ales.
 

Saison
In Saison production, WLP550's spicy phenolics and dry, high-attenuation profile are essential to the style's signature peppery, effervescent character. Fermented on the warmer end of its range, it produces a more pronounced clove and pepper spice with a crisp, bone-dry finish that pairs naturally with the rustic, farmhouse quality Saisons are known for.

Witbier
For Witbier, WLP550 complements the traditional addition of coriander and orange peel — its own clove and allspice character reinforces the spice notes brewers add rather than clashing with them, while its soft ester profile supports the style's light, refreshing citrus and wheat character.

Belgian Blonde
In a Belgian Blonde Ale, WLP550's fruity esters take a more prominent role, contributing notes of pear and light stone fruit alongside its signature spice, while moderate attenuation keeps the beer light-bodied and easy-drinking despite a moderate-to-high starting gravity.

Belgian Brown / Dubbel
For Belgian Brown Ales and Dubbels, WLP550's higher alcohol tolerance lets it ferment cleanly through richer, higher-gravity worts, where its spice character rounds out dark caramel and dried fruit malt flavors from specialty malts and dark candi sugar.

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  • Part No: WLP550
  • Part Name: WLP550 Belgian Ale Yeast
  • Also Available in Organic: Yes
  • STA1 QC Result: Negative
  • Type: Core
Check out beer data from White Labs Brewing Co using this strain

Suggested styles for WLP550 Belgian Ale Yeast
  • Belgian Dark Strong Ale
  • Belgian Dubbel
  • Belgian Tripel
  • Saison
  • Witbier