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WLP545 Belgian Strong Ale Yeast

  • Organic Strains
  • Yeast: Specialty/Belgian
  • Yeast: Vault

ATTENUATION :

78% - 85%

FLOCCULATION :

Medium

ALCOHOL TOLERANCE :

Very High (15%+)

FERMENTATION TEMPERATURE :

66° - 72° F
19° - 22° C

STA1 :

Positive

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Description

From the Ardennes region of Belgium, WLP545 Belgian Strong Ale Yeast is a classic strain that produces moderate levels of fruity esters and spicy phenolics, often described as dried sage and black cracked pepper, with a warming character that becomes more pronounced as alcohol content rises. High attenuation drives a dry, clean finish that keeps even the biggest beers from feeling heavy or cloying — making it a natural choice for high-gravity, complex Belgian styles.

Flavor Profile
WLP545 balances spice-forward phenolics — black pepper, clove, and dried herbs — against a soft, fruity ester backbone reminiscent of dark stone fruit, raisin, and a touch of banana. As alcohol content climbs, the strain develops a subtle warming character on the finish without harsh fusel notes, and its dry attenuation keeps the beer from tasting syrupy even at 8-10% ABV and above.

Abbey & Holiday Ale Use Cases
This strain is a natural fit for traditional Abbey-style ales — Dubbel, Tripel, and Belgian Quad — where its spice and dark fruit character complements caramelized sugar and dark candi sugar additions. It's equally well-suited to seasonal Belgian holiday ales, where brewers often layer in warming spices like cinnamon, clove, and orange peel; WLP545's own phenolic profile harmonizes with these additions rather than competing with them. For dark strong ales and Belgian Quads built for aging, the yeast's clean, dry finish gives the beer room to develop additional complexity in the bottle over time.

Pairing Recommendations
Beers made with WLP545 pair well with rich, warming foods that mirror their spice and dark fruit character: braised short ribs or duck, aged Gouda or Trappist-style cheeses, and dishes built around caramelized onions or root vegetables. For dessert, a Belgian Dubbel or holiday ale pairs naturally with spiced fruitcake, gingerbread, or dark chocolate — echoing the beer's own dried fruit and spice notes.

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  • Part No:

    WLP545

  • Part Name:

    WLP545 Belgian Strong Ale Yeast

  • Also Available in Organic:

    Yes

  • STA1 QC Result:

    Positive

  • Type:

    Vault
Suggested beer styles for WLP545 Belgian Strong Ale Yeast

Suggested styles for WLP545 Belgian Strong Ale Yeast
  • Belgian Dark Strong Ale
  • Belgian Dubbel
  • Belgian Pale Ale
  • Belgian Tripel
  • Saison