[Iliff Ave]

For those interested...

Hello Chris,
 
Thank you for contacting Fermentis.
 
We are currently in the process of releasing both of those strains in the 11.5g sachets.  The first to be released will be the K-97 and in a few months we will be releasing the S-189 (we are working on the packaging and SKUs).  We will also be introducing Safcider in a home size sachet (most likely a 5g) for home cider making.
 
I am not sure what the expected dates are for the release, but they will be in 2015 some time.  Please be on the look out for the new home brewing and cider making strains.
 
Thank you

[denny]

Great news!  I LOVE S-189!

[Iliff Ave]

Great news!  I LOVE S-189!

Is there a wlp/wy equivalent? What styles is it good for?

[AmandaK]

Great news!  I LOVE S-189!

What do you use S-189 for? I mean, obviously lagers, but what styles is it suited best to?

[denny]

Great news!  I LOVE S-189!

What do you use S-189 for? I mean, obviously lagers, but what styles is it suited best to?

Malty stuff, like dunkel, bock, and maibock.  But it makes a pretty good German pils, too!

[HoosierBrew]

Sounds great. I'd like to try it.

[majorvices]

Great news!  I LOVE S-189!

What do you use S-189 for? I mean, obviously lagers, but what styles is it suited best to?

Malty stuff, like dunkel, bock, and maibock.  But it makes a pretty good German pils, too!

Yes, it's a great all around lager strain. It ferments great at cold temps, 48-50, unlike some  dry lager strains which seem to work better at warmer temps. very clean, very low diacetyl producer and drops bright.

[beersk]

That's good. I know that Atlantic Brewing Supply has S-189, I hope other homebrew shops get it. I like Saflager 34/70 as well. Will be good to have more options for dry yeast.

[tommymorris]

What about K-97? What beer styles is it good for?

[S. cerevisiae]

S-189 is the Samichlaus (Santa Claus) yeast strain.  The strain was developed by Albert Hürlimann.  It can handle big lagers.  S-189 is WLP885 in dry form.

[Iliff Ave]

What about K-97? What beer styles is it good for?

I believe this is a German ale strain that is great for altbier. I hope it is good for kolsch too but assume it may not be as appropriate for both. Others with have to chime in with more information...

[dmtaylor]

What about K-97? What beer styles is it good for?

I haven't tried it yet but my notes (based on recent review of many interwebs reviews) say it's nearly equivalent to Wyeast 1007 altbier yeast but perhaps accentuates the malt flavor even more than 1007.  Sounds good to me!

[denny]

What about K-97? What beer styles is it good for?

Haven't used it, but my understanding is that it's meant for alt.

[erockrph]

Does anyone have enough experience with both S-189 and 34/70 to compare the two? Is one better for fuller, maltier styles or for crisp, dry styles?

[denny]

Does anyone have enough experience with both S-189 and 34/70 to compare the two? Is one better for fuller, maltier styles or for crisp, dry styles?

Yep.  S-189 for the maltier stuff, 34/70 for drier stuff.  But it's not a hard line...either can be used either way.  It's more that each has qualities that will enhance a certain style, but not make it unsuitable for another style.