This article is one in a series describing the seasonal yeasts put out by our liquid yeast manufacturers. This one is..
White Labs WLP002 Essex Ale Yeast
“[A] flavorful British style yeast. Drier finish than many British ale yeast. Produces slightly fruity and bready character. Good top fermenting yeast strain, is well suited for top cropping (collecting). This yeast is well suited for classic British milds, pale ales, bitters, and stouts. Does not flocculate as much as WLP002 and WLP005.”
Vital stats:
Attenuation – 71-76%
Flocculation – Medium to High
Optimum Ferment Temp. – 66-70°F
Alcohol Tolerance – Medium
Rumored to be from Ridley’s Ale near Chelmsford, UK.
As a big fan of English-style session ales, I’m a big fan of this yeast for my bitters. Aromatics are lightly fruity without interfering with the malt and hop aromas. It perfectly accentuates the malt character. Finishes nice and dry, which allows the bitterness to linger pleasantly. Here’s my latest recipe.
Manufactured in January & February. Could be available through July.
Be sure to check out the other seasonal yeasts for this period:
White Labs: 835 German Lager X
Wyeast: 1026-PC British Cask Ale™, 1768-PC English Special Bitter™, 1882-PC Thames Valley Ale II™