Bohemian Lager Yeast | Wyeast 2124 Yeast
Wyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager Yeast for Crisp Czech and European Lagers
Wyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager Yeast is one of the world’s most established lager strains and a classic choice for brewers making pilsner, helles, festbier, bock, and other traditional European lagers. Wyeast describes it as a Carlsberg-type lager strain that produces a distinct malty profile with some ester character and a crisp finish, making it a highly versatile option for both classic continental lager brewing and modern cold-fermented styles.
This strain offers 73% to 77% apparent attenuation, low-medium flocculation, 9% ABV tolerance, and a broad working temperature range of 45 to 68°F. For most traditional lagers and pilsners, it performs best in the lower end of that range, while warmer fermentation can be used more intentionally for styles like California Common. Wyeast also recommends a thorough diacetyl rest once primary fermentation is nearing completion.
What Wyeast 2124 Contributes to Beer
- Classic lager profile: Clean fermentation with crisp finish and enough malt expression to support traditional continental styles
- Strong versatility: Useful across pilsner, helles, märzen, bock, and other European lagers
- Balanced character: Keeps beers polished and drinkable without stripping away malt personality
- Proven performance: One of the most widely used lager strains in brewing
Wyeast 2124 Specifications
- Attenuation: 73% to 77%
- Flocculation: Low-Medium
- Alcohol tolerance: 9% ABV
- Fermentation temperature: 45 to 68°F (7 to 20°C)
Best Styles for Wyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager
- Czech Premium Pale Lager
- German Pilsner
- Munich Helles
- Festbier and Märzen
- Bock and Helles Bock
- Other classic European lager styles
Why Brewers Choose 2124
Wyeast 2124 is a favorite because it can produce crisp, refined lagers while still preserving the malt personality that makes continental lager styles feel complete rather than stripped down. In pilsner, it supports structure and drinkability. In malt-forward lager, it helps keep the beer elegant instead of heavy.
It is also a practical house strain for brewers who want one dependable lager yeast that can cover a wide range of recipes. If you ferment it cool and manage the finish properly, it delivers the kind of polished lager profile serious brewers expect.
Diacetyl Rest and Lager Handling
Wyeast recommends a thorough diacetyl rest after fermentation is complete or nearly complete. As with many lager strains, patience in temperature management and conditioning can make a meaningful difference in the finished beer.
Liquid Yeast Storage and Shipping
We store liquid yeast in temperature-monitored refrigeration to help maintain viability until shipment. Once in transit, weather and carrier handling are outside our control, so liquid yeast customers should consider shipping protection based on route and season.
Expedited shipping, insulated packaging, and ice packs can materially reduce risk during warmer transit windows. Dry yeast is generally much less risky to ship than liquid yeast.
Related Yeast and Brewing Resources
Browse our full range of brewing yeast for additional lager options, and review our yeast shipping best practices page before ordering liquid yeast in warm weather.
If you want a proven lager strain for clean, crisp European-style beer with real malt definition, Wyeast 2124 remains one of the safest and strongest choices available.