Scotch Whisky Yeast | White Labs WLP045 Yeast | Vault Strain
White Labs WLP045 Scotch Whisky Yeast
White Labs WLP045 Scotch Whisky Yeast is a Vault strain for Scotch and American-style whiskey fermentation. White Labs reports that the culture has been used in Scotch whisky production since the early 1950s. It produces a complex mix of esters and fusel alcohols along with a spicy, clover-like character.
Choose WLP045 when the fermentation should contribute character rather than disappear into the background. Its 75% - 80% attenuation, medium flocculation, and high alcohol tolerance make it a practical liquid culture for grain-based spirit washes.
Fermentation profile
- White Labs part number: WLP045
- Availability: White Labs Vault strain
- Recommended use: Scotch whisky and American-style whiskey
- Attenuation: 75% - 80%
- Flocculation: Medium
- Alcohol tolerance: High, 10% - 15% ABV
- Fermentation temperature: 72°F - 77°F / 22°C - 25°C
- STA1: Positive
Flavor and fermentation character
White Labs describes WLP045 as producing complex esters and fusel alcohols with a spicy clover note. In a spirit fermentation, those compounds help shape the character carried forward into the finished distillate. Fermentation temperature, grain bill, gravity, pitch rate, yeast nutrition, and distillation choices will all affect the final result.
Using WLP045
Keep the pouch refrigerated until use and follow the date and pitching guidance on the package. For a high-gravity wash, pitch enough healthy yeast for the batch size and starting gravity, provide appropriate oxygen at pitching, and use complete yeast nutrition. Hold the fermentation within 72°F - 77°F for the profile published by White Labs.
Alcohol tolerance is not a promise of final strength. Starting gravity, fermentable sugar composition, pH, nutrient availability, temperature, and yeast health all influence where fermentation finishes.
STA1-positive strain handling
White Labs lists WLP045 as STA1-positive. STA1-positive yeast can ferment some dextrins that many standard brewing strains leave behind. Clean and sanitize equipment carefully, and avoid carrying this culture into beer fermentations where additional attenuation would be unwanted. For any beverage that will be packaged without distillation, confirm that gravity is stable before packaging.
Vault availability, storage, and shipping
WLP045 is part of the White Labs Vault collection, so availability may be intermittent. Store the culture cold until fermentation day. During warm-weather shipping, add yeast shipping protection to help limit heat exposure in transit. An ice pack may arrive melted; its purpose is to buffer the shipment, not keep it refrigerator-cold for the entire trip.
Compare more cultures in our distilling yeast collection, or browse the complete White Labs yeast selection.
Frequently asked questions
What is WLP045 best used for?
White Labs recommends WLP045 for Scotch whisky and American-style whiskey fermentations. It is a characterful distilling strain rather than a neutral brewer's yeast.
What temperature should WLP045 ferment at?
White Labs lists 72°F - 77°F / 22°C - 25°C.
Is WLP045 available year-round?
It is a White Labs Vault strain, so availability can be limited or intermittent. The stock status on this page reflects current SoCal Brewing Supply availability.