Brettanomyces bruxellensis | Wyeast 5112 Yeast
Brettanomyces bruxellensis | Wyeast 5112 Yeast
Classic Brett Character for Funky, Rustic, and Wild Fermentations
Wyeast 5112 Brettanomyces bruxellensis is a classic wild yeast strain used by brewers and blenders around the world to introduce complex funky, earthy, and lightly tart characteristics to beer. Often associated with Belgian lambic, gueuze, farmhouse ales, and mixed fermentation projects, this strain produces the signature “barnyard” funk and can also develop fruity esters and light acidity over time.
Brettanomyces bruxellensis is typically used in secondary fermentation, where it slowly attenuates remaining sugars and continues to evolve over weeks, months, or even years. It thrives in low-nutrient, high-alcohol environments, making it ideal for bottle conditioning, aging in barrels, or blending into sour beer projects.
Key Characteristics:
- Species: Brettanomyces bruxellensis
- Flocculation: Low
- Attenuation: 70% - 85% (often over extended time)
- Fermentation Temperature Range: 60°F - 75°F (16°C - 24°C)
- Alcohol Tolerance: 12% ABV
- Recommended Styles: Lambic, Gueuze, American Wild Ale, Saison, Brett Beer, Barrel-Aged Ales, Farmhouse Ale
Why Choose Wyeast 5112 Brettanomyces?
- Authentic Brett Character: Delivers traditional barnyard funk, fruity esters, light tartness, and dry finishes
- Ideal for Secondary Fermentation: Excellent for bottle conditioning, barrels, and long aging cycles
- Versatile in Mixed Culture Fermentation: Complements lactic acid bacteria and Saccharomyces for complex sour beers
Use with Wyeast Yeast Nutrient for Robust Performance
For optimal results, especially in mixed culture environments or nutrient-poor conditions, we recommend adding Wyeast Yeast Nutrient available from SoCal Brewing Supply. It supports yeast vitality, reduces lag time, and helps prevent sluggish secondary fermentation, especially when aging over extended periods.
How We Store and Ship Wyeast Brettanomyces
SoCal Brewing Supply stores all Wyeast liquid cultures under refrigeration with 24-hour temperature monitoring to ensure top-tier viability and freshness. For safe shipping, we recommend including an ice pack add-on for yeast shipping from SoCal Brewing Supply to help buffer the culture against temperature swings in transit.
Note: Ice packs will usually arrive melted. This is normal—they're designed to reduce thermal shock, not stay frozen during the full shipment process.