Liquid Yeast – Escarpment English Ale II

For those embarking on the art of brewing, the Escarpment English Ale II yeast offers a trusty, versatile foundation for a variety of brews. Developed by Escarpment Laboratories, this liquid yeast strain embodies the classic characteristics cherished in both British and American-style ales, making it an excellent house yeast for brewers seeking consistency across batches.

Unique Characteristics

Escarpment English Ale II is renowned for its well-rounded flavour profile, characterized by notes of fruit jam and a malty backbone. This balance makes it particularly suitable for crafting distinctive ales that are both rich in flavour and aroma. The strain boasts a standard supply rate of over 180 billion cells per pouch, giving you a robust starting cell count for a healthy fermentation.

Beer Styles and Performance

This yeast shines in a variety of Pale American Ales, American IPAs, Stouts, and Porters. Whether you’re aiming for a smooth, drinkable Pale Ale or a rich, robust Stout, English Ale II supports and enhances the inherent flavours of each style. With an attenuation rate ranging from 72% to 80%, it offers a balanced dryness that complements the malt and hop profiles perfectly.

Brewing Tips

Start your fermentation within the temperature range of 18–22°C (64–72°F) to ensure optimal yeast performance. The strain exhibits very high flocculation, meaning it will settle well at the end of fermentation, resulting in clearer beer. Its medium alcohol tolerance demands a bit of consideration, but it typically supports alcohol levels sufficient for most ales without issue.

Pairings and Comparisons

Given its fruit-forward profile, consider pairing Escarpment English Ale II with English or American hops that offer complementary citrus or floral notes. Malts such as Maris Otter or Munich can enhance its maltiness, making it a strong candidate for blending when you’re looking to build depth in your beer’s character. Despite its low biotransformation potential, this strain excels in traditional styles where the malt and yeast interplay is more about harmony than complexity.

Why Choose English Ale II?

Brewers might opt for English Ale II over other strains for its non-diastatic and non-phenolic properties, ensuring your beer has the desired body and flavour profile without any unexpected funky or spicy notes. This reliability and its versatility across styles make it a wise choice for those creating classic, clean-tasting ales with a delightful fruitiness and a malt-forward essence. Allow Escarpment English Ale II to be your go-to for all your English and American ale brewing needs, knowing you’re backed by a yeast that measures up with every batch.