WLP001 California Ale Yeast is a benchmark American ale strain known for clean flavor, dependable fermentation, and exceptional versatility. It is widely considered the go-to choice for hop-forward beers because it stays neutral and crisp, allowing hop flavor and aroma to take center stage while still providing solid attenuation – even in higher-gravity brewing.

WLP001 typically finishes on the drier side, helping create bright, snappy beers with a clean malt profile and a crisp finish. Medium flocculation supports good clarity with conditioning, and with a healthy pitch and steady temperature control, this strain is quick to reabsorb diacetyl for a polished result. From IPA to porter – and even clean “hybrid” ales like kölsch-style beers – WLP001 is an excellent all-around house yeast.

Highlights

• Clean, neutral flavor with quick diacetyl reabsorption
• Accentuates hop flavor and aroma in IPAs and hoppy styles
• Produces clean, crisp results across a wide range of ales
• Strong attenuation for a drier finish, including in higher-gravity brews
• Available in Liquid and Dry formats
• PurePitch® Next Generation packaging for consistent, reliable pitching

Brewing Notes

• For the cleanest profile, keep fermentation steady in the mid-60s °F. Warmer fermentation can increase ester expression slightly, depending on wort and process.
• WLP001 is a great match for modern hopping: late hop additions and dry hopping shine when the yeast stays neutral and finishes crisp.
• For high-gravity beers, plan for healthy pitch rates and adequate oxygenation to support strong attenuation and a clean finish.
• If you detect buttery notes, a short warm finish near the end of fermentation can help ensure complete diacetyl cleanup.

Storage and Handling

• Store refrigerated until use.
• Allow the pouch to warm toward fermentation temperature before pitching to reduce temperature shock.
• Consider a starter and/or increased pitch rate for higher-gravity worts based on your process.
• If using the dry format, follow standard dry yeast rehydration or direct-pitch practices based on your preferred process.

Tech Specs

• Attenuation: 73-85%
• Flocculation: Medium
• Alcohol Tolerance: 10-15%
• Fermentation Temp: 64-73°F (18-23°C)
• STA1: Negative
• Popular Styles: American IPA, American Wheat, Barleywine, Blonde Ale, Brown Ale, California Common, Cider, Double IPA, Dry Mead, Imperial Stout, Old Ale, Pale Ale, Porter, Red Ale, Stout, Sweet Mead, Kölsch