SafAle K-97 (German Ale / Kölsch)
Authentic German Ale Character • Kölsch-Style Crispness • Lager-Like Cleanliness, Ale-Speed Fermentation
SafAle K-97 is a German ale strain prized for producing crisp, clean, delicately balanced beers in the Kölsch and Altbier tradition — top-fermenting speed with nearly bottom-fermented polish. It captures that elusive middle ground between ale and lager that defines Cologne's and Düsseldorf's signature styles.
With 82% attenuation and high flocculation, K-97 ferments dry and crisp, then settles well to leave the pale, brilliant beer these styles demand.
Flavor & Aroma Profile
- Crisp, clean, subtly vinous German ale character
- Delicate white wine and pear notes
- Low ester production for an ale strain
- Dry, refreshing finish
- Soft floral lift that flatters noble hops
Fermented at the cool end, K-97 is remarkably lager-like and laser clean; warmer fermentation coaxes out gentle fruit while keeping the profile bright. Expect a vigorous, high-krausen fermentation — leave generous headspace.
Brewing Applications
SafAle K-97 is a staple ingredient in many German and hybrid styles, including:
- Kölsch
- Altbier
- German Pale Ale
- Wheat Beer (clean-profile)
- Cream Ale
- Pseudo-Lager
It is also a handy strain for crisp blonde ales when you want lager drinkability without lager timelines.
Usage Recommendations
Pitch one 11.5 g sachet into 5 gallons of standard-gravity wort, fermenting at 59–68°F. Ferment near 60–62°F for the cleanest, most Kölsch-true result, or warmer for quicker turnaround with light fruitiness.
After fermentation, cold-condition the beer for two to three weeks near freezing — the traditional brief lagering that gives Kölsch its signature smooth, polished finish.
Specifications
- Attenuation: 82%
- Flocculation: High
- Fermentation Temperature: 59–68°F
- Format: 11.5 g dry sachet
- Beer Styles: Kölsch, altbier, German pale ales, cream ales, pseudo-lagers
Whether you're crafting an authentic Kölsch, a coppery Altbier, or a crisp golden ale with lager-like finesse, SafAle K-97 delivers genuine German brewing character on an ale brewer's schedule.
Description
Authentic German Ale Character • Kölsch-Style Crispness • Lager-Like Cleanliness, Ale-Speed Fermentation
SafAle K-97 is a German ale strain prized for producing crisp, clean, delicately balanced beers in the Kölsch and Altbier tradition — top-fermenting speed with nearly bottom-fermented polish. It captures that elusive middle ground between ale and lager that defines Cologne's and Düsseldorf's signature styles.
With 82% attenuation and high flocculation, K-97 ferments dry and crisp, then settles well to leave the pale, brilliant beer these styles demand.
Flavor & Aroma Profile
- Crisp, clean, subtly vinous German ale character
- Delicate white wine and pear notes
- Low ester production for an ale strain
- Dry, refreshing finish
- Soft floral lift that flatters noble hops
Fermented at the cool end, K-97 is remarkably lager-like and laser clean; warmer fermentation coaxes out gentle fruit while keeping the profile bright. Expect a vigorous, high-krausen fermentation — leave generous headspace.
Brewing Applications
SafAle K-97 is a staple ingredient in many German and hybrid styles, including:
- Kölsch
- Altbier
- German Pale Ale
- Wheat Beer (clean-profile)
- Cream Ale
- Pseudo-Lager
It is also a handy strain for crisp blonde ales when you want lager drinkability without lager timelines.
Usage Recommendations
Pitch one 11.5 g sachet into 5 gallons of standard-gravity wort, fermenting at 59–68°F. Ferment near 60–62°F for the cleanest, most Kölsch-true result, or warmer for quicker turnaround with light fruitiness.
After fermentation, cold-condition the beer for two to three weeks near freezing — the traditional brief lagering that gives Kölsch its signature smooth, polished finish.
Specifications
- Attenuation: 82%
- Flocculation: High
- Fermentation Temperature: 59–68°F
- Format: 11.5 g dry sachet
- Beer Styles: Kölsch, altbier, German pale ales, cream ales, pseudo-lagers
Whether you're crafting an authentic Kölsch, a coppery Altbier, or a crisp golden ale with lager-like finesse, SafAle K-97 delivers genuine German brewing character on an ale brewer's schedule.
