Fermentis has launched a new active dry yeast and enzyme mix designed for brewing low carb, dry lagers

The latest addition to its SafBrew line, LD-20, combines a strong popular lager yeast strain with a precisely selected enzyme to help brewers create typical lagers that are lower in carbohydrates and calories.

The balanced blend of active dry yeast and enzyme in SafBrew LD-20 produces drinkable, clean, crisp and fairly neutral lagers, with no defects, in many different brewing conditions, performing remarkably well at low temperatures (above 12° C / 53,6° F), the company said.

Because both elements are present in one product, brewers are not required to pitch two times. In fact, brewers can pitch directly into the wort, depending on their equipment and preferences.

Most beers, regardless of their potential bitterness or acidity, are generally high in sugar content (complex carbohydrates).

The company added: “Depending on the specific beer they want to brew, SafBrew LD-20 enables brewers to drop the sugar content in their wort by up to 20%, which means the finished beer will contain up to 20%  less sugars than a beer fermented with a standard yeast strain.

“SafBrew™ LD-20 works by being able to break down complex sugars, including polysaccharides like maltotriose, which yeasts alone can’t do.

“The amyloglucosidase (AMG) in SafBrew™ LD-20 processes all complex sugars, so up to 100% of the sugar content can be fermented by the yeast.

“100% attenuation produces a dryer beer and stronger alcohol content when using the same wort. And of course, by fermenting all the sugar, the result is a significant reduction in carbohydrates.”