Risks and Control of Wild Yeasts in Modern Brewing

In most breweries, wild yeasts are more of a nightmare than a useful resource. Except in specific cases, such as lambic beers, where they are allowed to work freely, their presence usually causes problems: unexpected flavors, uncontrolled carbonation, and beers that change completely just when they should be ready to drink. They are unwelcome visitors that sneak in at the slightest oversight and can ruin weeks of work. That's why understanding how they arrive, what they do, and how to recognize them in time is almost as important as choosing the right malt or hops. 

Main contaminating wild yeasts

Generally, we can find four main groups:

• Other Saccharomyces species
• Brettanomyces spp. (Dekkera)
• Pichia spp.
• Candida spp.

These microorganisms can transform our beers into unusable products, imparting unwanted flavors and aromas. In addition, they are capable of forming biofilms, which makes their eradication from equipment and manufacturing sites much more complicated. 

Controlled uses and opportunities

Some very specific species can be interesting for certain types of beer, adding unique aromas and flavors. But their use requires constant monitoring, as lack of control can ruin the product. 

Control and detection at Alpha Biosciences

Whether to prevent contamination or for the intentional use of wild yeasts, keeping them under control is essential. At Alpha Biosciences, we have been working for years with specialized culture media for this purpose: 

• LIN’S CUPRIC SULFATE MEDIUM (L12-217): detection of non-Saccharomyces yeasts 
• LIN’S WILD YEAST MEDIUM (L12-218): detection of wild Saccharomyces yeasts and Candida spp. 

With these tools, brewers can keep their beers safe from unexpected contamination while safely exploring new flavor possibilities. 

At Alpha Biosciences, we help you keep your beers free from unwanted contamination and safely take advantage of wild yeasts when you need them. We offer specialized culture media and expert advice at every stage of the process. Contact us and discover how we can help you achieve the highest quality beers.