Wyeast's strain of lactobacillus (or lacto, as we affectionately call it) was originally isolated from a Belgian brewery where lactic sourness is a vital part of the beers they create. Beer styles that may include some lactobacillus include gueuzes, Flanders reds and browns, and of course, Berliner weiss beers. Lactobacillus is particularly sensitive to hop compounds, so be sure to use low hopping rates in beers you plan to inoculate with lacto (this is one reason Berliner weiss beers traditionally have such low hopping rates). Whereas Brettanomyces cultures can be used as a primary fermenting strain, lactobacillus is always used in conjunction with a primary S. cerevisiae strain. It produces moderate acidity, perfect for brews that need a little bit of sourness for balance.

Beer Styles: Berliner Weisse, Flanders Brown Ale/Oud Bruin, Flanders Red Ale, Fruit Lambic, Gueuze, Straight (Unblended) Lambic.