top of page
Search

K.9 Ebbegarden: Fermentation temperature, Speed and Character

Like many traditional Norwegian farmhouse strains, Ebbegarden kveik is known for its

ree

remarkable fermentation speed and versatility. Depending on your fermentation temperature, this strain can finish a beer in as little as 48 hours—or stretch to a more controlled, week-long schedule. For brewers, this means kveik cultures can cover a wide range of beer styles while freeing up tank space.


Cool Fermentation (18–22 °C / 64–72 °F)

Even at the low end of its range, Ebbegarden runs faster than most ale yeasts. A steady, controlled fermentation at these temperatures produces clean beer with subtle esters.

  • Fermentation time: 5–7 days to terminal gravity.

  • Attenuation: High, typically 75–80%.

  • Flocculation: Medium to high, resulting in relatively bright beer with standard conditioning.

  • Flavor impact: Low ester production, soft citrus and light fruit.

  • Best suited for: IPA’s where the hops will shine, blonde and pale ales.

  • Pitching note: 7 g per 20 L/ 5 US gal.


Mid-Range Fermentation (24–30 °C / 75–86 °F)

This is the sweet spot for most brewers using Ebbegarden. The strain shows vigorous activity, fast attenuation, and a more expressive ester profile.

  • Fermentation time: 3–5 days to finish primary.

  • Attenuation: Consistent, with rapid drop in gravity.

  • Flocculation: Strong, often clears quickly without extensive cold crash.

  • Flavor impact: Bright tangerine, apple, pear, tropical notes—complementary to modern hop-driven styles.

  • Best suited for: American pale ales, NEIPAs, hoppy wheat beers.

  • Pitching note: 7 g per 20 L/ 5 US gal. Oxygen is optional but can boost performance on high-gravity brews.


Hot Fermentation (32–38 °C / 90–100 °F)

At the higher end, Ebbegarden lives up to the “turbo yeast” reputation of kveik. Fermentation is explosive, often completing in less than 72 hours.

  • Fermentation time: 2–3 days for primary; beer can be drink-ready in under a week.

  • Attenuation: High, with rapid terminal gravity.

  • Flocculation: High, often dropping clear within days.

  • Flavor impact: Intense tropical fruit esters—mango, pineapple, candied orange. Some rustic, spicy-farmhouse notes may appear.

  • Best suited for: Farmhouse ales, imperial IPAs, experimental quick-turn beers.

  • Pitching note: 7 g per 20 L/ 5 US gal. Underpitching is often practiced at this range to push ester production. Yeast tolerates heat extremely well, but ensure sufficient nutrients for high-gravity worts.


Temperature Range (°C/ °F)

Fermentation Time

Ester Profile

Beer Styles

Pitching Notes

18–22 °C / 64–72 °F

5-7 days

Clean, restrained citrus, light stone fruit

IPA, Cold IPA, Pale Ale, Blonde

7 g per 20L/ 5 US gal.

24–30 °C / 75–86 °F

3-5 days

Bright citrus, apple, ripe pear, tropical fruit

Pale Ale, NEIPA, IPA's

7 g per 20L/ 5 US gal.; oxygen optional

32–38 °C / 90–100 °F

2-3 days

Citrus, mango, pineapple, tropical fruit

Farmhouse, Hazy Pale, Imperial IPA

7 g per 20L/ 5 US gal. Underpitching increase esters; ensure nutrients for high-gravity.

Practical Takeaway

Ebbegarden kveik is not just fast—it’s tunable. By managing fermentation temperature and pitch rate, brewers can use one strain across clean, hop-driven, or rustic styles, while dramatically shortening tank residency. For breweries, that means:

  • Faster tank turns (2–7 days depending on temperature).

  • Flexible ester expression without sacrificing attenuation.

  • Reliable yeast reuse across multiple generations.

Ebbegarden gives you speed on your terms. Whether you want a crisp pseudo-lager in a week or a hop-forward IPA in 48 hours, this kveik strain has the range to deliver.





 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page