K.9 Ebbegarden: Fermentation temperature, Speed and Character
- Øystein Bakken Vold
- Sep 8
- 2 min read
Like many traditional Norwegian farmhouse strains, Ebbegarden kveik is known for its

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.







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