The Fab Four: Yeast
With Paul Malcolm from WHC Lab
Part two of a four part mini series from The Beer Rep Chats With called The Fab Four, exploring hops, malt, water, and yeast.
In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin continues The Fab Four mini-series exploring the four core ingredients of beer, this time focusing on the unsung hero of brewing — yeast.
Joining him is Paul Malcolm from WHC Lab, a biotechnology company based in Ireland that’s leading innovation in yeast and fermentation. Together, they dive deep into how yeast shapes the flavour, aroma, and mouthfeel of beer, and why it deserves far more recognition than it gets.
Paul explains the differences between liquid and dry yeast, the science behind yeast selection, and how WHC’s cutting-edge research is helping brewers improve quality and consistency. They discuss yeast’s crucial role in the rise of low and no alcohol beers, the challenge of creating flavourful low-ABV options, and how new yeast strains are tackling body, balance, and mouthfeel.
From ancient yeast discoveries to next-generation hybrids, this episode reveals just how dynamic and exciting the world of yeast really is. Whether you’re a brewer, beer geek, or curious drinker, you’ll come away with a new appreciation for the tiny organism that makes every pint possible.
Episode Highlights
- The Power of Yeast: Why it’s the most overlooked but essential ingredient in brewing.
- Liquid vs Dry: The real differences, and why liquid yeast is becoming more accessible.
- Low & No Alcohol Beers: How new yeast strains are helping brewers build flavour and body.
- Fermentation Control: Tips on pitch rate, temperature, and oxygen for better results.
Paul says:
“I really do think yeast is the forgotten ingredient almost. ⁓ I wrote my thesis on hops, ⁓ so I can’t even pretend like I’ve always been a diehard yeast believer, but it’s the forgotten ingredient.“
Why This Episode Matters
Yeast is often the quiet workhorse of brewing — overshadowed by hops and malt — but without it, there’s no beer at all. This episode shines a light on the science, creativity, and innovation driving yeast development today, giving listeners a deeper appreciation of what really happens in the fermenter. Whether you brew at home, work in a brewery, or just love craft beer, you’ll come away seeing your pint in a whole new way.
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