December 26, 2024 knowledge, new releases, recipes Nicole Irvine

Harness the Super Punch: 6 Tips for Optimizing Superfog Yeast

(Read in epic movie trailer voice) In world where hazy IPAs are a dime a dozen, there is one stand-out hero. Enter Superfog, our game-changing hero of a yeast strain engineered for IPA perfection!

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last few months, you've probably heard about this new hazy defender. Building on our popular Foggy London Ale strain, Superfog brings cutting-edge science to a brewing standard that delivers big tropical flavours, a smooth body, and a super punch of haze that will knock out your biggest IPA fans.

If you're looking to optimize Superfog for your next batch, here is why it stands out as the unique choice for hazy IPAs.

Key Features of SUPERFOG

If you're looking for a strain with epic features, look not further. Superfog guarantees characteristics that will set your beer apart in ways that will have your customers cheering in awe.

Unyielding Haze Shield: Superfog defends your hazy IPAs, keeping them brilliantly cloudy from the first pour to the final drop.
Thiol Transformation Power-Up: Harness the abilities to unleash bold tropical aromas and flavours, turning bound thiols into a fruity force to be reckoned with.
Silky Smooth Mouthfeel: SUPERFOG’s elevated glycerol production gives your brew a velvety texture and a full-bodied finish worthy of a hero.

Best Practices for SUPERFOG Success

To unlock SUPERFOG's full superpowers, gear up with these optimization tips tailored to maximize its potential, and watch your hazy IPA soar to heroic heights!

Dial in Fermentation Parameters
- Temperature: A slightly cooler fermentation (17–18°C/63–65°F) enhances thiol expression, though it may slow fermentation.
- Pitching Rate: A lower rate (0.5–0.7 million cells/mL/°P) boosts thiol aromas.
- ALDC: Pairing this strain with ALDC can eliminate any risk of diacetyl in your beers (a risk for any IPA).
Perfect Your Water Chemistry
- Ensure a balanced water profile with sufficient magnesium to complement calcium chloride additions, supporting nutrient availability and yeast health.
Leverage Yeast Nutrients
- Zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins are essential to avoid off-flavours and support ester and thiol production. Use a reliable nutrient like Yeast Lightning for optimal results.
Experiment with Grain Bills
- Lighter kilned malts like Pilsner or European barley varieties provide the best FAN (Free Amino Nitrogen) levels for thiol production.
- Many local craft malts are highly compatible with Superfog!
Optimize Hopping Techniques
- Mash Hopping: Add hops like Cascade or Motueka during the mash to increase thiol precursors.
- Whirlpool Hopping: Focus on thiol and terpene rich hops for additional aroma complexity.
Explore Complementary Blends
- Blend Superfog with strains like Elysium (pineapple notes) or Thiol Libre (guava notes) for a customized flavour profile.

Recipe Design Tips

Superfog thrives on bold moves and creative ingredients — power it up with these bonus suggestions!

Phantasm Powder: Derived from Sauvignon Blanc grape skins, this powder boosts thiol precursors for even more vibrant aromas.
Step Mashing: Include a protease rest when mash hopping (~50-55°C) to release additional precursors.
Hop Selection: Cascade, Motueka, and other thiol-rich varieties amplify Superfog's natural potential.

Superfog is everything that you want in a superhero. It's complex, has a brilliant origin story, and leverages its superpowers for the benefit of beers (and beer drinkers) everywhere. Whether you're looking to craft a juicy flagship IPA that goes beyond the standard or pushing the boundaries of haze-forward styles, Superfog prevails on every front.