How Long Does London Ale III Take to Ferment?

By Michael Ferguson

London Ale III is one of the most popular yeast strains used in homebrewing. It is known for its ability to produce a balanced flavor profile with fruity esters and a creamy mouthfeel.

However, one of the most common questions asked by brewers is how long does London Ale III take to ferment? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide some additional information about this yeast strain.

What is London Ale III?

London Ale III is a strain of yeast that originates from London, England. It is classified as a British ale yeast and is known for producing a complex flavor profile.

This strain of yeast is often used in brewing styles such as pale ale, IPA, porter, and stout. It can produce fruity esters such as banana, pear, and apple, as well as a slightly spicy or peppery character.

Fermentation Time

The fermentation time for London Ale III can vary depending on various factors such as temperature, gravity, and pitch rate. Typically, the fermentation process takes between 7-14 days to complete. However, it’s important to note that this timeframe can vary based on the beer style being brewed.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for fermenting with London Ale III is between 64-74°F (18-23°C). At lower temperatures (below 64°F), fermentation may slow down or even stop altogether. On the other hand, if the temperature gets too high (above 74°F), it can lead to off-flavors or fusel alcohols.

Gravity

Gravity refers to the specific gravity (SG) of the beer before fermentation begins and after it has completed. The starting SG will determine how much sugar is available for the yeast to ferment into alcohol. The final SG will indicate when fermentation has completed and how much alcohol has been produced.

For London Ale III, the starting SG should be between 1.050-1.070 for optimal fermentation. If the SG is too low, it can lead to a thin or watery beer. If it’s too high, the yeast may struggle to ferment all the sugar, leading to a sweet or cloying beer.

Pitch Rate

The pitch rate refers to the amount of yeast that is added to the wort before fermentation begins. For London Ale III, it’s recommended to use a pitch rate of 0.75-1 million cells per milliliter of wort per degree Plato. This will ensure that there are enough yeast cells to ferment the beer properly and produce desirable flavors and aromas.

Conclusion

In summary, London Ale III is a versatile yeast strain that can produce complex and balanced flavors in beer. The fermentation time for this strain typically ranges between 7-14 days depending on various factors such as temperature, gravity, and pitch rate. By following the recommended guidelines for each of these factors, brewers can ensure that their London Ale III fermented beer turns out delicious and enjoyable to drink!