Fermentis SafLager E-30 Fruity Lager Yeast

A more aromatic lager strain from Fermentis. Unlike the very clean profiles of W-34/70 and Diamond, E-30 was developed to produce more esters and enhance fruity, hop-derived aromas in lagers. It’s aimed at brewers who want lagers with a bit more character and fruitiness.

Interestingly, this strain was developed to help support increased demand for fruity, ester-forward lagers in southeast Asia. But it conveniently supports fruit-forward beers from hops or IPLs.

Best For

Fruit-forward lagers, hoppy lagers, tropical stout, and any lager style where you want more aromatic esters and enhanced hop character rather than a super neutral profile.

Hard Specs

• Attenuation: 80–84%
• Flocculation: Medium
• Temperature Range: 50–59°F (ideal 52–56°F)
• Alcohol Tolerance: Up to 11% ABV
• More tech specs

Flavor & Behavior

E-30 produces noticeably more esters than traditional clean lager strains. You can expect more fruit and floral notes, and it also has the ability to enhance certain hop thiols, which can bring out extra tropical and citrus character from the hops.

It’s less “neutral” than W-34/70 or Diamond, so it works better when you actually want that extra layer of aroma rather than a super clean, traditional lager.

In Practice

This is the “different” lager strain in the lineup. While W-34/70 and Diamond are built for clean, classic lager profiles, E-30 is better suited for more modern or expressive lagers — think fruitier interpretations or lagers that lean into hop aroma. If you’re making traditional German-style lagers, one of the other two will probably serve you better. If you want lagers with more fruit and hop expression, this one is worth trying.

Pitching & Rehydration

One 11g sachet does a standard 5 gallon batch around 1.050 OG. Rehydrate in 86–95°F water for 15–30 minutes before pitching. Like the other lager strains, cold and consistent fermentation temperatures are important.