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Best Practices for Hard Seltzer Fermentation

Last Updated: 6/2021

Applies to: This guide is for producers who are fermenting cane sugar or other sugar substrates to produce alcoholic bases for hard seltzer and other ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. Contains pdf downloads of this full article and a printable one-page guide including yeast/dosage rates and rehydration instructions.

This guide is the companion to "Best Practices for Hard Seltzer Filtration and Stabilization"

Background

Hard seltzer and other ready‐to‐drink blends of carbonated water, alcohol, and flavoring are popular with consumers looking for low calorie, low carbohydrate, gluten‐free alcoholic beverages. Several challenges need to be addressed to produce fully fermented bases in a reasonable time frame from low nutrient sugar substrates. Without intervention, sugar fermentations are notoriously slow, unpredictable, and differ significantly from malt-, fruit-, or grape-based fermentations.

NUTRIENTS ARE IMPORTANT

Yeast require a balance of vitamins, minerals, survival factors and nitrogen in addition to an energy (sugar) source to properly grow and survive during fermentation. Malt- and fruit-based ferments typically have ample amounts of nutrients, but sugar-based ferments are nutrient deserts and supplementation is essential. Nutrients decrease fermentation time and promote complete (dry) ferments.

NOT ALL NUTRIENTS ARE THE SAME

Nitrogen is one of the most important yeast nutrients. Yeast use assimilable nitrogen to synthesize cellular proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids. Without adequate nitrogen, fermentation slows because yeast cannot maintain their cell function or reproduce.

We advocate using two types of nutrients for seltzer ferments: GO-FERM PROTECT EVOLUTION™ used during dried yeast rehydration and NUTRI2™ added at the start of fermentation. GO-FERM PROTECT EVOLUTION is a cell protectant that provides natural micronutrients and survival factors directly to the yeast during rehydration. NUTRI2 is a complex yeast nutrient that delivers 100% natural organic nitrogen in the form of highly assimilable amino acids for growth and survival during fermentation.

Other nitrogen sources, such as diammonium phosphate (DAP) and urea, can be used to overcome some nitrogen deficiencies. However, these chemicals cannot be used in organic-labelled seltzers and, in the case of urea, there is a high risk of ethyl carbamate formation, a compound classified by the FDA as a probable carcinogen.

Note: Nitrogen supplementation recommendations for malt-, fruit-, and grape based fermentations are based on targeting a certain Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen (YAN) or Free Amino Nitrogen (FAN) content. However, when YAN/FAN targets developed for malt-, fruit-, and grape based fermentations are used for calculating nitrogen supplementation for low nutrient sugar ferments, satisfactory fermentation outcomes are rarely achieved. We have found that a more complex nutrition strategy is necessary to achieve good results and that YAN/FAN availability is only part of that strategy.

YEAST STRAIN & DOSAGE MATTERS

Adequate yeast dosage produces better results and higher gravities require higher dosage rates.

High gravity seltzers are especially difficult to ferment due to increased osmotic pressure from high sugar at the start of fermentation and elevated alcohol at the end of fermentation. Even with nutrient supplementation, sugar ferments struggle when dosage rates are too low.

Strain kinetics and sensory impact determine suitability for seltzer.

Yeast strains vary in alcohol tolerance, nutrient requirement, temperature tolerance, ability to breakdown disaccharides, fermentation speed, and many other traits. Many strains are not robust enough to ferment seltzer bases. Therefore, VI-A-DRY BOSS™ yeast is recommended for its strong fermentation kinetics, low nutrient needs, neutral sensory effects, and ability to breakdown sucrose and other sugars.

SUGAR SOURCE MATTERS

Sugar source can affect fermentation rate and monosaccharide sugars may be faster to ferment.

Common sugar sources used for seltzer fermentation include:

  • Sucrose (table sugar/cane sugar) – disaccharide of glucose and fructose

  • Dextrose – glucose derived from corn

  • Invert sugar – mixture of glucose and fructose made by sucrose hydrolysis

  • Agave – sugar from the agave plant consisting primarily of fructose

  • Maltose – disaccharide of two glucose molecules

Yeast are only able to utilize monosaccharide (single unit) sugars of glucose and fructose. For yeast to use disaccharides, trisaccharides, or larger sugars (sucrose, maltose, etc.) the sugar must first be broken down into monosaccharide units. Yeast’s ability to break down di- and trisaccharides into useable glucose and fructose varies and is strain dependent. Most yeast can break down sucrose into glucose and fructose by producing invertase. However, in difficult fermentation conditions, the additional yeast energy required to produce invertase may slow fermentation. Other sugar and yeast strain combinations may not be compatible and enzyme additions may be necessary to break down larger sugar molecules into glucose and fructose.

FERMENTATION TEMPERATURE MATTERS

Identifying optimal fermentation temperature can be tricky.

Temperature affects fermentation rate, yeast health, and sensory impact. Despite its importance, the numerous factors affecting low-nutrient sugar fermentations make it difficult to provide clear temperature guidelines. Yeast strains vary in their temperature tolerance and can be stressed when fermenting at the upper or lower end of their recommended temperature range, especially as alcohol increases. Though fermentation is faster at warmer temperatures, the risk of yeast stress leading to stuck ferments and off-odors also increases. Finding a fermentation temperature that balances fermentation speed and yeast health will likely require experimentation for any given process.

DOES PH DURING FERMENTATION MATTER?

Sudden drops in pH during fermentation have been known to cause yeast stress and could be an issue depending on many factors (nutrition regimen, water chemistry, etc.). In trials with our recommended products, we found decreases in pH did not negatively affect fermentation. If you are experiencing fermentation difficulties following other protocols, pH may be an issue and using a buffer such as potassium bicarbonate may be useful.

Best Practices for Fermentation
Given the numerous variables that exist for a producer, we strongly suggest using the recommendations outlined in this guide as a starting point and running trials to optimize your protocols. These guidelines and dosage recommendations are based on data from numerous lab trials, academic trials, commercial trials, and feedback from customers. We believe these recommendations provide the best chance for success given the variety of fermentation goals and production constraints that exist for hard seltzer producers. Refer to the Hard Seltzer/Low Nutrient Fermentation Quick Guide for additional information and protocols.
Production PhaseBest PracticeWhy?Recommendation
Choose Sugar SubstrateUse a monosaccharide sugar sourceMonosaccharide sugars (glucose and fructose) are easier to ferment and may be faster to ferment (see section above on sugar).Choose the best sugar for your fermentation and stylistic goals
Choose Desired ABVPick the lowest ABV possible for your needsLower alcohol seltzers are easier to ferment.Choose the right ABV to target for your needs. ABV may be a stylistic choice (what do your customers want?) or a practical choice (higher ABV to blend out later).
Calculate Fermentable Sugar Concentration for Desired ABVDevelop a process specific conversion rate of sugar to alcohol.Conversion rates are somewhat
variable and will be specific to your
process (yeast strain, fermentation
conditions, etc).
We use an average conversion rate of 17 g/L sugar = 1 % ABV when approximating alcohol potential:
ABV ≤ 7% = ≤119 g/L fermentable sugar
ABV 8-12% = 120-220 g/L fermentable sugar
ABV ≥13% = ≥221 g/L fermentable sugar
Confirm fermentable sugar (glucose + fructose) in sugar substrate using an appropriate assay.Some sugar substrates are mixtures of fermentable and unfermentable sugars and density measurements (Brix, gravity, Plato) or refractometer measurements measure all sugar regardless of fermentability.Consult supplier of sugar substrate for sugar analysis or use an appropriate assay to measure fermentable sugar (enzymatic/spectrophotometric analysis).
Prepare Sugar and Yeast Nutrient SlurryConsult supplier of sugar substrate for
sugar analysis or use an appropriate
assay to measure fermentable sugar
(enzymatic/spectrophotometric analysis).
Chlorine can decrease
yeast viability.
Add NUTRI2™ yeast nutrient and vary addition based on desired ABV.Yeast need nutrient supplementation in low nutrient ferments and need more nutrients to ferment higher ABV.ABV ≤ 7% = 200 g/hL NUTRI²™
ABV 8-12% = 350 g/hL NUTRI²™
ABV ≥13% = 500 g/hL NUTRI²™
Ensure slurry is mixed well, sugar is in solution/dissolved, and the NUTRI² is not clumping.Homogeneous solutions are easier to ferment.
“Boil” (>180°F) if desiredHeating solution (>180°F) facilitates sugar dissolution and slurry homogenization and may help mitigate contamination concerns. The vitamins in NUTRI² may be deactivated but nitrogen and minerals are heat stable. Vitamins can be supplemented with rehydration nutrients (see below).
Cool sugar + nutrient slurry to < 104°F prior to yeast inoculation.High temperatures can inactivate yeast.
Confirm sugar concentration and adjust as necessary.Sugar slurries can be difficult to homogenize. Confirming sugar concentration verifies proper mixing as well as target ABV accuracy.
Yeast RehydrationUse VI-A-DRY BOSS™ yeast or another yeast that’s a strong fermenter and calculate dosage rate based on potential ABV.Yeast strains with strong fermentation
kinetics have the greatest
chance of success in difficult
fermentations. Higher ABVs require
higher yeast dosage rates.
ABV ≤ 7% = 150 g/hL VI-A-DRY BOSS™
ABV 8-12% = 250 g/hL VI-A-DRY BOSS™
ABV ≥13% = 350 g/hL VI-A-DRY BOSS™
Use GO-FERM PROTECT EVOLUTION™ rehydration nutrient when rehydrating dried yeast. (1.25 x yeast dosage)Rehydration nutrients help ensure complete and timely fermentations by supplying essential vitamins, minerals, and sterols for yeast health and protection, and will help supplement compounds inactivated during the boil (if done).ABV ≤ 7% = 190 g/hL GO-FERM PROTECT EVOLUTION™
ABV 8-12% = 315 g/hL GO-FERM PROTECT EVOLUTION™
ABV ≥13% = 440 g/hL GO-FERM PROTECT EVOLUTION™
Rehydrate dried yeast according to our recommendations (see Quick Guide)Proper rehydration ensures the viability and fermentation performance of yeast
Inoculate and Start FermentationAttemperate yeast slurry prior to adding to sugar slurry (see Quick Guide)Attemperation of the yeast slurry to within 10°C (18°F) of the sugar slurry is important because it reduces the chance of the yeast being “shocked” by the sugar slurry temp. It also helps acclimate the yeast to the sugar slurry environment.
FermentationOptimize and control fermentation
temperature
Optimization is necessary to identify a temperature that balances fermentation speed with yeast health. Fermentation temperature can improve fermentation rate and avoiding significant temperature changes (±10°F) in short periods of time (~8 hrs) can reduce yeast stress.ABV ≤ 7% = 27-30°C (80-85°F)
ABV 8-12% = 27-30°C (80-85°F)
ABV ≥13% = 20-25°C (68-77°F)
Mix/stir ferments 1-2 times per dayGentle mixing, continuously or periodically, keeps yeast in suspension, breaks up stratifications, and improves fermentation kinetics. This is especially important for larger fermentation tanks where stratification is more likely to occur.Do not rely on natural convection/motion from fermentation to adequately mix fermentation vessels.
Monitor fermentation dailyMonitor fermentation to track progress of alcohol production/sugar depletion and to intervene if a stuck or sluggish fermentation occurs.Monitor progress of fermentation by measuring density (Plato/Gravity/Brix). Do not use a refractometer to monitor fermentation.
End of FermentationMeasure fermentable sugar (glucose + fructose) concentration and ABV by appropriate method.Measuring sugar and alcohol will confirm that the fermentation is complete. Density measurements are indications of fermentation progress but are not accurate for confirming the end of fermentation.Ferment until dry (< 1 g/L fermentable sugar)
Downstream Processing:
Clean-Up, Filtration,
Stabilization, Etc.
See related “Hard Seltzer Filtration and Stabilization Best Practices
pdf Downloads

QUICK GUIDE

Printable one-page guide including yeast/dosage rates and rehydration instructions

Full GUIDE

Complete guide for hard seltzer fermentation process and product recommendations. 

Best Practices for Hard Seltzer Fermentation

Last Updated: 6/2021

Applies to: This guide is for producers who are fermenting cane sugar or other sugar substrates to produce alcoholic bases for hard seltzer and other ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages. Contains pdf downloads of this full article and a printable one-page guide including yeast/dosage rates and rehydration instructions.

This guide is the companion to "Best Practices for Hard Seltzer Filtration and Stabilization"

Background

Hard seltzer and other ready‐to‐drink blends of carbonated water, alcohol, and flavoring are popular with consumers looking for low calorie, low carbohydrate, gluten‐free alcoholic beverages. Several challenges need to be addressed to produce fully fermented bases in a reasonable time frame from low nutrient sugar substrates. Without intervention, sugar fermentations are notoriously slow, unpredictable, and differ significantly from malt-, fruit-, or grape-based fermentations.

NUTRIENTS ARE IMPORTANT

Yeast require a balance of vitamins, minerals, survival factors and nitrogen in addition to an energy (sugar) source to properly grow and survive during fermentation. Malt- and fruit-based ferments typically have ample amounts of nutrients, but sugar-based ferments are nutrient deserts and supplementation is essential. Nutrients decrease fermentation time and promote complete (dry) ferments.

NOT ALL NUTRIENTS ARE THE SAME

Nitrogen is one of the most important yeast nutrients. Yeast use assimilable nitrogen to synthesize cellular proteins, enzymes, and nucleic acids. Without adequate nitrogen, fermentation slows because yeast cannot maintain their cell function or reproduce.

We advocate using two types of nutrients for seltzer ferments: GO-FERM PROTECT EVOLUTION™ used during dried yeast rehydration and NUTRI2™ added at the start of fermentation. GO-FERM PROTECT EVOLUTION is a cell protectant that provides natural micronutrients and survival factors directly to the yeast during rehydration. NUTRI2 is a complex yeast nutrient that delivers 100% natural organic nitrogen in the form of highly assimilable amino acids for growth and survival during fermentation.

Other nitrogen sources, such as diammonium phosphate (DAP) and urea, can be used to overcome some nitrogen deficiencies. However, these chemicals cannot be used in organic-labelled seltzers and, in the case of urea, there is a high risk of ethyl carbamate formation, a compound classified by the FDA as a probable carcinogen.

Note: Nitrogen supplementation recommendations for malt-, fruit-, and grape based fermentations are based on targeting a certain Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen (YAN) or Free Amino Nitrogen (FAN) content. However, when YAN/FAN targets developed for malt-, fruit-, and grape based fermentations are used for calculating nitrogen supplementation for low nutrient sugar ferments, satisfactory fermentation outcomes are rarely achieved. We have found that a more complex nutrition strategy is necessary to achieve good results and that YAN/FAN availability is only part of that strategy.

YEAST STRAIN & DOSAGE MATTERS

Adequate yeast dosage produces better results and higher gravities require higher dosage rates.

High gravity seltzers are especially difficult to ferment due to increased osmotic pressure from high sugar at the start of fermentation and elevated alcohol at the end of fermentation. Even with nutrient supplementation, sugar ferments struggle when dosage rates are too low.

Strain kinetics and sensory impact determine suitability for seltzer.

Yeast strains vary in alcohol tolerance, nutrient requirement, temperature tolerance, ability to breakdown disaccharides, fermentation speed, and many other traits. Many strains are not robust enough to ferment seltzer bases. Therefore, VI-A-DRY BOSS™ yeast is recommended for its strong fermentation kinetics, low nutrient needs, neutral sensory effects, and ability to breakdown sucrose and other sugars.

SUGAR SOURCE MATTERS

Sugar source can affect fermentation rate and monosaccharide sugars may be faster to ferment.

Common sugar sources used for seltzer fermentation include:

  • Sucrose (table sugar/cane sugar) – disaccharide of glucose and fructose

  • Dextrose – glucose derived from corn

  • Invert sugar – mixture of glucose and fructose made by sucrose hydrolysis

  • Agave – sugar from the agave plant consisting primarily of fructose

  • Maltose – disaccharide of two glucose molecules

Yeast are only able to utilize monosaccharide (single unit) sugars of glucose and fructose. For yeast to use disaccharides, trisaccharides, or larger sugars (sucrose, maltose, etc.) the sugar must first be broken down into monosaccharide units. Yeast’s ability to break down di- and trisaccharides into useable glucose and fructose varies and is strain dependent. Most yeast can break down sucrose into glucose and fructose by producing invertase. However, in difficult fermentation conditions, the additional yeast energy required to produce invertase may slow fermentation. Other sugar and yeast strain combinations may not be compatible and enzyme additions may be necessary to break down larger sugar molecules into glucose and fructose.

FERMENTATION TEMPERATURE MATTERS

Identifying optimal fermentation temperature can be tricky.

Temperature affects fermentation rate, yeast health, and sensory impact. Despite its importance, the numerous factors affecting low-nutrient sugar fermentations make it difficult to provide clear temperature guidelines. Yeast strains vary in their temperature tolerance and can be stressed when fermenting at the upper or lower end of their recommended temperature range, especially as alcohol increases. Though fermentation is faster at warmer temperatures, the risk of yeast stress leading to stuck ferments and off-odors also increases. Finding a fermentation temperature that balances fermentation speed and yeast health will likely require experimentation for any given process.

DOES PH DURING FERMENTATION MATTER?

Sudden drops in pH during fermentation have been known to cause yeast stress and could be an issue depending on many factors (nutrition regimen, water chemistry, etc.). In trials with our recommended products, we found decreases in pH did not negatively affect fermentation. If you are experiencing fermentation difficulties following other protocols, pH may be an issue and using a buffer such as potassium bicarbonate may be useful.

Best Practices for Fermentation
Given the numerous variables that exist for a producer, we strongly suggest using the recommendations outlined in this guide as a starting point and running trials to optimize your protocols. These guidelines and dosage recommendations are based on data from numerous lab trials, academic trials, commercial trials, and feedback from customers. We believe these recommendations provide the best chance for success given the variety of fermentation goals and production constraints that exist for hard seltzer producers. Refer to the Hard Seltzer/Low Nutrient Fermentation Quick Guide for additional information and protocols.
Production PhaseBest PracticeWhy?Recommendation
Choose Sugar SubstrateUse a monosaccharide sugar sourceMonosaccharide sugars (glucose and fructose) are easier to ferment and may be faster to ferment (see section above on sugar).Choose the best sugar for your fermentation and stylistic goals
Choose Desired ABVPick the lowest ABV possible for your needsLower alcohol seltzers are easier to ferment.Choose the right ABV to target for your needs. ABV may be a stylistic choice (what do your customers want?) or a practical choice (higher ABV to blend out later).
Calculate Fermentable Sugar Concentration for Desired ABVDevelop a process specific conversion rate of sugar to alcohol.Conversion rates are somewhat
variable and will be specific to your
process (yeast strain, fermentation
conditions, etc).
We use an average conversion rate of 17 g/L sugar = 1 % ABV when approximating alcohol potential:
ABV ≤ 7% = ≤119 g/L fermentable sugar
ABV 8-12% = 120-220 g/L fermentable sugar
ABV ≥13% = ≥221 g/L fermentable sugar
Confirm fermentable sugar (glucose + fructose) in sugar substrate using an appropriate assay.Some sugar substrates are mixtures of fermentable and unfermentable sugars and density measurements (Brix, gravity, Plato) or refractometer measurements measure all sugar regardless of fermentability.Consult supplier of sugar substrate for sugar analysis or use an appropriate assay to measure fermentable sugar (enzymatic/spectrophotometric analysis).
Prepare Sugar and Yeast Nutrient SlurryConsult supplier of sugar substrate for
sugar analysis or use an appropriate
assay to measure fermentable sugar
(enzymatic/spectrophotometric analysis).
Chlorine can decrease
yeast viability.
Add NUTRI2™ yeast nutrient and vary addition based on desired ABV.Yeast need nutrient supplementation in low nutrient ferments and need more nutrients to ferment higher ABV.ABV ≤ 7% = 200 g/hL NUTRI²™
ABV 8-12% = 350 g/hL NUTRI²™
ABV ≥13% = 500 g/hL NUTRI²™
Ensure slurry is mixed well, sugar is in solution/dissolved, and the NUTRI² is not clumping.Homogeneous solutions are easier to ferment.
“Boil” (>180°F) if desiredHeating solution (>180°F) facilitates sugar dissolution and slurry homogenization and may help mitigate contamination concerns. The vitamins in NUTRI² may be deactivated but nitrogen and minerals are heat stable. Vitamins can be supplemented with rehydration nutrients (see below).
Cool sugar + nutrient slurry to < 104°F prior to yeast inoculation.High temperatures can inactivate yeast.
Confirm sugar concentration and adjust as necessary.Sugar slurries can be difficult to homogenize. Confirming sugar concentration verifies proper mixing as well as target ABV accuracy.
Yeast RehydrationUse VI-A-DRY BOSS™ yeast or another yeast that’s a strong fermenter and calculate dosage rate based on potential ABV.Yeast strains with strong fermentation
kinetics have the greatest
chance of success in difficult
fermentations. Higher ABVs require
higher yeast dosage rates.
ABV ≤ 7% = 150 g/hL VI-A-DRY BOSS™
ABV 8-12% = 250 g/hL VI-A-DRY BOSS™
ABV ≥13% = 350 g/hL VI-A-DRY BOSS™
Use GO-FERM PROTECT EVOLUTION™ rehydration nutrient when rehydrating dried yeast. (1.25 x yeast dosage)Rehydration nutrients help ensure complete and timely fermentations by supplying essential vitamins, minerals, and sterols for yeast health and protection, and will help supplement compounds inactivated during the boil (if done).ABV ≤ 7% = 190 g/hL GO-FERM PROTECT EVOLUTION™
ABV 8-12% = 315 g/hL GO-FERM PROTECT EVOLUTION™
ABV ≥13% = 440 g/hL GO-FERM PROTECT EVOLUTION™
Rehydrate dried yeast according to our recommendations (see Quick Guide)Proper rehydration ensures the viability and fermentation performance of yeast
Inoculate and Start FermentationAttemperate yeast slurry prior to adding to sugar slurry (see Quick Guide)Attemperation of the yeast slurry to within 10°C (18°F) of the sugar slurry is important because it reduces the chance of the yeast being “shocked” by the sugar slurry temp. It also helps acclimate the yeast to the sugar slurry environment.
FermentationOptimize and control fermentation
temperature
Optimization is necessary to identify a temperature that balances fermentation speed with yeast health. Fermentation temperature can improve fermentation rate and avoiding significant temperature changes (±10°F) in short periods of time (~8 hrs) can reduce yeast stress.ABV ≤ 7% = 27-30°C (80-85°F)
ABV 8-12% = 27-30°C (80-85°F)
ABV ≥13% = 20-25°C (68-77°F)
Mix/stir ferments 1-2 times per dayGentle mixing, continuously or periodically, keeps yeast in suspension, breaks up stratifications, and improves fermentation kinetics. This is especially important for larger fermentation tanks where stratification is more likely to occur.Do not rely on natural convection/motion from fermentation to adequately mix fermentation vessels.
Monitor fermentation dailyMonitor fermentation to track progress of alcohol production/sugar depletion and to intervene if a stuck or sluggish fermentation occurs.Monitor progress of fermentation by measuring density (Plato/Gravity/Brix). Do not use a refractometer to monitor fermentation.
End of FermentationMeasure fermentable sugar (glucose + fructose) concentration and ABV by appropriate method.Measuring sugar and alcohol will confirm that the fermentation is complete. Density measurements are indications of fermentation progress but are not accurate for confirming the end of fermentation.Ferment until dry (< 1 g/L fermentable sugar)
Downstream Processing:
Clean-Up, Filtration,
Stabilization, Etc.
See related “Hard Seltzer Filtration and Stabilization Best Practices
pdf Downloads

QUICK GUIDE

Printable one-page guide including yeast/dosage rates and rehydration instructions

Full GUIDE

Complete guide for hard seltzer fermentation process and product recommendations.