Quandry- Brewferm Yeast

[brigend-jaickie]

The general viewpoint I've read here and elsewhere is to chuck the yeast that comes with a kit, however from reading another thread I've seen reference to the importance of the yeast strain in Belgian beers.
I just got a Brewferm Abbey - should I chuck the kit yeast or, in this case, is it essential I use the kit yeast

[oxford brewer]

I wouldn't replace yeast if i knew it was designed for the job,but most kits supply a yeast that will ferment lager or ale.It may be worth getting a better yeast to start with,either safale-04 or saflager depending on what you are brewing!

[steve_flack]

If you were to replace the yeast then Safbrew S-33 is supposed to be good for Belgian ales (well the makers say it is). Never used it myself though.

[brigend-jaickie]

When I was in the shop yesterday I bought a couple of sachets of Safale yeast as per DaaBs wise words.
I think I'll use the kit yeast and have the Safale as a "get out of jail free (well £1 odd) card"

Cheers

[beardybrewer]

I've always stuck with the Brewferm yeast with the notion that its a belgian yeast for a belgian beer. I've done several and they've always been fine. It would be curious to find out if this is bog-standard yeast or something special. You can order their dried yeast online.

That said the Safale/Safbrew are excellent yeasts and being twice the size as the packets included by most kits will give a vigorous start to fermentation. You might consider SafBrew T-58.