Which yeast?

[Jaoqua]

The general opinion around here seems to be that using a kit's own yeast is adequate but not great, and that using Safale's S04 is a good alternative (£1.25 from EasyBrew).

However, I can't get S04 at my local HBS so I was wondering whether y'all would like to share your opinions of whatever yeasts you've used. For example, I am thinking about attempting to clone Leffe Bruin by brewing up a strong brown ale kit and adding in a continental yeast, then over-priming it and serving it well chilled. But of course I'm sure I'm being naive about what a continental yeast can do for me. And also I don't know any continental yeasts.

[mysterio]

Ideal would be a liquid yeast from wyeast or white labs for a beer like that, something like Abbey ale or Trappist ale (available from hop & grape, hop shop etc). These require a starter to be made from malt extract. For my money, most of Leffe's spicy flavours come from the yeast.

SafBrew T-58 would probably be the best dried yeast to use.

[maxashton]

Jao, a better approach would probably be to tell us what yeasts ARE available from your LHBS. This way we can reccomend something you can put your hands on.

The best bet is probably ordering S-04 (or T-58 if you like) from one of the online shops.