Bright, Fruit-Forward Fermentation with a Softer, Smoother Finish Lalvin 71B-1122 is a favorite yeast for mead, cider, and fruit wines because it helps build expressive aroma while producing a clean, approachable profile. It’s especially popular in melomels and fruit-forward ferments where you want vibrant character without an overly sharp finish. Many makers choose 71B when they’re aiming for a smoother, more rounded result in young, drinkable meads and fruit wines. At SoCal Brewing Supply, we carry Lalvin 71B in convenient 5 gram dry packages—ideal for smaller batches, test ferments, and split-batch trials. Key Characteristics Yeast Strain: Lalvin 71B-1122 Format: Dry yeast Package Size: 5 g Best For: Mead, cider, fruit wine, and rosé-style fermentations Style Focus: Fruit-forward aroma and a softer finish Why Choose 71B? Excellent for melomels: Helps fruit aroma shine and supports a smooth, approachable profile Great for cider: Encourages a clean fermentation with lively character Nice “early drinker” yeast: Often chosen for meads and fruit wines meant to be enjoyed younger How to Use Rehydration: Rehydrate per the manufacturer’s recommendations for best performance Temperature Control: Steady fermentation temps help preserve fruit character Nutrition Tip: For mead, use proper nutrients (and staggered additions) for a clean, healthy fermentation Storage Keep Cool: Store sealed and refrigerated for best viability Choosing a Mead Yeast? See our mead yeast selection guide for style-by-style recommendations, including when 71B makes sense for melomels, cysers, and fruit-forward meads.
