Thought to originate from a small, sophisticated, Belgian brewer’s spelt saison. It is earthy, spicy, peppery, tart and dry, with tropical fruit and citrus at warm fermentation temperatures. A perfect strain for farmhouse ales and saisons. It favors pitching in the low 70s (21°C), and free-rising from there.

This strain tests positive for the STA1 gene, an indicator of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. diastaticus. This strain may have the ability to metabolize dextrins over time, resulting in higher than expected attenuation.

Omega OYL-042 Belgian Saison II is a fantastic yeast for bold, spicy, fruity Belgian-style beers. Compared to some saison strains, it's a bit more cooperative — meaning it doesn't stall as easily and is easier to finish dry without battling it.

It produces peppery, fruity, complex flavors but still finishes clean and dry.

Here are the best beer styles for OYL-042:

Top Styles for OYL-042 (Belgian Saison II Yeast):

1. Belgian Saison (Classic)

Absolutely perfect: spicy, peppery, dry, with nice fruity complexity.

2. Farmhouse Ale

A little funk, lots of fruit and spice — classic rustic farmhouse character.

3. Saison Brett (with secondary Brett fermentation)

Start clean and spicy with OYL-042, then let Brett yeast add earthy funk later.

4. Bière de Garde (Rustic Versions)

Though traditionally a lager, a farmhouse take on Bière de Garde with OYL-042 can be amazing — toasty malts, clean but fruity yeast character.

5. Grisette

Light, low-ABV saison-like beer — refreshing, peppery, fruity, and bone-dry.

6. Spiced Saison / Specialty Saison

OYL-042 plays nicely with additions like coriander, orange peel, or hibiscus.

⚡ Bonus Traits:

Fermentation Temp: 68–78°F (20–26°C)

High attenuation: 85–90% (bone dry!)

Classic peppery phenolics and citrusy esters

Lower chance of "stuck" fermentations compared to some tricky saison yeasts