US-05 Yeast ....Disappointing Results

[johnnyboy1965]

A few months ago I brewed 3 beers using the same recipe. 2 with US-05 and 1 with S04. I was expecting big things from the US-05, but it has let me down. The beer is more than drinkable, just not as I expected it to be...Meanwhile the beer brewed with SO4 is very, very good. The only conclusion I can work out is that US-05 doesnt work with my water (Severn Trent..untreated). I know my water is a little on the soft side, but what I cant work out is how come they are so different ?
Thoughts and opinions please

 

[Sonnal]

What type of beer was it? US 05 is a fairly neutral yeast which allows the flavours of the hops to come through, whereas S04 is designed for British styles with more esters. I don't think you're water is a major problem, mine is really soft and I have no issues with 05. I just use it when I don't want many flavours from the yeast, for example in a blonde ale or an American IPA.

 

[Brew_DD2]

+1 on the soft water unlikely to be the problem.

I've always found US-05 to be fairly bulletproof but am a recent convert to Mangrove Jack's M44 which I've found excellent for bringing out malt and hops flavour.

 

[Leon103]

Water won't be the issue. I use 05 a lot and have soft water

 

[Covrich]

US05 is more comparible to Nottingham, what was the style? It really depends on what you're brewing

 

[jceg316]

I too use US05 a lot, and as mentoned previously it's great because it's very neutral which is perfect for hop/malt forward styles where you don't want those flavours stunted. I know some craft breweries which use this in their awesome tasting brews.

Out of interest, what flavours were you expecting?

 

[Covrich]

A slight digression but I have read in a few places people find Notitngham/ gervin mutes / suppresses hop flavours in comparison to 05 which can really let the hops punch.. I do not have huge samples to work with but from my own experience I am starting to agree with it.. for really huge hop ones US05 is a great suit.. for an English ale well it depends... you might want something with some sweetness breadiness and fruity esters.. 05 won't give you that...