Alternatives to Wyeast 1945

Ingredients
1

Hello all,

Been a long while since I’ve been here after taking a long unexpected brewing hiatus. Life stepped in and took away my brewing time. Now I want to charge back in and am planning to brew some of my favorite recipes. Problem is, my favorite yeast strain has been discontinued.

Wyeast NeoBrittania 1945 was a Northern Brewer exclusive and is no longer available. Wyeast confirmed for me that nobody else will be selling it. They’ve suggested I substitute with London Ale III 1318. For those that have used both, do you feel this is a good substitute?

I have 2 expired packs of 1945 that I’m going to try and save. I plan to make starters and store small amounts long term. Eventually, I know there will be too many mutations for me to keep using these, with my limited yeast storage abilities. So, an alternative is my long-term best option.

Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks

2

Plate a sample, pull individual colonies and store on slants. I’ve had good success up to 18 months.

3

I’ve never gone that route, but may need to. Ideally, I’ll find an alternative strain readily available.

4

I’m sure other yeast labs would be interested in it, all the new ones seem to sell other yeasts with “compares to” in the titles. Although maybe there’s a brew club or yeast rancher near by where you live who would be happy to bank the strain and share it when needed?