Yeast Vitality—A Holistic Approach Toward an Integrated Solution to Predict Yeast Performance. Elizabeth J. Lodolo (1,2) and Ian C. Cantrell, SABMiller Group Brewing Research, Sandton, South Africa. (1) Corresponding author. E-mail: <bettie.lodolo@za.sabmiller.com>; Phone: +27 (0)11 389 1071. (2) Current address: Brewing Consultant, SABLtd. Brewing Centre of Excellence, P.O. Box 123902, Alrode 1451, South Africa. J. Am. Soc. Brew. Chem. 65(4):202-207, 2007.

The underlying philosophy behind yeast vitality tests has been reconsidered and a new holistic approach proposed to predict brewing yeast fermentation performance. In this holistic approach, special emphasis is placed on the impact of yeast physiology when combined with varying growth media. Two methods of applying this approach are described, and a “low-tech” (quartets) approach that can be applied readily in commercial breweries is recommended. Keywords: DNA, Fermentation performance, Flow cytometry, Quartets, Vitality, Yeast