How do yeast labs differentiate themselves? Why do brewers buy yeast? How do labs commercialise complex farmhouse yeasts?
Omega Yeast is one of the leading providers of yeast to home-brew and commercial brewer alike. They provide the gamut from widely-available standard strains to unique strains such as the famous Lithuanian Farmhouse Yeast "Jovaru." All produced to order so they are fresh and active when they reach the brewer.
Lance Shaner is the co-founder and owner of Omega and he joined me to chat about the history of Omega, the role of yeast labs, and how unique yeasts such as Jovaru are managed on a commercial basis.