Lalvin 71B vs EC-1118
Researched by Johnny Alto · last updated July 27, 2026
Short answer: For most buyers, the Lalvin 71B is the better pick over the Lalvin EC-1118. For a mead or fruit wine where flavor matters, 71B is the better pick.
Lalvin 71B
For a mead or fruit wine where flavor matters, 71B is the better pick. It preserves and even enhances fruit character and softens harsh acids, so the finished drink tastes rounder and is pleasant younger. If the goal is a flavorful, approachable mead rather than raw fermenting power, 71B wins.
Check price on Amazon Live price on Amazon. Representative image.71B and EC-1118 sit at two ends of the Lalvin lineup. 71B is the flavor-friendly strain that keeps fruit character; EC-1118 is the bulletproof workhorse that ferments almost anything dry, even in tough conditions. Here is which your batch wants.
Lalvin 71B vs Lalvin EC-1118: what is the difference?
| Pick | Product | Why it makes the list |
|---|---|---|
| Top pick | Lalvin 71B | For a mead or fruit wine where flavor matters, 71B is the better pick. |
| The workhorse | Lalvin EC-1118 | Pick EC-1118 when you need reliability and high alcohol tolerance: restarting a stuck ferment, fermenting cold or to full dryness, or making sparkling wine. It is a champagne strain that ferments cleanly and vigorously, but it can strip some delicate aromas, so it is about power and dependability more than nuance. |
Which one should you buy?
The two are close, so the choice comes down to a few things: flavor vs power, alcohol tolerance, conditions, and best for. Here is how they split.
- Flavor vs power: 71B keeps fruit character; EC-1118 ferments anything dry.
- Alcohol tolerance: EC-1118 handles high ABV and restarts stuck batches.
- Conditions: EC-1118 tolerates cold and stress; 71B likes a steadier ferment.
- Best for: 71B for flavorful mead, EC-1118 for dry, strong, or rescued batches.
Head-to-head specs
| Spec | Lalvin 71B (pick) | Lalvin EC-1118 |
|---|---|---|
| ABV tolerance | ~14% | ~18% |
| Temp range | 59 to 86°F | 50 to 86°F |
| Flavor | Fruity, characterful | Neutral, clean |
| Best for | Flavorful mead / fruit wine | High-ABV, sparkling, stuck restarts |
| Approx price | ~$2-3 sachet | ~$2-3 sachet |
When to pick the Lalvin EC-1118 instead
Lalvin EC-1118
Pick EC-1118 when you need reliability and high alcohol tolerance: restarting a stuck ferment, fermenting cold or to full dryness, or making sparkling wine. It is a champagne strain that ferments cleanly and vigorously, but it can strip some delicate aromas, so it is about power and dependability more than nuance.
Check price on AmazonBottom line: Lalvin 71B is the flavor-friendly pick for approachable mead, while EC-1118 is the bulletproof workhorse for dry, high-alcohol, or stuck ferments.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lalvin 71B better than the Lalvin EC-1118?
For most buyers, yes. For a mead or fruit wine where flavor matters, 71B is the better pick.
What is the main difference between the Lalvin 71B and the Lalvin EC-1118?
Pick EC-1118 when you need reliability and high alcohol tolerance: restarting a stuck ferment, fermenting cold or to full dryness, or making sparkling wine.
Which yeast is better value, the Lalvin 71B or the Lalvin EC-1118?
It depends on your budget and needs. The Lalvin 71B is the all-round pick; the Lalvin EC-1118 wins in the cases below.
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This is a research-based buying guide, not a personal hands-on review; recommendations reflect community consensus and verified buyer reviews. Prices and availability are subject to change, so always confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
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