Explore the AJL Collection: Legacy of Yeast Since 1881

AJL

Welcome to the Alfred Jørgensen Laboratory Collection

The Alfred Jørgensen Laboratory (AJL) collection is one of the most celebrated yeast collections in the world, steeped in brewing heritage since its establishment in 1881. Comprising more than 700 commercial yeast strains, the collection represents over a century of brewing, winemaking and distilling history, with each strain carrying a rich legacy that has contributed to the character of renowned beverages across the globe.

The AJL collection is now preserved and managed by Novonesis, ensuring its long-term protection and availability for future generations. Through our partnership with Novonesis, Cara Technology continues to make strains from the collection available to customers worldwide.

A historical document from Alfred Jörgensen's Laboratory of Fermentology, outlining various departments including Pure Culture, Analytical, Consulting, and Students' Departments, along with services and a textbook reference on micro-organisms and fermentation.

1881

Date the collection was founded

2009

Date that we acquired the collection

700+

Number of commercial yeast strains

Yeast Supply

Through our partnership with Novonesis, strains from the AJL collection are available in two formats to suit your operational requirements. Cara Technology supplies yeast in the form of agar slopes (slants), manufactured in our Pharma-GMP compliant facilities in Leatherhead and stored under liquid nitrogen across two secure sites. Slopes require propagation and scale-up within your own laboratory prior to pitching.

Alternatively, selected strains are available as Frozen Liquid Yeast (FLY) through Novonesis, which can be added directly to your propagator. Please note that not all strains are available in both formats — contact our team to discuss availability.

Close-up view of a mixture of white and beige substance in a large container with stainless steel mixing equipment.

Four petri dishes arranged in a row, featuring a blue dish on the left, followed by three yellow-tinted dishes labeled with different identifiers.

Brewing Yeast Strains

The AJL collection spans the full spectrum of brewing possibilities, encompassing strains with a proven history of commercial use across beer, wine and spirits production. Whether you are seeking a classic ale strain with decades of heritage or a more specialist culture suited to a specific style, our team can guide you through the collection to identify the strain best suited to your requirements.

A kettle emitting steam and smoke, against a blurred background with a soft light source.

Yeast Selection

Our yeast selection service is designed to support brewers, winemakers and distillers in identifying the ideal strain for their product. Drawing on our deep knowledge of the AJL collection and decades of industry experience, our technical team will work with you to match the right yeast to your creative and commercial objectives — whether you are developing a new brand or refining an existing recipe.

Yeast Banking

Cara Technology’s Yeast Banking Service provides breweries, wineries and distilleries with a secure, long-term preservation solution for their own proprietary yeast strains. A sample of your yeast is cryogenically stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C across two separate secure facilities, ensuring complete confidentiality and uninterrupted access. Our Yeast Banking Service safeguards the continuity of your brewing heritage, giving you the confidence to innovate knowing your strain is protected.