Our study investigates the principles of lager yeast hybridization between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces eubayanus. This process gave rise to the lager yeast Saccharomyces pastorianus. By examining how these novel hybrids perform during fermentation and the aromas they produce, we uncover the genetic bases of brewing trait inheritance. We successfully generated polyploid hybrids using diverse strains and lineages from both parent species, predominantly triploids and diploids. Although these hybrids did not show improved fermentation capacity, they exhibited varied traits, especially in utilizing maltotriose, a key sugar in brewing. Remarkably, the aroma profiles of these hybrids were primarily influenced by the S. cerevisiae parent, with Beer lineage hybrids adopting aroma characteristics from their S. eubayanus parent. These insights reveal the complex genetic interactions in hybrid yeasts, opening new possibilities for crafting unique brewing yeasts with desirable traits.
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