Analysis Of Yeast DNA Sequences To Determine Yeast Strains Unique To Texas That Are Optimal For The Production Of Craft Distilled Spirits

Abstract

Craft distilling in Texas is a growing business where start-up distilleries are interested in finding yeast strains that will give craft spirits a unique and fine taste. This study genetically characterized yeast strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that have the potential to distill craft spirits, in order to determine how unique they were compared to other known strains. We extracted DNA from 11 yeast strains originally isolated from local plants at a ranch in North Texas. We then sequenced three different loci: NUP116 gene region, LAS1 gene region and the IntAY intergenic spacer. The DNA sequences were compared to sequences from 124 other yeast strains, obtained from GenBank, that were isolated from three geographic locations: China, France, and lab strains of baker's yeast. We constructed 95% parsimony networks from the DNA sequences to determine how the strains were related to each other. The most promising candidate strain for alcohol production, based on studies conducted by professionals in the craft distillation industry, was unique and most closely related to a yeast strain used to produce wine. This suggests that this strain may be unique to Texas.