5 replies to this topic

[Hooperjetcar]

I'm in mid brew process, but we've just hit an odd cold snap, and basement temps are holding steady at 59-60. Brewing with White labs california Ale, which lists optimum around 70. I am in the planning stages of building a fermentation chamber, but don't have parts yet. Any thoughts on a way to get a few degree boost with items that might be laying around the house?Thoughts: Wrap fermentors in strand of christmas lightsPut each fermentor in sealed cooler and let temp of fermentation keep it warm (maybe warm with christmas lights till fermentation starts)Thanks for any quick help or ideas.

[DuncanDad]

I'd stay awy from the lights. Put everyting in a cooler or just wrap the fermenters in blankets. The fermation will kick the temps up to where you want to be.

[Mashman]

I think your temps. will be fine for fermentation. I actually like that yeast on the cooler side, it comes out much cleaner. If your really worried, just wrap your fermenters in a blanket. By insulating it you will hold in more of the heat generated by fermentation.Mashman

[stellarbrew]

In my experience, the White Labs California Ale yeast does quite well at the 59-60 range. You might want to set the fermenter on a blanket or a table to keep it from directly contacting the concrete basement floor, but those ambient temeratures are actually nearly ideal if you want the cleanest tasting beer, IMHO.

Edited by stellarbrew, 07 April 2009 - 08:58 AM.

[MtnBrewer]

I agree. The beer is going to be somewhat clean but the yeast will ferment just fine at that temperature. Fermentation may take a little longer.

[Hooperjetcar]

Thanks guys. I think I am going to start them in the coolers to give them a headstart and then open the doors after 24-48 hours to avoid getting too warm.