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General Category => Yeast and Fermentation => Topic started by: ndcube on December 02, 2009, 04:41:58 PM

Title: Cold Fermenting Ales
Post by: ndcube on December 02, 2009, 04:41:58 PM

I have two Ales going right now.
An Imperial IPA (US-05) and an Alt (1007).  Both are fermenting in my basement at 54.5F (wort temp).

What can I expect from the colder fermentation?  Just longer ferment time?  Sulfur (I don't smell any)?

Would it be better if I invest in a couple of fish aquarium heaters for my swamp coolers?  My basement could still get a little colder as the winter progresses.

I also plan on doing a Kolsch.

Thanks.

Title: Re: Cold Fermenting Ales
Post by: denny on December 02, 2009, 04:59:33 PM

Quote from: ndcube on December 02, 2009, 04:41:58 PM

I have two Ales going right now.
An Imperial IPA (US-05) and an Alt (1007).  Both are fermenting in my basement at 54.5F (wort temp).

What can I expect from the colder fermentation?  Just longer ferment time?  Sulfur (I don't smell any)?

Would it be better if I invest in a couple of fish aquarium heaters for my swamp coolers?  My basement could still get a little colder as the winter progresses.

I also plan on doing a Kolsch.

Thanks.

Longer fermentation times and cleaner beers will be the main effects.

Title: Re: Cold Fermenting Ales
Post by: ndcube on December 02, 2009, 05:05:41 PM

Clear beer... I don't know if I can handle that...  Guess I can try.  ;D

Title: Re: Cold Fermenting Ales
Post by: bluesman on December 02, 2009, 05:24:53 PM

Quote from: ndcube on December 02, 2009, 04:41:58 PM

I also plan on doing a Kolsch.

Thanks.

I usually fermet my Kolsch @ 50-54F. It gives it a cleaner profile.

Title: Re: Cold Fermenting Ales
Post by: ndcube on December 02, 2009, 06:34:06 PM

Quote from: bluesman on December 02, 2009, 05:24:53 PM

Quote from: ndcube on December 02, 2009, 04:41:58 PM

I also plan on doing a Kolsch.

Thanks.

I usually fermet my Kolsch @ 50-54F. It gives it a cleaner profile.

Sweet!  That's probably where my basement will be in Janurary.

Title: Re: Cold Fermenting Ales
Post by: dontblake on December 02, 2009, 07:51:25 PM

Looks good for a steam beer, too.   sorry, "California Common"

Title: Re: Cold Fermenting Ales
Post by: ndcube on December 02, 2009, 08:03:58 PM

Quote from: dontblake on December 02, 2009, 07:51:25 PM

Looks good for a steam beer, too.   sorry, "California Common"

Man, my pipeline keeps getting longer.  Pretty soon I'll be back to brewing Belgian's!

Title: Re: Cold Fermenting Ales
Post by: majorvices on December 02, 2009, 08:07:50 PM

Just be sure to warm them up near the end to insure they attenuate. That's pretty darn cold for an ale. 58 is about the coldest I go.

Title: Re: Cold Fermenting Ales
Post by: 4dogbrewer on December 21, 2009, 11:53:36 AM

I made a simple ale with Nottingham at 62F. It was too clean. Very bland. I won't do it again unless I throw in some specialty grains or something to give it some flavour.

Title: Re: Cold Fermenting Ales
Post by: crabber on December 22, 2009, 03:29:07 AM

Nottingham gobbles up fermentables other yeasts leave behind and creates a pretty dry beer (and clean if used at low temps).  I even find US-05 is a little too clean and dry for my taste in most of the beers I've made with it.