I'm going to try my first batch of lager. Up till now I've done all ales (13 to be exact). My question is, what are the optimum ferment temps for lager? I've read a few different senarios. The directions for the recipe that I'm getting say to start at ale temps until a strong fermentation begins, about 1-3 days, and then move to a 45-54F temp for the rest of the primary, secondary, and bottle conditioning. Other places I've looked say 45-54F for whole primary and then as low as 38F for secondary and bottle conditioning. As of right now my basement is right around 62F but I've taped off the heater vents and the weather here is supposed to finall get more seasonal. It's supposed to be a high of like 29F Monday, close to normal for December in Wisconsin. I also have a fridge, that both fermenter/airlocks can fit in, that is about 38-42F right about now. I can't warm it up a whole bunch more or the stuff in the little freezer in the top won't stay as frozen. (only one temp control for both units) Thanks for any info. Mike
- posted
19 years ago