Lagering outside - Page 3

ODaniel · 09-02-2009, 04:46 AM

Are you all talking about fermenting temps (50ish?) for lagers, or actual lagering/storing of the beer? From what I understand you ferment around 50, and then store for months at 30 something. Is this right? If so I'm definitely fermenting a Classic American Pilsner once the cellar gets to 50, because that is a constant temp. Where I live, above ground temps are all over the place. It has been snowing one day, and 70* 2 days later. No joke.

riromero · 09-02-2009, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODaniel

Are you all talking about fermenting temps (50ish?) for lagers, or actual lagering/storing of the beer? From what I understand you ferment around 50, and then store for months at 30 something. Is this right? If so I'm definitely fermenting a Classic American Pilsner once the cellar gets to 50, because that is a constant temp. Where I live, above ground temps are all over the place. It has been snowing one day, and 70* 2 days later. No joke.

That's right. Several weeks in the 50s and 8 weeks just above freezing. Keeping it cold enough is the challenge for me too. But if it snows where you live you've got a decent chance with a water bath because that volume of water will take forever to change temperatures significantly. Use a floating thermometer and toss some ice in the water if it looks like the temperature will be too high for a couple of days. It'll turn out great.

ODaniel · 09-02-2009, 05:03 AM

Cool. Yea my cellar has been a constant 68 recently, so I shouldn't really have to do anything once it gets to 50. I'm going to see if I can set the freezer portion of my fridge/keggerator to above freezing so I could lager it in there. If not (don't have high hopes) I may have to do a swap bath for months, which would be a pain.

jschaf · 09-02-2009, 03:16 PM

Quick question.. As long as the beer doesn't freeze and stays in the 30's F, then it should be fine? I live in michigan as well and this is very possible keeping the container in water.

riromero · 09-02-2009, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jschaf

Quick question.. As long as the beer doesn't freeze and stays in the 30's F, then it should be fine? I live in michigan as well and this is very possible keeping the container in water.

Before I started using an aquarium heater, I had a lager get up to 1/2" of ice on top when the temperature was unusually low. It turned out great. But frozen solid? I can't say.

ODaniel · 09-02-2009, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riromero

Before I started using an aquarium heater, I had a lager get up to 1/2" of ice on top when the temperature was unusually low. It turned out great. But frozen solid? I can't say.

Eisbock?

jschaf · 09-02-2009, 06:12 PM

thanks, I'm sure I wouldn't let it get completely frozen anyway.

**Bobby_M** · 09-02-2009, 08:09 PM

How about digging a hole in the ground, inserting a concrete form tube and stashing a corny of lager down in there. Cover the opening well with 2" of foam board to keep air from getting in/out.

riromero · 09-03-2009, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobby_M

How about digging a hole in the ground, inserting a concrete form tube and stashing a corny of lager down in there. Cover the opening well with 2" of foam board to keep air from getting in/out.

That would probably work. But, since it doesn't even snow where I live, I have no clue how cold the ground stays in winter in places that freeze over. You guys will have to do the experiment and let me know.

**Short Drive** · 09-03-2009, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revvy

Any idea what you temps were during the process?

This is cool, I'm not the only one who lagers without a fridge...I am getting excited about the season coming...er....but that would mean I'm looking forward to winter...but I hate winter. Except that I can make good beer now. Which means I will have good ber to drink in the winter, and I won't mind the winter, so it is a win win for me!

I was able to keep the carboy temp at around 54 degrees for fermentation and the low 40's for lagering.