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Hops4life · 01-07-2012, 08:39 PM

So I just did a partial mash ale recipe. Pitched the yeast around 70 degrees after using my wort chiller to get down to temp.

My question is where to ferment. We live in Memphis so the temps this week look pretty consistent with highs in mid 50s lows in low 40s. We keep our house in the upper 60s most generally. In the past I have carried my bucket to our master bath tub while it fermented and have not had problems. But I am wondering if for this time of year if the temps in our garage would be better? I am slightly worried about overnight but I figured I could put a blanket/towel around the bucket to try and keep the temp more consistent with the daytime temps.

Anyone see any advantages/disadvantages to either idea?

poislb · 01-07-2012, 08:42 PM

Try to keep it consistant at 65 or less...I keep mine at 59-61 degrees..Remeber once it starts going the temp is going to raise a few degrees.

**NordeastBrewer77** · 01-07-2012, 08:43 PM

search "swamp cooler" here on HBT. (not on google, on HBT) that's your best and easiest bet for controlling temps.
don't ferment outside, in the garage, or in an other uncontrolled environment. the yeast don't like the drastic temp changes that happen in a garage or outside.

Hops4life · 01-07-2012, 08:45 PM

The swings are my concern but it seems for at least a few days they should be minimal.

My other option would be to use our bonus room which generally stays quite a bit cooler than the rest of our house. But it's carpet which means a blow off would really suck and it's on The 2nd story and I am not keen on stirring things up going up and down the stairs.

**unionrdr** · 01-07-2012, 08:46 PM

I'd put it in a cool room in the house,64-68F. that'd be fine. Certainly more consistent temp wise.

Dark_Ale · 01-07-2012, 08:48 PM

Its takes longer than you would think to bring 5gallons of 70F down. When outside ambient is around 50 at night and 65 ~70 during the day, in my garage I maintain 65F while its fermenting but its generating a bit of heat also. If you have one of those Stick on strips, stick one on and watch it, if it gets down to 62 or so put it inside the house if it gets close to 68 put it back outside or close to a window you should be ok, but watch it, its a pain but its what I do.

Hops4life · 01-07-2012, 08:50 PM

Thanks dark that's basically what I was thinking.

Think I will leave it out there a while are what the temp is tonight before bed. If its lower than I want I will move it upstairs. If its in the right range guess I will leave it.

**NordeastBrewer77** · 01-07-2012, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark_Ale

If you have one of those Stick on strips, stick one on and watch it, if it gets down to 62 or so put it inside the house if it gets close to 68 put it back outside or close to a window you should be ok, but watch it, its a pain but its what I do.

that's a lot of temp fluctuation during fermentation, not so sure that's a good idea if you don't want to stress the yeast.
a constant temp, on the low end of the temp range for the yeast will produce the cleanest beer. some strains need to be allowed to warm towards the end of active fermentation, but i've never heard anything about letting temps go up and down randomly being good for the yeast or your beer.

**unionrdr** · 01-07-2012, 08:58 PM

Significant temp fluctuations are never a good idea. They can get stressed & stall. Keeping temps as constant as possible is the ticket for sure.

Hops4life · 01-07-2012, 08:59 PM

Nord that is probably very true but without a "easy" way to keep temps as low as I want I think the garage is my best bet. I don't think the temps will swing wildly of course if they appear to I will move indoors.

My main question I guess is what's "worse" the chance of temps fluctuating a little or carrying the bucket around stirring up the trub?