Controlling temperature

I am starting my first beer here in the next couple of weeks, and I need to find a place for it to ferment. The only place in my house that is consistently one temperature is my basement, but it is around 64 degrees all the time. Will this work?

yeah it should be fine. check the yeast to see its optimum temp range to be safe.

Depends on what you are brewing and what type of yeast you are using. 64F will work great for a lot of beers/yeast.

I'm envious.. I brew ales. and 64* would be more than ideal.

Just make sure to pitch at 64F also. Even if you have to wait awhile for it to cool.

RCCOLA said:

Just make sure to pitch at 64F also. Even if you have to wait awhile for it to cool.

Click to expand...

Why is that? Temperature shock, off flavors, etc.? I'm glad that will work, having an unfinished basement worked out for once.

henrybeggs said:

Why is that? Temperature shock, off flavors, etc.? I'm glad that will work, having an unfinished basement worked out for once.

Click to expand...

Most yeast-derived flavors occur during the initial growth phase. Some people pitch at 86F and may not see fermentation activity until the beer has cooled, but during that time off-flavors can be produced by the yeast.

RCCOLA said:

Most yeast-derived flavors occur during the initial growth phase. Some people pitch at 86F and may not see fermentation activity until the beer has cooled, but during that time off-flavors can be produced by the yeast.

Click to expand...

All right, I'll be sure to keep the candy thermometer handy. What is a reasonably sized brew vessel? I saw some 12 quart pots at Target today for relatively cheap.

12 quart pot is fine if your doing extract and are going to add water back. Plus, you can use it for other things beside brewing.