So I was wondering about the specified optimum temperature range given for a yeast strain (like White Labs American Ale blend 060, Optimum temp: 68°-73° F.) Are these numbers for the beer temperature or the ambient surrounding temperatures? I am 90% sure that these are rated for the beer temps but with my basement being 67-70 F during the summer and the fermentation of the beer being 3-5 F above room temperature I wonder if I should place my fermenters in a cold water bath to avoid off flavors from too warm of a fermentation. Any thoughts?
