TheZymurgist
Well-Known Member
I've seen a few discussions where it was difficult to tell if the fermentation temperature being referred to is the temperature of the wort, or the ambient temperature of the surrounding air. Generally, I refer to the wort temp, and I believe the fermentation temperatures recommended for different strains of yeast does as well, but I'm wondering what others practice.
One example is where a person says they're fermenting an ale at 60*. While it's possible, this generally seems lower than you would want most ales to ferment at. If they are referring to the ambient temp, then the wort would be around 65*, which seems more reasonable. I'd be worried if someone says they're fermenting at 72* ambient temperature, not realizing the wort will be at least a few degrees hotter, which could result in more ester production.
I guess it also depends on where the temperature probe is placed. I tend to not trust the sticker thermometers as much, so I stick the probe to the side of the carboy, insulating it from the surrounding air temps. I also keep a thermometer that measures the ambient temp, just to make sure.
I think I'm right in measuring the wort temp, but I haven't found anything specific. So if I'm wrong, please correct me.
One example is where a person says they're fermenting an ale at 60*. While it's possible, this generally seems lower than you would want most ales to ferment at. If they are referring to the ambient temp, then the wort would be around 65*, which seems more reasonable. I'd be worried if someone says they're fermenting at 72* ambient temperature, not realizing the wort will be at least a few degrees hotter, which could result in more ester production.
I guess it also depends on where the temperature probe is placed. I tend to not trust the sticker thermometers as much, so I stick the probe to the side of the carboy, insulating it from the surrounding air temps. I also keep a thermometer that measures the ambient temp, just to make sure.
I think I'm right in measuring the wort temp, but I haven't found anything specific. So if I'm wrong, please correct me.