So i dont have any fancy temp control equipment (but i think im going to convert an old fridge after reading so much about its importance) and i figured i could only do a lager in the winter. I made my best attempt at making a bohemian lager given my equipment:
US Pilsen Malt 5.00 lb 62.5 % 0.9 In Mash/Steeped
Extract - Light Dried Malt Extract 3.00 lb 37.5 % 1.7 Start Of Boil
Hops
Variety Alpha Amount IBU Form When
Czech Saaz 3.0 % 1.00 oz 11.4 Loose Pellet Hops 60 Min From End
Czech Saaz 3.0 % 1.00 oz 10.5 Loose Pellet Hops 45 Min From End
Czech Saaz 3.0 % 1.00 oz 5.6 Loose Pellet Hops 15 Min From End
Yeast
Wyeast 2124-Bohemian Lager
I got fermentation going at around 45 degrees in my garage. After 3 weeks transfered to secondary (gravity dropped to 1.014). While in the secondary the temp in the garage has been going up with the weather. So its been hanging there right around 50 degrees for another three weeks. So my real question is 1) What are the benefits to lagering? 2) Would i simply transfer it to a fridge and lower the temp every day? 3) should I just bottle it now? 4) After bottling will i have to put the bottles in the fridge to get the yeast happy again for carbonation?
Thanks again for your help guys
US Pilsen Malt 5.00 lb 62.5 % 0.9 In Mash/Steeped
Extract - Light Dried Malt Extract 3.00 lb 37.5 % 1.7 Start Of Boil
Hops
Variety Alpha Amount IBU Form When
Czech Saaz 3.0 % 1.00 oz 11.4 Loose Pellet Hops 60 Min From End
Czech Saaz 3.0 % 1.00 oz 10.5 Loose Pellet Hops 45 Min From End
Czech Saaz 3.0 % 1.00 oz 5.6 Loose Pellet Hops 15 Min From End
Yeast
Wyeast 2124-Bohemian Lager
I got fermentation going at around 45 degrees in my garage. After 3 weeks transfered to secondary (gravity dropped to 1.014). While in the secondary the temp in the garage has been going up with the weather. So its been hanging there right around 50 degrees for another three weeks. So my real question is 1) What are the benefits to lagering? 2) Would i simply transfer it to a fridge and lower the temp every day? 3) should I just bottle it now? 4) After bottling will i have to put the bottles in the fridge to get the yeast happy again for carbonation?
Thanks again for your help guys