Temperature for secondary period??

Hi!

I've got my two batches (that are ready) transferred over to clean carboys for the secondary fermentation.

I know with the primary fermentation, the temperature range is determined by the yeast.. which I maintained between 65-70deg for the yeasts I used.

What temperature should I store the batches in during the secondary/clearing stage? Can I keep them at the same temperature during the secondary as I did the primary?

I read somewhere that there is another process that starts naturally "in the spring" when the temp reaches 15degC which helps to mellow the flavor. Does this mean I need to keep the temp below 15degC (around 60degF) for a few months before increasing the temp?

Thanks!

-Rich

You will be OK keeping the secondaries at the same temp as you had for the primary. However, I think the beer is even better if you can keep the secondaries cooler. I put my secondaries in the refrigerator after I'm sure they are done fermenting and I get very clear beers. The only problem with this is that the yeast drop out. I keg my beers and force carbonate so I don't need to have yeast in suspension for conditioning.

Thanks, RichBrewer!

I'm going to keep the 2ndaries with the primaries... which works out well for the space I have available for brewing!

Thanks!

-Rich