Best Lager Yeast to Ferment @ 45 degrees?

[BeerLoverHere]

What is the best strain of lager yeast to ferment on the lower end of the lager temp spectrum? I've got a newly required craigslist beer fridge and the warmest I can make it is 45 degrees. I know this is the extreme low end of the recommended temp as described by the manufacturer, however wondered if anyone else has had good lager results with it fermenting @ 45 degrees and not 50 degrees where I usually lager ferment. I do not want to mess with a thermostat control if I don't have to on my refrigerator. Any ideas is appreciated!

 

[jbsg02]

Wyeast 2124 Bohemian Lager is listed on their website with a range of 45-68, I don't have much experience brewing lagers, so I can't tell you first hand

 

[BeerLoverHere]

Thanks; it'll either be that or the Danish strain whichever my lhbs has in stock! I prefer ale, but am going to do a 12 gal batch and split with ale yeast in one and a lager in another

 

[ArcaneXor]

I have used 830 several times at 45 degrees without problems. It just takes longer to ferment.

 

[beersk]

Saflager 34/70 would probably ferment that low. You just have to aerate super well with pure O2 and pitch a lot of yeast. I've gotten vigorous fermentation at 48F with harvested yeast before.

 

[BigFloyd]

Since you have the fridge already, I'd strongly suggest making yourself a controller outlet box out of an STC-1000 (about $20 on Amazon). You plug your fridge into it, set the temp on the controller, and it will turn power on/off to maintain your desired temp.

If you just do a lager with 2124 at 45*F, you risk having a bunch of diacetyl in it. When it hits about 85% of the way to projected FG, you'll want to bring it up to 61-62*F for a few days for a "diacetyl rest" (unless, of course, you enjoy beer that tastes like movie popcorn butter. ). The STC-1000 allows you to easily adjust the temp to whatever you need. You can then also ferment your ales in the low-mid 60's as you should.