Lagering Kolsch - starting to freeze

[permo]

Well after a week and a half in my 20-25 degree garage by 5.1% ABV kolsch is finally starting to get a very thin layer of ice on the top of it. Not freezing solid by any means but a very thin ice skin has formed.

I am wondering if I should leave this beer out there for the rest of what was going to be a two week period, or if I should bring it in...bring it up to temp and bottle it.

1.051 OG
1.011 FG

2 weeks primary
1.5 weeks secondary at 25 degrees

if this small amount of ice will have no consequence I will leave it, but I certainly need viable yeast at bottling and I don't want off flavors.

 

[Windigstadt]

I've had slight freezing before and never noticed any problems from it.

 

[boo boo]

if this small amount of ice will have no consequence I will leave it, but I certainly need viable yeast at bottling and I don't want off flavors.

You can always add a bit of yeast at bottling time to ensure you have enough viable yeast to carbonate with.

 

[passedpawn]

Put a blanket over it. The heat from the ground, although minimal, will keep it liquid. The frozen beer does contain yeast. Dead yeast can get a smell. Probably not a concern if it is just a layer, but I'd still throw the blanket over it.

 

[permo]

Thanks for the advice. I already had it covered in blankets. The temperature is finally above zero today in ND so I think my ice woes are over for now. I will be bottling this brew on wednesday so I will let everybody know how things turned out in about a month when I drink one.

 

[BrianTheBrewer]

Ya a blanket will work, also put something on the bottom of it like a towel or blanet.

 

[passedpawn]

Ya a blanket will work, also put something on the bottom of it like a towel or blanet.

I don't think you want an insulator between your fermenter and the ground: that is where the heat is coming from. 2 feet down it should be at least 50 deg, even in your yard.

 

[BrianTheBrewer]

Well that all depends on what type of floor it is in the garage and how close to the door it is.

 

[passedpawn]

Well that all depends on what type of floor it is in the garage and how close to the door it is.

Actually, I really don't know what I am talking about. Been a long long time since I lived in a really cold area.

 

[bierbrauer]

I would say give it a taste and bottle it. If it is a true Koelsch then it isn’t meant to sit around for extended aging.

 

[speter]

If it is a true Koelsch then it isn’t meant to sit around for extended aging.

A Kölsch is supposed to be lagered, so it is meant to sit around, or am I missing something.

 

[motobrewer]

eiskölsch!

 

[permo]

I bottled it yesterday and the beer is fine...and delicious.

I used glass carboy for primary, letting it go for two weeks at 62-64 degrees. I then cold crashed it in my garage for 11 days at 20-25 degrees.....icing up the last day or two on the top inch or so. Just kind of slushy.

I let the ice melt, primed and bottled. I am going to let this age at 67 degrees until super bowl sunday. I am assuming all 51 bottles will be consumed by thirsty football fans. they better appreciate the effort!

I was suprised at how nice and smooth it was with 30 IBU's of tradition hops. Never used them before.

I wish I had a picture to post...crystal clear and straw colored.

 

[bierbrauer]

Most Koelsch is lagered yes, but it is usually consumed within two months of being brewed. At least in Cologne it is as far as I know.