accidentally bought a lager kit - options?

[heckofagator]

Needed to pick up a new extract kit this am and I opted for a Brewcraft Cream ale kit. I just got home, was getting ready to brew it and after reading the directions, I may have something I wasn't quite prepared for.

The directions state "hybrid ale/lager temp control during fermentation. Start it out as if an ale at 64-67, after a week lower the temp to 48-54 for 2-3 weeks of lagering, for best results."

I use a Cool Brewing fermentation bag and the mid 60s is not an issue, but getting lower than 60 probably is.

So the way I see it, I can either brew with what I have, and just try another frozen 2L bottle in my cycle to try and keep the temp as cool as possible. Or I guess I need to pick up a fridge to ferment in? I don't know that I can do the whole chest freezer and controller at this time, but we were thinking about picking up another fridge/freezer combo to store some stuff in.

What will be the outcome of a cream ale if I keep the temps in the 60's? Can I even keep a fridge temp at 50? I would think it isn't an issue but wanted to ask for some guidance.

Thanks!

 

[Yooper]

Which yeast strain do you have? The fermentation temperature is 100% dependent on the yeast strain you've chosen.

You never have to hold a beer in the 50s after fermentation, but sometimes a cold period (near freezing, like fridge temps) of lagering helps smooth out a beer.

 

[NJbeer]

i think they include s-23 but it will be fine skipping the lagering phase, just ferment as low as possible

 

[heckofagator]

Yes, it came with S23. Packet says 48-71, ideally 53-59. Should I opt for another yeast if I'm going to try and keep it in the low 60s? Funny, cause the outside of the box lists the ferm temp at 66.

 

[NJbeer]

actually i dont have any actual experience it with, but most people say s23 comes out much better on the warmer side (low-mid 60s). It should be fine, just ferment it like normal

If you want to be safe, you can use us05, nottingham, cream ale blend, or cry havoc

 

[Cyclman]

If you put it in a bucket of water with 2L frozen water bottles, you should be able to keep a lager-appropriate fermentation temperature. The more often you change out frozen bottles, the lower the temp.

As for longer-term lagering, you can bottle and lager in a fridge, which is easier than lagering in bulk.

 

[heckofagator]

Wanted to say thanks for the tip on the water. We actually had a tub which ended fitting perfectly in the Cool Brewing Bag. I put some water in there and have been able to get the wort temp in the mid to high 50's pretty easily.