Bottled first beer - BINGO

[Canadabrew]

So yesterday I set about bottling my first homebrew (and drinking some). Now I can see why many of you are hooked on this great pastime.

It tastes good so i'm hoping it just gets better from there.

One question I have is that I understand the ideal temperature for letting the bottles carb up is 70 F. My room with the most consistent temp is approx 64-66 F

Is that still going to do the job or do I need to get a space heater or something like that?

 

[Skaggz]

Mid 60's should be just fine

 

[japhroaig]

in general lower temps == smoother flavor, but longer. higher temps == stronger but faster. i prefer cooler temps, but for ales no lower than 55F (depending on your yeast). specifically about carbonation, do you know about the plastic bottle trick?

 

[damnyankee]

If you think it tastes good before bottling, wait until it conditions for 3-4 weeks...!

 

[donjonson]

in general lower temps == smoother flavor, but longer. higher temps == stronger but faster. i prefer cooler temps, but for ales no lower than 55F (depending on your yeast). specifically about carbonation, do you know about the plastic bottle trick?

no ... whats the plastic bottle trick?

 

[DrSanta]

Seriously... 65 is a-ok. Congrats, and Welcome to Jurrassic Park.

 

[donjonson]

Seriously... 65 is a-ok. Congrats, and Welcome to Jurrassic Park.

what about 76F is that too hot for bottle conditioning?

 

[Skaggz]

no ... whats the plastic bottle trick?

Use a plastic bottle in place of one your your bottles. That way you can squeeze it and see how carb'd it gets over time.

 

[Ichthy]

mid 60's and 70's are fine. just don't store them hot, anything room temp will work

 

[Canadabrew]

Smart idea re plastic bottle, will do that next time!

 

[japhroaig]

76F is too high if you can help it. a day or two here or there, fine. but not long term.

Skaggz is right about the plastic bottle trick. if you squeeze the plastic bottle and it's hard, then it's carbed