Brewing in S.FL

[Taintedhops]

I'm about to brew my second batch, the first was good but sweet. I think my temp was on the high side for the ale. Now I'm gonna brew a IPA. How can I keep my temp down in S.FL where it's 80 on Jan 4, 2013.

 

[roastquake]

I'm about to brew my second batch, the first was good but sweet. I think my temp was on the high side for the ale. Now I'm gonna brew a IPA. How can I keep my temp down in S.FL where it's 80 on Jan 4, 2013.

It's about like that here in SC in the spring and much hotter in the summer. I only brew ales and I simply turn the AC up a bit and Chill the hell out of the wort before pitching, get it down to the high 60s, of course that is assuming you have a chiller. Brewing in the south you need one. I also put my fermenter on a tile floor where i think its cooler, but I don't if it really makes a difference.

 

[Taintedhops]

I don't have a chiller yet, can I put it in the fridge for like 15 or 30 min?

 

[roastquake]

I don't have a chiller yet, can I put it in the fridge for like 15 or 30 min?

I'm not sure how long it would take, never tried because I don't have room in the fridge for 5 gallons, but it would be better than room temp for sure. I know people do it, just aim for a few degrees below your target fermentation temp, probably in the 60s. Go for it! Just know that it will bring down your fridge temp too... I wouldnt worry about it unless you're keeping raw poultry in there. That reminds me, keep the lid on with your airlock until you pull it out to take the temp.