Can I lager a kolsch in 1gal jugs in fridge?

[ghpeel]

So I want to move into lagering my beers, but I don't have the space for a dedicated beer fridge. I share my home with two small humans who insist on stocking my fridge with boring things like "milk" and "food."

I was wondering if I could brew up a batch of Kolsh (ferment around 60F til done), then transfer it into several 1-gallon juice jugs that I have. These would go into the back of my fridge for 3 weeks or so. After that, I would pull them out, combine them in a bottling bucket, and then bottle as normal.

Would that work ok?

As a separate issue, my fridge shelves aren't tall enough to fit a jug with an airlock, so I was going to cover the jug tops with several layers of Saran Wrap and rubber band them down.

 

[oceanselv]

What temperature is your fridge at? Lagering is typically done around 35F. I'm not sure if a typical fridge is kept that cold. In regards to your question about placing the kolsch in three 1 gallon containers, the only risk is that of contamination. Every time you rack into a secondary there is a risk of contamination. As to not having an airlock, I don't think it will be a problem as you won't be generating very much carbon dioxide during the lagering. I would suggest you keep a small amount of head space to contain any carbon dioxide generated. Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

 

[petep1980]

Here's what I do. Not sure how well it compares to other methods, but it's the best I can do.

I lager after bottle priming. I used Kolsch yeast, and bottle primed @ 65°F ish for a week, then I put them in my normal fridge like 12 at a time. They are quick turn-around lagers, so in two weeks, I'll transfer them to my door and drink from there, and replace them in the back of the fridge.

Far from ideal, but it works in a pinch.

My fridge on cold is 35-38.

 

[AnonyBrew]

Have you considered something like this?

 

[ghpeel]

I lager after bottle priming. I used Kolsch yeast, and bottle primed @ 65°F ish for a week, then I put them in my normal fridge like 12 at a time. They are quick turn-around lagers, so in two weeks, I'll transfer them to my door and drink from there, and replace them in the back of the fridge.

That's a great idea. I wasn't aware that you can can lager after you prime. Seems like a great way to do a simple lagering post-fermentation until I can get set up for more traditional methods.

Have you considered something like this?

Holy......!!!

That's the most awesome thing I've seen all week. I'm measure my 5-gal secondary carboy and see if I can make it fit.