Cider noob Q's - Temperature

[underdogadam]

Hey guys-

forgive me if it's already on here, couldn't find a thread regarding this-

Been brewing beers for a few months now, and thought doing Edworts Apfelwein would be a great supplement in all respects. (financially, effort, ABV%). found a killer craigslist deal on some better bottles and thought, yup, time to try cider.

But i really doubt i can keep my temperature regulated enough. I live in Southern California, and heading into the summer, it's usually low 80's where i live, occasionally 90's. and i don't have a cellar, or central air. just a closet.

if it comes down to keeping it in a bath, and tending to that, it probably isn't worth it if i'm trying to do this as a passive supplement to the beer making.

give it a shot anyways? maybe use a saison yeast? maybe make mead instead?

i'm open to any and all suggestions that keep the the work down.

Thanks always,
-A :fro:

 

[oldmate]

To be honest, I think that would be fine if you kept it below 85. I brew all summer long in Australia, which gets up to about 40 degrees celcius. That being said, it takes a lot longer to age compared to the batches I brew in winter.

 

[underdogadam]

rock on. all i needed was one confirmation. trial by fire, its on.

 

[oldmate]

What yeast are you using? Do a quick google search to see what the upper temperature limit is. I would advise against any lager strains (or similar) which rely on lower temperatures.

 

[DoctorWho]

Hey Underdog,

I brew my cider in a NYC apartment and the summers are brutal (and the winters, and the falls, springs are nice:cross:.)

I haven't done this yet, but have it from several brewer friends in the city that if you place your fermenter in a wash basin and fill the basin with cold water and then wrap a towel around the fermenter so that it wicks the water up the towel then using the laws of science and magic, the evaporation of water will cool your brew down.

Just keep the water level up and you should be fine.

I have read that most yeast can produce off flavors if the ferment temp gets too hot, but I say do what works for you.

Welcome to Cider Town!