Cold-crashing in primary... outdoors

[uncleozzy]

I'm planning on bottling a beer this weekend that will have been in primary 4 weeks by bottling day. I don't have a spare fridge, or a garage, or much space for outdoor use, but the weather is cooperating, and the highs and lows should all be between 30-40 for the next three or four days.

There's a shady spot right outside my door where I could park my ale pail (covered, and in a tub of water, if necessary to buffer against temperature fluctuation) for two or three days before bottling. Good idea, or terrible idea? I'm not too worried about clarity, although I forgot the irish moss in this boil, so if I can give it a little help, and the weather is cooperating, I thought it might be a good idea.

What do you folks think? Thanks.

 

[Aleforge]

What is the reason behind sitting it outside a few days prior to bottling? I didn't want to speak from my rear and say its pointless since once bottled you can shove some in the fridge to help with clarity. But then you mentioned clarity wasn't a concern?

 

[uncleozzy]

I guess I should have said that I'm not super hung-up on clarity. I'd still like clear beer, if I can get it. I figure, lots of people cold-crash, I'm just trying to get a feel for whether it'd be worth it with potential 30-40F swings during the day. There's a pretty narrow window where the outdoor temperatures don't get too warm or too cold, so I thought it might be nice to take advantage, if it'd be worthwhile.

 

[Aleforge]

Ok well if you want to clear it up some I would go for it then.
However racking to a secondary and letting that go a few more weeks might give better results?

 

[uncleozzy]

However racking to a secondary and letting that go a few more weeks might give better results?

If I had a vessel to secondary in, or a place to store it, I'd probably do it. But, it's a small apartment so I take what I can get. Four weeks in primary has been really good to this beer, actually.

In any case, unless somebody chimes in with a reason this is a really bad idea, I'm probably going to cover it up and stick it outside tonight and hope for the best. Thanks.