Hi l made a red ale on February 12. I transferred it to a keg feb 26. I am cold crashing it today because it is warm (-2C now, up to +1C this afternoon). It will be -4C at 11pm, and to -9C overnight. About how long should I leave it outside for. My basement is +8C. When I bring it in I think I will just hook it up to the co2. Will this be a reasonable cold crash. Thanks
Cold crashing outside.
- Thread starter JawnnyO
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Maybe a dumb question but don't you have a kegerator or keezer? Where was your kegged beer between Feb 26th and now?
You want to have + pressure while cold crashing
You want to have + pressure while cold crashing
Beer Viking
Beer Lover
I've thought about doing it outside too as I don't have a freezer for brewing yet. When you cold crash you are essentially just lagering for 3 days right?
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I typically drop the temp over 24 hours then hold for a day or two before kegging. I force carb the cold beer through the liquid port at 30PSI while rocking the keg for a few minutes at first, then for a minute every little bit while cleaning up. Then I put it on 30PSI through the gas port for ~24 hours before reducing to serving pressure. I'll usually get a little crud in the first 1/4-1/2 pour. After that that point its typically quite drinkable but obviously gets better over the next week.
I have considered using the stairwell from the basement to outside for cold crashing kegs this time of year. I suspect even when the temps get into the 20's overnight its not getting that cold enough for long enough to actually cause any freezing. Really need to pick up a cheap logging thermometer to see if doable. I wish we had a "cold room" under our porch like they sometimes do in our area.
I have considered using the stairwell from the basement to outside for cold crashing kegs this time of year. I suspect even when the temps get into the 20's overnight its not getting that cold enough for long enough to actually cause any freezing. Really need to pick up a cheap logging thermometer to see if doable. I wish we had a "cold room" under our porch like they sometimes do in our area.
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I thought I had replied to jag75, but it seems I only replied to the email alert that was sent.
I do have a kegerator, but it is at 8C which is my basement temperature. If I turn it on even at low the fridge. Goes too cold. I have run out of conditioned beer for a few days so will try turning it on again now while I drink some store bought. I brew in my basement and use an ink bird and heating pad while fermenting.
I brought the keg in the same evening I put it out once temp dropped to -2C. So I probably only got a cold fender bender.
I do have a kegerator, but it is at 8C which is my basement temperature. If I turn it on even at low the fridge. Goes too cold. I have run out of conditioned beer for a few days so will try turning it on again now while I drink some store bought. I brew in my basement and use an ink bird and heating pad while fermenting.
I brought the keg in the same evening I put it out once temp dropped to -2C. So I probably only got a cold fender bender.
rburrelli
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Yeast are heartier than you think. They will go dormant and if you cold crashed for many weeks they might die. I have cold crashed and layered for 4-6 weeks with no issues.
Beer Viking
Beer Lover
Trying not to get off topic here, but you would produce the best product if you cold crashed AND lagered right?
@JawnnyO can you clarify here? To me, this doesn't make sense. You have a kegerator that goes too cold for cold crashing? Unless this is a big chest freezer with no temperature controller, I don't see it getting too cold for cold crashing. As close as you can get to freezing is best.
Most kegerators have a temperature control on them. Is yours set to the absolute coldest by chance?
I now have my kegerator which is a small fridge to stay between 3 and 5*C. My strategy is to have one beer on tap, one carbonating and one fermenting. When I empty my tapped keg I brew again.
I ferment at 18-19*C. My fermentor won’t fit in the fridge. So I transfer to a keg and start carbonating at 12 psi between 3-5*C.
I ferment at 18-19*C. My fermentor won’t fit in the fridge. So I transfer to a keg and start carbonating at 12 psi between 3-5*C.
madscientist451
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I cold crash outside on my porch when its cold enough, I've done it for a while without issues. If I'm using a carboy, I only use the plastic kind in case it freezes.
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