Coopers Blonde

[SMICKSMICK]

Hi there new to all this Michael here from Northern Ireland. Bottled my first attempt last night fg was 1.006 2 days on the trot. 10 days total fermenting. Can anyone for see any issues and what temp should I store bottles in. It's currently in a room at 18degreesCView attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1453317249.110586.jpg

 

[serioushank]

Hi Michael, I'm a newbie Brewer too (have only done 2 coopers kit brews). From what I've read, storing at 18 degrees after bottling should be ok, but you should try not to let it drop below that. Reason being (again, according to what I've read!) is that once you've bottled and added priming sugar or carbonation drops, secondary fermentation should start and you need a reasonable temperature to make that happen. If it drops a degree or 2 below 18, I maybe wouldn't worry - just give it an extra couple of days as the low temperature might make secondary fermentation a bit sluggish. It should be ok though. My first brew (coopers lager that came with the kit) will have been in the bottle for 2 weeks tomorrow so should be ready for sampling. Fingers crossed for both of us!

 

[daksin]

I would get them as warm as you can- 18C is on the low end of where I'd like my bottles conditioning. The only difference is that it may take a bit longer to carbonate. The warmer the better- this isn't like primary where you're worried about off-flavors. The warmer you condition, the faster they will carbonate.

 

[JawZziff]

^^ya that sounds about right. even at 18 you should be fine. find a warmer spot in your house and you'll be ok. if thats not possible just have patience. Crack one open in a week, see how the carbonation is. if it's not where you think it should be, just wait longer. patience is key. which I don't have any. I've usually drank it all by the time its reached ideal carb levels.

 

[SMICKSMICK]

Cheers guys nowhere else realy I can put it the 3 year old can't get at unless I bring it into the living room in the evenings with the fire lit ha ha. serioushank let me no how it goes. My mate that got me into it also pointed out a flaw I gave him 2 bottles the other day to condition as he gives me samples. He said I handnt filled my bottles enough " using crap syphon" it's just above were the neck starts on average a few are fuller but none less than. Hopfuly it will still carbonate what you guys think? Maybe it will just take a little longer . Lesson learnt .... Oh they are 500ml bottles (glass)

 

[serioushank]

No probs Michael. Funnily enough, my bottles are in the living room too, next to the radiator. Also, my bottles are pretty much filled to the same place as yours, maybe a little higher. Mine are due for cracking open today but might give it an extra couple of days to be sure. Damn hard to resist getting stuck into them. Will let you know how they are when I get round to sampling!

 

[JawZziff]

http://www.picobrewery.com/askarchive/headspace.htm

according to this it will take less time to carb. probably not a big difference though. if you're not going to a keg system anytime soon invest in an auto-syphon and a bottling wand. they make bottling day that much easier. fill the bottle to the brim, almost overfilling, then pull the wand out and it leaves a good headspace imo. consistent that way at the least

 

[SMICKSMICK]

Yes my mate said that's what he uses just back from the brew shop for more sugar and beer enhancer and got a Pilsner and an ipa .

 

[JawZziff]

nice. sounds tasty. good luck.

 

[SMICKSMICK]

So quick update bottles my blonde Tuesday and couldn't wait tried my friends last night was awesome opened one of mine after a few hours in the fridge and wow realy impressed good taste and plenty of fizz. Blew me away as that's not long really for carbonation but it was one of the best beers I've tasted bar a friends home brew Pilsner. Going to open one next week see if there is a difference. Maybe just a tad more fiz and maybe slightly higher alcohol content.... What you guys think? Is this surprising or common under the right conditions .....

 

[serioushank]

Well I lasted less than 24 hours - first one cracked open and tasted great. Enough carbonation in there, taste is clean and crisp. Very happy with my first ever brew!

 

[SMICKSMICK]

Good to hear serioushank...