Fermenting a lager at ale temps

[kellsean]

Right now I'm about to start a California Common, Anchor Steam clone...

My apartment is about 67-70 degrees, and I'm wondering what the result will be if I brew this lager at ale temps. Will my beer still be good? Should I hold off until the spring and do an ale now?

In other words, I know it won't taste like Anchor Steam any more--but will it still be drinkable?

Thanks!

 

[Yooper]

Well, Anchor Steam IS a lager fermented at ale temperatures. That's still kind of high, though. Could you stick it in a big rubbermaid container with some water and an ice bottle? That might get you at 58-60, which I think would be perfect. (Mine is around 56 right now.)

 

[kellsean]

I could put it in a water bath. Would I just put a frozen water bottle in there and replace it daily (or whatever rate maintains 58-60)?

 

[Yooper]

Yeah- that would work, I think. I stick a floating thermometer in the water and check that.

 

[david_42]

That would do it.

 

[kellsean]

Great, I think I'll put together a water bath with a carboy full of water in and see what it takes to get the temp right.

Thanks!

 

[Professor Frink]

I just bottled my California common and I kept the fermenter cool in a tub of water. It tasted pretty good at bottling. A water bath with a t-shirt wrapped around it should keep it probably about 10 degrees below ambient temperature.