High Wort Temp

Blkhwkdr · Jul 1, 2011

Hi all,
I just started my first batch and I want to know is it's ok to leave the wort covered until the temperature drops low enough, so I can pitch the yeast at the correct temperature. I'm supposed to be at 21-27 C and I'm at 32 C. I don't want to ruin it when I just started it.

Thank you.

Kaz · Jul 1, 2011

Its okay to leave it for a short time. I wouldn't try it for more than overnight. Sanitation practice will be key. The quicker you can get the yeast in there and get a good active fermentation going, the less chance that some other bug will get to it first.

bluemoose · Jul 1, 2011

Put the pot in the sink with cold water and ice to bring the temp down. You can stir it with a sanitized spoon/paddle to get it to come down quicker.

Blkhwkdr · Jul 1, 2011

Thank you very much! I picked up that heavy sucker and put it into the tub with some ice. I got it down to 22 C and pitched it. I know now to watch my temperatures a lot closer.

KevinW · Jul 1, 2011

besides a wort chiller there are a few "economical" ways to cool your wort down.

Frozen 2l bottles of water (sanitzed on the outside of course), just stir the wort with them to chill it!

Ice baths as already mentioned, or just put it in a sink/tub with cold water and change out the water every once in a while.

Some people top off their volume with ice cubes. Many people don't like to do this due to possible contamination.

Chillers are the best way though. If you are handy try making one, they are pretty easy!