Koelsch and fermenting temp

[kansasbrew]

I'd like to do a Koelsch with my son-in-law. He wants to brew but doesn't yet have much range in his beer tastes. He isn't going to go for something too hoppy. I described Koelsh (can't get the umlaut in) to him and he'd like to try that. Unfortunately, my basement temp ranges in the 70s, never below. So, I can't lager it at Koelsch-like temps (60s?). Can I make a Koelsch and get decent results if I ferment at my ambient temps? If not, any good suggestions for a beer that is not very hoppy and sure to please a noob's palate?

 

[Suthrncomfrt1884]

Go for a belgian wit at those temps. I prefer to ferment mine around 65, but low 70's should be okay.

 

[Chipman]

For Kolsch I think you want ferm temps to be at 60. For 70's Belgians sound good as they can go pretty high with no worries, could try a basic american pale ale too, make a little more malty and a little less hoppy and that may work.

 

[Finnagann]

I have similar spring/summer temps and have been thinking of a california common/steam style beer for a lighter summer sipper. its high range is 68 which you could achieve pretty easily with a water bath and some frozen plastic bottles/ice packs if you can get your hands on some of this http://www.wyeastlab.com/hb_yeaststrain_detail.cfm?ID=131

I think the cali common tends to be pretty hoppy, but cream ale is not... very similar to a lawnmower lager I believe.

 

[fartingdog]

you could achieve pretty easily with a water bath and some frozen plastic bottles/ice packs

Expending on that, here's a pretty cheap & simple solution (it's a pdf link, so it'll either open in a window or you can download)

http://bayareamashers.org/gadgets/Dave's Cheap n Easy fermentation chiller.pdf

It's my tried and true method for doing kölsch and alt in the summer when the basement gets closer to 70º

 

[kansasbrew]

All good ideas. Thanks everyone.