My first Kolsch and fermentation fridge

[kmenard]

I built a fermentation fridge with a brew pi and am going to try my first Kolsch this weekend (morebeer.com kit with Wyeast (Kolsch) - 2565) I have never had a fermentation fridge before and never done a Kolsch...so I am looking for some tips on the fermentation schedule. Any help is much appreciated!

 

[Darwin18]

My last Kolsch I used WLP 029 Kolsch yeast. I cooled the wort down to 55F, pitched my yeast starter, and set the temp controller to 60F. Left it alone for three weeks, kegged it, and let it lager for 6 - 8 weeks. Delicious.

 

[m00ps]

I've never made a "to-style" Kolsch, but I've used a Kolsch yeast from Gigayeast. Pretty much same method as above. Pitch mid 50s and try to keep it around 60. Wont take more than 2-3 weeks and you can lager it or just drink it

 

[maddcow]

I usually keep it at 58 for about 4 days and let it rise to 64-65. It has always turned out clean

 

[Kent88]

I have kolsch going now using wyeast 1007 german ale, and I've got my controller set for 56F-61F. for two gallons I didn't smack the pack and it still krausened vigorously.

 

[SnakeRidge]

I usually keep it at 58 for about 4 days and let it rise to 64-65. It has always turned out clean

That's exactly what I do. 58* for 4-7 days, and then I let it come up to 66-68* for 2 weeks or so to finish out. If you can, lagering for anywhere from 2-8 weeks will make a marked improvement, the longer the better. My kolsh is one of the most beautiful beers I make; they can become brilliantly clear.

 

[kmenard]

I brought the wort down to 58, pitched the yeast, and 12 hours later I still have no activity. Cause for concern? My SG looked great! I oxygenated the wort, the yeast pack had lots of activity.

 

[maddcow]

I brought the wort down to 58, pitched the yeast, and 12 hours later I still have no activity. Cause for concern? My SG looked great! I oxygenated the wort, the yeast pack had lots of activity.

It is colder so it will take a little longer to see activity. I think you should see activity within the next day or so. But wait at least 48-72 hours before concern. Yeast is an organism and at the end of the day, it does what it wants, lol

 

[kmenard]

Woke up yesterday morning to Krautzun! Thanks for talking me down

 

[kmenard]

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vtJ82K8Q2qT0rqRDq3kKHLF_p2f8hpnYgvphD-EIebXPdPObN47zcSeiHA5WZ6D5LmEQWPDm2X6jvA0r/view?usp=sharing

Chugging right along

 

[Qhrumphf]

I usually keep it at 58 for about 4 days and let it rise to 64-65. It has always turned out clean

That's exactly what I do. 58* for 4-7 days, and then I let it come up to 66-68* for 2 weeks or so to finish out. If you can, lagering for anywhere from 2-8 weeks will make a marked improvement, the longer the better. My kolsh is one of the most beautiful beers I make; they can become brilliantly clear.

I do this as well. I don't go quite as high. I pitch at 54-55, let rise to 58, hold it there until fermentation is almost done (usually 5-7 days) and then raise it over a day to 62, let it sit for another week or two until it's done and clear and conditioned, and then I pseudo-lager for 4 weeks at about 40, at the end fining it with gelatin before bottling. Super crisp and clean, and looks like it's been filtered even though it's bottle conditioned.