New Brewer in Florida

[Crash501]

Hello all! I got a Mr. Beer for a gift.. and yet I know this is a very simplifyed form, it has spiked my interest in brewing. I plan on getting http://www.northernbrewer.com/starterkits.html to start myself off. My main problem is I live in Florida, and I keep seeing that temp control is key, well we dont have basements here, and without breaking the bank keeping my house at 68 degree's is not to plausable. Are there any main suggestions you would have, and will my brews not turn out good in higher temps.. and how Can I rig something to solve this problem if so.

 

[MrSaLTy]

Welcome! As far as temps go.... fermenting at higher them optimum temps can lead to the yeast giving off esters etc that can give the beer fruity or banana flavors. It may not be BAD beer but it could probably be better. I'd suggest, if you think you are going to be sticking with brewing, look for a used fridge or chest freezer... add a programmable thermostat and you can control the temp to whatever you want. You will even be able to brew lagers then.

You could also do a seach here or google for 'son of fermentation chiller' for how to build a chiller that uses ice jugs.

 

[Rhoobarb]

Welcome!

My best advice to those who are new to brewing is to read the free, online version of John Palmer's "How To Brew"!

And, speaking of Florida... (Here's to Tony Joe White!)

 

[ian]

Hi Crash, as far as keeping the temp down I use a fairly large plastic bin to keep my fermenter in and put milk jugs full of ice in it to keep the temp down around 68 degrees. I wouldn't let environment put you off. If there's a will there's a way. you're gonna find a lot of DIY homebrew solutions on you own and through this board.

Good luck! and welcome to the forum.

Oh, I'm in South Carolina and don't keep my house chilled down either.

 

[squatch]

Another suggestion to keep the temperature down is to put your fermenter in a bin and wrap a wet towel around it. Then point a fan at the fermenter. The evaporation of the water will cool the fermenter. All you have to do is re-wet the towel when it becomes dry.

Here is a discussion about this:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=8945&highlight=towel

If you want to build something, here is a nicely designed fermentation chiller:
http://www.ajbrewing.com/Beer/fermchiller/default.htm

Good luck.

Casey

 

[autoferret]

Welcome to the family!!! Were at in FL r you? i'm near orlando and i just keep my brew in my spare bathroom and it keeps well.

Good luck and happy brewing!!!

 

[Crash501]

Thanks for the advice all, I'm in Panama City btw... Not like we dont have enough beer in this town already hah! But I will read up on these forums and E-books and see where to go!