New Keezer question...

[goose1873]

I just got a large chest freezer for free from a buddy that will fit 8+ cornys and CO2 etc...I have 10 kegs and usually most are full. I was wondering at what temp most of you (with dual purpose keezers) keep it to serve and lager beers. If I fermented 10 gal of oktoberfest ~55F for 3 weeks and put in kegs, is 40F too cold to lager for a few months?

I've been an ale only guy and would like to make the move for my seasonal brews...

I just want to see what works for others...

cheers

 

[Kruuuger]

i'm currently lagering 6 gals of Pilsner on the compressor hump in my keezer. In addition, i've got 5 corny's hooked up serving IPA, apa's and stout. during primary, i set temp to 50* and slowly rose it up to about 58*. since then i'm now letting it lager. i brought it back down to 50* and have since slowly dropped it to 44*. this is my first lager, so i'm still learning ferm temps and timing, but all the while doing this, the beer was still cold enough to drink. i only had it up to 58* for 48 hours, so it wasnt really a problem. i'll be kegging the pils in a week, so i'll let you know if all this is for nothing haha.

 

[goose1873]

so I'm assuming you were serving the ipa/apa's in the mid 50's. hmmm. i may try that but was thinking primary @ 52-55 and lager in the mid to lower 40's w/out the slow rise/fall. thanks though!

 

[Kruuuger]

unfortunately yea, but it was just for about a week. i've since brought it down to 44 degrees to lager. all beers are def drinkable at this temp, although would be better slightly colder. thats y i'm excited to keg this pils soon and get back to normal.

i'm keeping my eye out on craiglist for a free fridge/freezer. after this lagering experience, i def see the advantage/ease of having a seperate vessel for ferm temps....for both lagers and ales. the basement bathroom works out well for ales but being able to hit precise ferm temps only makes for a better beer.