Question about lagering - gradual temp reduction

[Rev2010]

I'm thinking of trying lagering for the first time this fall/early winter in my house garage. I've seen many say to gradually lower the temp down to lager range, which I can't do, then I got to thinking.... did the Germans gradually lower temps? If so, how because they used to lager in caves? Is it OK to not gradually lower the temp?


Rev.

 

[bluesman88]

After kegging from the primary I cold crash and lager at 34F. I've never had a problem doing that way.

 

[rockfish42]

Gradually lowering the temp is important if you're doing the traditional way A, if you're doing a diacetyl rest or fermenting until final gravity in primary it's unimportant to gradually reduce the temp.
http://braukaiser.com/wiki/index.php/Fermenting_Lagers#Maturation_of_the_beer