WLP500 at cool temps

[permo]

Has anybody pushed the lower limits of WLP500? I am considering pitching at 70 degrees and putting my fermenter in 55 degrees ambient to see if I can draw more earthy, spicy aroma's and flavors from this yeast. I am wondering if it may backfire and the yeast will just drop out..? I am guessing the fermenter would remainin right at around 60 with the exothermic nature of fermentations,.

 

[jlachesk]

Extremely timely question as I'm using WLP500 in my next batch. I'll be fermenting in my basement for the first time, and the ambient temp seems to be hovering around 55-60. I'm really going for the earthy qualities of the yeast (vs. the high esters), so I'm hoping my temps work out well. I was considering a FermWrap (or similar) to keep temps a little higher, but if the yeast is still viable at those temps, I'd rather keep it cool.

White Labs says: Optimum Fermentation Temperature: 65-72°F. Lower temperatures (under 65) will result in less fruity and more earthy beers.

Hopefully a Trappist fan will chime in with some experience, else it's experiment time.