Wyeast 2565 Kolsch at higher temp?

[rhys333]

I started a kolsch this evening using 2565, first time using the strain and we're getting unusually warm temps this spring. I don't use temp control for cooling and rely on cooler basement temp plus the occasionally use of a swamp cooler. Ambient is about 63 F on the concrete floor right now, so fermentation might reach 66-69F. A lot warmer than the recommended low 60s for this lager-like strain.

Brewers that know this yeast, can I expect an estery beer at warmer temps and will a diacetyl rest do anything to clean it up? I'd like a clean beer if possible. Worst case scenario I can rig a swamp cooler tomorrow, but I'd rather not. Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[dmtaylor]

I haven't tried fermenting warm with this yeast.... but I bet it will turn out just fine. Try it and see what happens. You won't need a diacetyl rest, I can tell you that.

 

[rhys333]

Thanks Dave. I'm just going to let it do its thing and I might still raise the temp a few days on completion just to make sure its done. Then back down to ambient a few days, bottle, carb, then "lager" in the fridge. Pretty much like all my other ales, but with more time in the fridge. All I can do really without cold side temp control...

 

[HausBrauerei_Harvey]

I'm also curious how this turns out. I love 2565 but my tried and true method is ferment at 60F for 2 weeks, raise temp to 70F over 3rd week and hold for a few days. It makes a great beer. I use a thermowell so the wort temp is really 60F.

I'm betting 63F ambient will be fine, but let us know.

 

[rhys333]

I'm also curious how this turns out. I love 2565 but my tried and true method is ferment at 60F for 2 weeks, raise temp to 70F over 3rd week and hold for a few days. It makes a great beer. I use a thermowell so the wort temp is really 60F.

I'm betting 63F ambient will be fine, but let us know.

I do think it'll be mid to high 60s with this crazy warm weather we're getting. I'll do a full week at 70 after FG and hope for the best. I'll report back with taste test results for sure.