Advice for a lager cold temp brewer

[Lee_]

Hi everyone, thanks taking the time to read my first post.

Totally new to this, but I have friend thats willing to give me pointers along the way.

I'm stuck with only being able to use my shed, so I've decided to attempt a Pilsner, if I start this week, a 16 weeker will be ready near Christmas, perfect timing for drinking.

As I'm new I'm not sure what has 'lager yeast' for slow fermentation, I'd like something as popular and well reviewed as the 'Better Brew Czech Pilsner', can you point me in the right direction?

I'll be borrowing kit that has been successfully used several times, if all goes well I'll buying my own kit asap.

The inside of my shed this week averages 13-16C, I presume this is about right for 'lager yeast'

Thanks.

 

[shearclass]

perhaps a bit high temp wise. Not to say you won't get a nice beer fermenting at 16C, but it won't taste like your standard lager.

 

[Windy]

'Better Brew Czech Pilsner', can you point me in the right direction?
...
The inside of my shed this week averages 13-16C, I presume this is about right for 'lager yeast'

That one needs 15C or above or the yeast will stop work, and although 15 will give an excellent result, it will take a lot of time.

If your shed is already dropping to 13 then it may require a little heating in a few weeks time for any yeast to work.

 

[Lee_]

Thanks for your comments

I'm in no rush, an getting heat into the shed is going be difficult as I rent and can't do anything to the property.

Do you know of a kit that can be done in such low temperatures from start to finish?

I was reading some info on an American site (no link too spammy) its called 'byo'
That shows 'Bavarian Lager' can be done at 46F which is about 8C (unless I'm getting the wrong end of the stick)

 

[mmaguy41]

Yes basically some lager kits come with an ale yeast that works better at ambient room temps which is why they include them so if your sheds going to be below 15 then youll need to get a kit with a lager yeast or replace the kit yeast with a pack of lager yeast and just keep the ale yeast for a future brew, as long as the temp doesnt drop super low you should get a good result with a lager yeast even though the temp will change alot throughout the day and night. Id get a kit like coopers euro lager, very easy to put together and it includes a lager yeast so that should do well.

 

[Lee_]

Thanks I will try the Cooper Euro Lager if the reviews on here good. The temps will fluctuate quite a bit, this afternoon it was way up at 19C and 6C early this morning. Am I right in thinking this is very bad?

 

[mmaguy41]

Its not ideal but itll be fine, id cover the fermenter in a wet towel to keep it a few degrees cooler when the temp is up in the daytime , try and keep it in a shady corner aswell if you can. You could also put it in a water bath and add frozen water bottles during the daytime.

 

[Windy]

Or just wrap it in insulation so that it stays close to average temperature all day. Recycled plastic loft insulation from B&Q is good stuff and cheap and doesn't much mind getting damp, although technically ilegal to use for beer!