Fermenting Temperatures

[crilly]

After getting some great advice on another thread, I need a little direction regarding fermenting temperature. It appears I've been fermenting at a to higher tempreture, I now have a cooler place to ferment, and wanted to know if the recommended temperature for a real ale is 20-22c is that room temp or beer temp, the spot I've located is about 17-18c, would the be ok.

 

[Brew Dad]

After getting some great advice on another thread, I need a little direction regarding fermenting temperature. It appears I've been fermenting at a to higher tempreture, I now have a cooler place to ferment, and wanted to know if the recommended temperature for a real ale is 20-22c is that room temp or beer temp, the spot I've located is about 17-18c, would the be ok.

The temp ranges suggested by the yeast manufacturers are for beer temperature. The temperature inside the fermentation vessel will be a few degrees higher than ambient room temperature, how much higher depends on quite a few variables - vessel type (stainless, glass, plastic, etc.), fermentation vigor, etc. I can say that I ferment in a cold cellar that I keep around 17c, in plastic buckets, and have never had a temp issue. Suspect it will work out just fine for you.

 

[crilly]

Thanks for the reply, been fermenting in the kitchen which was 23-24c whilst cooking and first few batches few very fruity tasting which I believe is due to high temperatures.

Garage currently around 17c so give that a go.

 

[Duncan Dobbin]

Have you got a thermometer strip stuck to the FV? This gives a fairly accurate reading, far better than taking the room temp. It's a simple and cheap solution.

 

[MmmBeer]

A temp of 17-18°C is fine for ales, but the ambient in a garage will probably drop away over night. A location near the centre of the building, or as Brew Dad said, a cellar will keep the most constant temperature. Alternatively place the FV in in a large bowl or builders trug full of water, to help eliminate temperature swings.

 

[ExpatBrewer]

Another option is to insulate your fermenter. Wrapping your FV in a sleeping bag or similar will also help hold the temperature overnight.
Fermentation, being exothermic generates it's own heat which you can utilise during the first few days when it's at its most vigorous. However, once the fermentation eases off the beer temperature will start to drop back toward ambient. Insulation will will help minimise this heat loss and subsequent temperature drop as the fermentation slows approaching FG.