question on temperature

[MyBrewing]

Copied over from my intro thread as i guess not many people visit there...



Just got my first batch in the brew fridge tonight, coopers cerveza, hope it is ok. I badly want to get bitten by this bug but a knock back on the 1st could hurt. After reading lots I decided to use s-23 rather than the kit contents. Will aim for about 12 deg in the fridge.

What is the effect of the different temp on the yeast? I understand that the colder the longer as a general rule of thumb but what benefits does that bring ?

 

[Swift Pint]

Welcome to the forum MB.

Looks like S23 has an operating window of about 9c - 15c so 12 seems spot on.

In general terms, different yeast will act differently at different temperatures.
Lager yeasts, such as the S23, work better at cooler temperatures where as ale yeasts work better at higher temps, eg 15c -21c

If the temperature is below the yeasts recommended temperature (as specified by the manufacturer on the packet) then you are likely to see a slow down (or complete stop) in the yeasts activity which could result in an incomplete fermentation. If the temperature gets above the recommended temperature then the yeast tend to produce more funky flavours as a by-product of fermentation, which are usually undesirable in beer.


Please bear in mind that this is a very quick overview, but hope it helps.

 

[MyBrewing]

Roger, so different yeasts just prefer a different temperature to work their magic. If they get too hot they will sweat into my beer making it taste funny.

So my next decision is on rest for diacetyl, crash cooling etc. As I said I have a brew fridge hooked up to a stc-1000 with a heating element so have good contol over the temps. Just can't really find a concensus based on what I am making. As I have seen with others initially I want closest to commercial as possible with regard to clarity, sediment etc to convince significant other and to a lesser degree friends.

 

[MyBrewing]

Can anyone offer any advice on the above?

 

[dennisking]

Never used this yeast personally so I am not able to help much, thought I would post a reply to help keep the post alive and hopefully someone will be able to help.

 

[Good Ed]

I've used S-23 when doing lager kits or extract lagers; ideal temperature is 12C. Make sure you rehyrate it according to Fermentis recommendations and just let it ferment out, usually about 3 weeks, but don't worry if it takes a bit longer. I don't bother with a diacetyl rest as I find it is not necessary. Again you will probably find that you don't need to crash cool to drop the yeast and aid clarity, I don't find the need for this with S-23.

 

[MyBrewing]

I've used S-23 when doing lager kits or extract lagers; ideal temperature is 12C. Make sure you rehyrate it according to Fermentis recommendations and just let it ferment out, usually about 3 weeks, but don't worry if it takes a bit longer. I don't bother with a diacetyl rest as I find it is not necessary. Again you will probably find that you don't need to crash cool to drop the yeast and aid clarity, I don't find the need for this with S-23.

thanks, i will give it a go as is.

 

[rpt]

How much difference does the yeast make to a lager kit? I understand that most lager kits actually come with an ale yeast as these work better at room temperature. So if I replace the yeast with a genuine lager yeast and ferment at 12C will it make a much better lager? Or is the long period of cold lagering the key to a good lager?

 

[MyBrewing]

Just been to check on my brew, i think it is good news....smell of rotten eggs and what looks like a layer of scum on top from outside the FV

 

[FunnyTrickster]

I think it's just going to take time.

I was worried because the guide in the kit said to keep it 18-21C but I don't have any central heating or anything to maintain a constant temperature.

I have put it under the stairs and it's approx 14-15C and it has been fermenting (and smelling). It has been just under a week and it seems to be slowing down a bit. Is this normal? It could just be my imagination though lol.

It does appear to be clearing a bit at the top though.