Keeping the fermenter warmer than ambient.

[LloydB]

Hi All,

 

Just wondering, now that the nights are getting cooler here in South Aus, does the fermentation process generate any heat from the chemical process going on in the fermenter? Reason being, I am wondering if wrapping the fermenter in some form of insulation would keep it a bit warmer than the cooler ambient temperature, especially overnight.

[Bud]

Hey Lloyd,

The fermentation process will generate some heat, especially with ales. Yet, I have found that into the second day the heat produced is not sufficient to maintain a desired temperature. The winters get cold out here in Wyoming (-30\xb0C) so even with the fireplace, cookstove, baseboard, and internal floor heating I find myself wrapping an old fleece blanket or towel around my fermenter so that fluctuations in the house do not affect my brew. Remember that it is okay if your temp drops a bit, but be wary of "cooking" your yeast above 32\xb0C as this will kill it.

 

[LloydB]

Thanks Bud,

 

Fortunately the temps don't get anywhere near as low as yours over here but I have noticed, once it gets down to around 17 deg C the fermentation (or at least the air-lock activity) slows right down and maybe stops altogether.

 

I will try dressing the fermenter in an old parka.

 

Cheers and heres to the next one!

[PeiHomeBrewer]

Thanks Bud,

 

Fortunately the temps don't get anywhere near as low as yours over here but I have noticed, once it gets down to around 17 deg C the fermentation (or at least the air-lock activity) slows right down and maybe stops altogether.

 

I will try dressing the fermenter in an old parka.

 

Cheers and heres to the next one!

 

If it's only getting down to 17C I wouldn't worry about it. Your taste buds will thank you for it, because you will wind up with a cleaner tasting beer.

 

[LloydB]

OK Leennie, thanks.

 

I guess I was focussing on the Coopers recommendation of the ideal temp range being 21-27.

 

If it is fermenting noticeably slower as indicated by the air lock should I expect it to take 6-7 days for initial formentation?

 

Cheers,

[PB2]

Have to correct you on one point, Bud -

 

Yeast will not be killed at 32C. In fact, most ale yeast strains continue to ferment beyond 40C. However, true lager yeast will perish at 37.5C.

 

That said, fermenting yeast at high temps won't make the best beer...

 

Always go for the lower end of the recommended temp range.

 

Ignore the airlock!

[LarryR]

What is the lowest temp that the coopers ale yeast will work at and how long should it take. Now that I have temp control I want to try the lower end but am not sure what this is.

[PB2]

Most ale yeast strains will tick along at 16C.

 

Start the brew up around the 20C - 24C mark then draw the temp down to target ferment temp after 12hrs.

 

If planning to ferment at low temp from the onset, the pitching rate should be higher (about 1g per litre).

[LloydB]

Hi PB2,

 

What is the equivalent advice for the Coopers Lager kit made up with BE2?

 

Thanks,

[PB2]

Lloyd, I'm not sure what you are asking, exactly??

 

Do you want to know the lowest temperature that Original Series Lager will ferment? If so, all the Original Series beer kits contain the same ale yeast. So, 16C.

 

I'm not advising to ferment at this temperature, though...