summer lagering (or, lagering in general)

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by GeeL, Apr 4, 2014.

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  1. GeeL

    GeeL Initiate (0) Aug 27, 2008 Massachusetts

    Hi. I want to make an Octoberfest for the fall. This time of year my basement is fairly cool, but in summer it'll range from 65-75 degrees, maybe more during a hot spell.

    If I brew the 'Fest now, I can ferment at 50 deg no problem for 2 wks or so, I can lager it in a keg in the fridge for several weeks too. However, I'll need that space after a month.

    Once it's lagered in the fridge for a few weeks, can it sit at the warmer temps during the summer, or will it need to stay lagering at cold temps? (I'd carbonate it to keep it from spoiling).

    Thanks.
     
    #1 GeeL, Apr 4, 2014
  2. hopfenunmaltz

    hopfenunmaltz Pooh-Bah (2,647) Jun 8, 2005 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah

    Best to keep it cold.
     
    #2 hopfenunmaltz, Apr 4, 2014
    tngolfer likes this.
  3. Seacoastbrewer

    Seacoastbrewer Initiate (0) Jun 5, 2012 New Hampshire

    If you need to free up space in your freezer, I would recommend bottling. You can continue to lager in bottles, in a more space-friendly format.
     
    #3 Seacoastbrewer, Apr 4, 2014
    tngolfer and inchrisin like this.
  4. premierpro

    premierpro Savant (1,060) Mar 21, 2009 Michigan

    As others have said colder is better. I have lagered a beer then stored it in my basement for 4-5 months at 66 degrees. The beer was excelent.
     
    #4 premierpro, Apr 4, 2014
  5. sarcastro

    sarcastro Savant (1,133) Sep 20, 2006 Michigan

    How long did you lager it for?
     
    #5 sarcastro, Apr 4, 2014
  6. premierpro

    premierpro Savant (1,060) Mar 21, 2009 Michigan

    One month.
     
    #6 premierpro, Apr 4, 2014
  7. BumpkinBrewer

    BumpkinBrewer Pundit (993) Jan 6, 2010 Massachusetts

    Know anybody who owns or works at a restaurant? Keg it and store it in their walk-in cooler until the fall.
     
    #7 BumpkinBrewer, Apr 4, 2014
  8. inchrisin

    inchrisin Pooh-Bah (2,013) Sep 25, 2008 Indiana
    Pooh-Bah

    And expect them to keep their mitts off it?? Hell no! Most of the people I know who work in restaurants are alcoholics.
     
    #8 inchrisin, Apr 5, 2014
  9. mikehartigan

    mikehartigan Maven (1,421) Apr 9, 2007 Illinois

    Colder is better. In terms of spoilage, carbonation is irrelevant.
     
    #9 mikehartigan, Apr 5, 2014
    PapaGoose03 likes this.
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