So, I like all kinds of beers. I'm kind of into this pilsner from a local brewery although I don't have much ability to lager it. I like that it's not very hoppy and has a bready flavor. I am looking to brew something that isn't too hoppy. This may be my first 10 gallon batch. I'll be able to do some different things with each 5 gallon fermentation like different yeasts. I also have some frozen mango too. Looking for something near the 6% area as well. Any thoughts?
Take a pilsner recipe and use an ale yeast, or if you want to split the batch, two ale yeasts for later comparison. It's your choice on the yeast varieties that will interest you.
The unfinished part of my basement is 57° right now in PA. If you're in NJ, you could easily manage lager temps with a swap cooler and switching out frozen gallon jugs in the morning and at night.
S Sounds fun. I may need to use my garage though as my basement is finished and has the furnace in the unfinished part. I'm not quite following the frozen gallon jug part though.
Just freeze two 1 gallon jugs. In the morning, put one of them in the swamp cooler. Then when you come home, take the first one out and refreeze it, and put the second frozen one back in. You may need to adjust the water level in the swamp cooler or the timing of switching out the frozen jugs, but this is a really cheap and easy way to help get down to lager temps. Do a quick search for 'swamp cooler.' There's some good info already out there.
Also, be careful it's not too cold in your garage. If so, you could use the same set up, but use a temperature controlled aquarium heater instead of the frozen jugs. Would be easier this way imo...
