Cold Brewing

[polski]

Well it is that time of year again when i don't leave my house because its too damn cold in MN. So with this weather comes the dilemma, is it cold enough to make a lager or can I still squeak an ale? Well right now i can't do either. The ambiant temp in my basement is about 60 and after last time i'm pretty sure i'm not allowed to put the carboy anywhere else in the house.

Any who, i'm looking at picking up one of those brew belts...any tips, thought. Are these things crap or do they really work.

[Bugeater]

Try brewing a California Common. Your temps are perfect for that. I have also had good luck with some other yeasts at those temps. Wyeast 2565 (koelsch) and Wyeast 1007 both work down around 60°

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company

[Henning1966]

just have 2 chine in and say that you very well could do a psedo lager or a cali common. I have made a really nice psedo lager with dry nottingham yeast another one that doesn't mind the cooler temps.

[polski]

Well i couldn't wait to brew, so moments after posting this i went to my LHBS and did exactly what you suggested...I'm brewing a cal common tomorrow (got the starter going now).

If this goes well, i'm planning on repitching the WL810 (san fran lager), any suggestions for another brew i could make with this? Anyone try making a stout or a brown with this stuff?

[polski]

...also, it looks like these brew belts are recommended for the plastic pails, any one try them on glass carboys?

[bub]

the 1-1.5" wide blue heater belt?
Yeah used it on carboys before... seemed to work fine.
BUB

[Brancid]

Try the WL002 English Ale. I hear it does really well at lower temps. The Cali Common is a great plan though. I fluf'en love that beer and haven't been able to make it happen w/ no temp control...damb.

[Bugeater]

Try pitching a Baltic Porter on that 810 yeast cake. That's a style that is done with either a lager or ale yeast. 810 should work great with it.

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company