Low temperature fermentation

[Guzluka]

I know that fermenting a lot higher than 20 c can cause off flavours but with the winter kicking in over the last few weeks my fermentation temperature has dropped and i'm finding it difficult to keep it around 18 c. Ive been putting blankets around it to try to keep it warm because cant leave the heating on all day when i'm at work.

What are the results of a lower fermentation for an ale? e.g 15 - 17 c does the yeast simply stop working or can it cause off flavours?

[mysterio]

It can cause off flavours or a stuck fermentation if you don't use a yeast that can handle it.

Nottingham can cope with those temperatures no problem though, however you might want to pitch two packets to be safe.

It will result in a cleaner, less fruity tasting beer. This is why some homebrewers (without dedicated temp control) brew their lagers around the winter months

[OldSpeckledBadger]

I think your simplest solution is an aquarium heater.

[Guzluka]

Do have one (an aquarium heater) but was under the understanding that a fermentaion vessel should be shut tight due to air contaminants but now understand that the lid should be loose or have an airlock, a loose lide would facilitate an aquarium thermometer which I have. Is this all correct? Does the brew need air? Is an airlock required or can I just leave the lid loose? (I asume it shouldnt be shut tight with no airlock and no way of getting air?

On the low temperature subject I used a muntons yeast strain, its rising to around 19 c at times and has been going for around 9 days, quick lagtime as I put it next to the radiator to start but because of the cold weather it sometimes drops to 15 c but averagely i'd say its fermenting around 16- 17c, ive also put a t-shirt and towel around it which obviously the themometer doesnt consider. Do you think this will be ok?

On the aquarium heater suggestion what temp should i put it too, 18c 19c or 20c for future brews?

[6470zzy]

I think your simplest solution is an aquarium heater.

I would like to know as I have no experience with aquarium heaters if they are most often used in a water bath or immersed directly within the fermentation vessel?

Cheers

[dave-o]

I think your simplest solution is an aquarium heater.

I would like to know as I have no experience with aquarium heaters if they are most often used in a water bath or immersed directly within the fermentation vessel?

Cheers

Please check out my construction guide.

Works like a charm, and very cheap.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=27682&start=0&st=0& ... lit=heated

[6470zzy]

Please check out my construction guide.

Works like a charm, and very cheap.

Ta for that, however it wouldn't work as readily for me as I generally use carboys for my fermentation vessels The aquarium heater might work in a water bath though with the carboy immersed. Not that I really need it mind you , I don't really have too many issues with my temps, just another gadget idea to make the wife roll her eyes

Cheers

[quiff]

Couldn't you simply get a spare cap/stopper with airlock for the carboy, snip the heater wire, feed it throught the cap and airlock and reconnect the wires?

[6470zzy]

I could indeed,however I don't really want a heater suspended in the FV and as I said I really don't need a heater , I'm only toying with the idea. I appreciate your suggestion though, thanks.

[Mountain]

I've had a great success at that temperature.
I have just bottled a batch tonight that I fermented at around 16C. So far it has been great.
Mind you it took almost 3 weeks to get down to 1.010, but it was slowly bubbling all the way and the gravity dropped at a very consistent rate.
I used Brupaks ale yeast.
-
It's also clear as a bell and has a very clean crisp flavour. I'm looking forward to tasting it fully carbonated....about Christmas time I hope.

[GARYSMIFF]

cool is the new COLD?