Bottled Lager in Garage Throughout Summer

[Shayne79]

Hi all,

I've been advised by a friend that it might be best to leave making my lager kit until summer has passed.

It's Coopers European Lager, Fermentation temps are no problem, and the inital secondary temps are no problem, but he says the garage (where I store my bottled brews) may get too hot for the 3 months the Lager needs in the bottles.

I checked the instructions and they say: Store bottles for at least 7 days above 18 degrees C, brew may benefit from conditioning for 2 weeks and upto and beyond 3 months (see extra notes for European Lager). Extra notes: Allow Coopers Lager at least 12 weeks in the bottle before consuming.

So I can't really see what the problem is?

But I best check before I get it wrong. I believe the best way is:

First fermentation (about 15 degrees for lager), secondary fermentation in bottles (above 18 degrees for 2 weeks), then outside in garage for 3 months (but at what temp? the instructions seem to suggest above 18 degrees?)

Cheers all.

[Shayne79]

I've also found this too, an experiment where a batch of lager was conditioning (for a shorter period of time though) with 5 bottles in the fridge, and 5 bottles in the garage.

http://boakandbailey.com/2008/02/26/bre ... uss-about/

In conclusion it says that their is a difference, but very little, and one that could be asociated with different regional brewing methods too.

I think I'll just go ahead and brew it.

[krisleeds]

I did mine last summer when the garage was 10-12 with no problems.

If you can find a cheap/free fridge on eBay or somewhere, it's worth it to keep it cool - but not essential.

[mickhew]

This kit doesn't have to be in the bottle for 3 months. Is perfectly drinkable after 4 weeks in the bottle.