Lager Temps

RossBee · February 24, 2016, 07:21:02 PM

Just racked 75 gallons of "Lager", 25 gallons of Pilsner, 25 gallons of a Red Lager and 25 gallons of a Brown Lager. Brewed them last Monday through Wednesday. Each is sitting at about 1020, having started at 1048. Raised ferm temp from 12 to 16C, good thing?

Roger · February 24, 2016, 08:41:40 PM

75 gallons? Are you brewing commercially or is that personal consumption?

mikegraham · February 24, 2016, 09:21:13 PM

i need your set up wow i would be

all the time lol

pliny · February 24, 2016, 10:25:47 PM

Is that a bit high temperature for those styles?
What about something closer to +4 maybe?

Jake · February 25, 2016, 11:33:08 AM

I haven't done lager in a while but I think raising the temp wont hurt and can only help with any diacetyl that high of a FG ... at this point most of your fermentation is complete so i don't think it's any harm to ramp it up ... 16 would be too warm at start of fermentation but at this point I think you'll be fine. I do know that a key to a good lager is doing a diacetyl rest which typically incorporates raising the temp at end of fermentation for a few days to get rid of any remaining diacetyl. For a lager a D-rest is typically done in the around that 16 or so degree range so i think it'll only help. Hopefully this will rid any remaining diacetyl and knock a few points off your FG

RossBee · February 25, 2016, 03:59:43 PM

Checked in on the three lagers today, activity has increased, room temp stabilized at 15 C. I'll give it a couple of days and move them to the cold room (5C) to finish their thing. Life is good.

RossBee · February 25, 2016, 04:01:00 PM

Quote from: Roger on February 24, 2016, 08:41:40 PM
75 gallons? Are you brewing commercially or is that personal consumption?

Personal, make lager while temp is available, lol.

Roger · February 25, 2016, 05:37:53 PM

Good on ya man... I sometimes wish I had bigger vessels but I don't have the room or cash for it but that's awesome good for you man.

RossBee · February 25, 2016, 06:24:11 PM

Quote from: Roger on February 25, 2016, 05:37:53 PM
Good on ya man... I sometimes wish I had bigger vessels but I don't have the room or cash for it but that's awesome good for you man.

Ended up with 3 food grade plastic 30 gallon barrels from Princess Auto, for $18 each a couple of years ago. Should have bought more. Much more efficient than using 6 brew buckets/carboys.

I'm very fortunate to have a wonderful wife that encourages me to enjoy my hobby, and she doesn't like beer.

Roger · February 25, 2016, 07:33:08 PM

My wife loves beer she probably drinks almost as much as I do but space and cash are tight... I like being able to do different beers and styles often but sometimes I run out and scramble to brew more like right now I brewed twice this week and I plan to brew again next week.

RossBee · February 25, 2016, 08:53:24 PM

Brew cave is currently under contruction, should be done in a couple of months. Will do some back to back weekends at that point.

80 gallon Electric HLT should be up and running at that point as well leaving the possibility open to evening brewing.

Always seem to be wating on hot water.