Cold Crashing WLP570

[ajclarkson]

This is my first time cold crashing, as I've only just got a ferm fridge set up. I've brewed a few beers with WLP570 (Belgian Golden Strong) before, and I managed to lager my Duvel clone for 2 weeks while I was away on holiday and the fridge was empty, and that came out lovely and clear after a few more weeks in a cool place in bottles.

However I'm experimenting with using WLP570 in a Dubbel this time, I've used it in a darker Belgian once before and I like the profile I can get out of it by stressing the temperature a bit, but the last time it just never dropped clear. Now that I have the fridge I'm planning on holding it at 3 degrees for a week before bottling.

2 questions, 1) is that far too short as WLP570 is a low flocculating yeast, 2) it's in a plastic FV so whats the easiest way of knowing if its cleared, slowly draw a sample from the tap at the bottom?

Ideally I want the fridge empty for another brew (busy schedule) after a week of cold crashing. It's fermented out well, hit 1.009 for 2 days now so this is all about the clarity.

Cheers

[seymour]

I'm confused. Why do we care if a true-to-style Belgian ale is clear? Duvel is clear, but it's really just a great big pilsener. None of the other well-known Belgian brewers cold crash, and haziness is an integral aspect of these beloved beers. So if you want space in your fridge, skip the unnecessary step.

[ajclarkson]

You make a very fair point Seymour, sometimes just don't see these things for yourself!

I'll still give it a week since the fridge isn't needed for that time, and it might look a little less of a muddy puddle

[seymour]

Cheers, mate. I'm sure it'll be delicious.