saflager question

[Mr blue]

Going to do an first AG lager tomorrow, the instructions on the packet say to add one packet at room temp but when do you lower the temp down 11 - 15c is it after first signs of fermentation or would after a day be alright.

Thanks in advance

[shiny beast]

Pitch warm, and then bung it in the fridge the following morning. You should overpitch when making lager i.e. two 11 gram packs.

[steve_flack]

Tough qestion.

Yeast growth is quick at a higher temperature so if you want it to get going quicker then pitching warm is the answer.

Sadly, pitching warm means more esters and a less clean flavour so it's better to pitch cool and then ferment for a cleaner taste.

The choice is yours.

[Mr blue]

Thanks will try and get another packet tomorrow and pitch cool

[Seveneer]

I've used this a few times with good results. The best though was when I pitched 4 packets in 10 gallons at about 14C then allowed it to cool to 10C. Fermentation started after 24 hours. The final beer was very clean indeed.

I've also pitched at 22C then fermented at ale temps. The beer wasn't as good as when I pitched and fermented cool but it was still a very clean tasting lager.

/Phil.

[mysterio]

I've had good results pitching warm and putting the FV in the fridge and dropping the temperature immediately. If you're going to pitch cold, which you can do by letting the sealed FV drop in the fridge before pitching, you've really got to pitch a larger amount of yeast, like 2 or 3 packets.