coopers lager kit

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BIGTRACTOR

coopers lager kit

Post by BIGTRACTOR » Thu Aug 24, 2006 11:11 am

hi, just bought a coopers original lager kit, i intend to use a bag of muntons beer kit enhancer with it and then barrel it.
i've heard that lagers prefer a lower temperature, so should i primary ferment in the garage (where it might get a bit too cold during the night) or would it be ok inside, bearing in mind we dont have the heating turned up and the weather isnt so hot any more?
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mysterio

Post by mysterio » Thu Aug 24, 2006 11:21 am

Depends on how low your garage gets? The colder temps will definately give you better flavours. If you're garage gets really cold you could put the fermenter in the bath or put a wet t-shirt around it.
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BIGTRACTOR

Post by BIGTRACTOR » Thu Aug 24, 2006 11:52 am

cheers, will do that, what would the ideal constant temperature be for lager?
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mysterio

Post by mysterio » Thu Aug 24, 2006 11:59 am

Depends on your yeast, But I'd say about 13C, give or take a couple of degrees. I wouldn't let it go much below 10C.

I'm not sure if it's lager yeast that is supplied with the kit so you might want to refer to the instructions.
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BIGTRACTOR

Post by BIGTRACTOR » Thu Aug 24, 2006 1:41 pm

yeah, doesnt actually say whether its lager yeast or not, so i think i'll brew in the garge but use my adapted aquarium heater in it with the thermostat set on around 13 degress, cheers ;)
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bitter_dave
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Post by bitter_dave » Thu Aug 24, 2006 2:14 pm

As Mysterio says, it is important that you ferment at the temperature on the instructions - you won't do the beer any favours if you try to ferment at 13 C and the kit has an ale yeast suitable for fermentation at 18-20 C.
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BIGTRACTOR

Post by BIGTRACTOR » Thu Aug 24, 2006 3:34 pm

its says on instructions to keep wort between 21-27 degrees, so i guess it must be an ale yeast, i've read time and time again that many people rate coopers lager as a good one, so i'm surprised to find out they use a ale yeast, i've actually got 2 kits, so i think i'll do the first one as per instructions using the yeast supplied, but i may buy some saflager yeast for use in the second one and keep it at the lower temp range, is this a good idea? :o
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tribs

Post by tribs » Thu Aug 24, 2006 10:42 pm

Spot on DaaB. Its always worth trying the kit as sold (when they are as good quality as Coopers) for reference on the first go IMO.
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BIGTRACTOR

Post by BIGTRACTOR » Fri Aug 25, 2006 1:31 pm

thanks chaps, will do that. :P
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