Altbier Secondary Temp

[Kelly]

The Altbier kit I have recommends a cold secondary fermentation but doesnt specify how cold. I have it right around 50 degrees. This should be ok right? I want to make sure that there is some live yeast for carbonation.

[bperetto]

I cold condition my alt in the lagering fridge (34), but I'm kegging.

I ferment my ales at about 50 degrees, so don't worry about them being affected. Don't you refrigerate your smack packs? Cold temp won't kill them- just put them to sleep. They'll wake up again to carbonate your bottles.

Hell, one guy in our club accidentally froze his starter. He pitched it anyways and the beer fermented normally.

[Tom-O]

The yeast will actually die quicker the warmer the you keep them.. storing cold keeps the viability (% live cells) higher.

I do alts at low end of fermentation range, and then drop 10-15 deg/day for 3 days until I hit 32F. hold for two weeks.

if you pitched a good size starter and aerated well it makes a really nice beer.