Fermentation while lagering

Fri Feb 27, 2009 4:33 pm

Ok, this will definitely be a stupid question if my suspicions are correct but here goes (I hate assumptions):

Is there any more fermentation at ALL while lagers are lagering at 35°?

I strongly suspect the yeast are too cold but I want definitive consensus.
Primary: Nada Damn Thing IPA
Secondary: ESB
Kegged: Jack Schittenweiss
User avatar
BigNastyBrew
 
Posts: 2008
Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2009 12:50 pm
Location: PHX, AZ

Re: Fermentation while lagering

Fri Feb 27, 2009 4:41 pm

You are correct. No fermentation happens at lagering temps. However - significant conditioning will occur.


Mylo
"Life is too short to bottle homebrew." - Me

"HEINEKEN? Fuck that shit! Pabst Blue Ribbon!!!" - Dennis Hopper, in Blue Velvet
User avatar
Mylo
Global Moderator
 
Posts: 4722
Joined: Tue Oct 09, 2007 10:50 pm
Location: Scottsdale, AZ

Re: Fermentation while lagering

Fri Feb 27, 2009 5:09 pm

Thanks, mylo.

The only reason i even started thinking more in depth about it is because I got super low attenuation on both of these lagers (first 2). 63% on my Pilsener, and 65% on my Schwarz. That was pre-diacetyl rest and I didn't want to draw more beer afterwards but I'm sure that didn't make a big difference.
Primary: Nada Damn Thing IPA
Secondary: ESB
Kegged: Jack Schittenweiss
User avatar
BigNastyBrew
 
Posts: 2008
Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2009 12:50 pm
Location: PHX, AZ

Re: Fermentation while lagering

Fri Feb 27, 2009 5:14 pm

You have to pitch a shit load of viable yeast for lagers, and use a bunch of O2. That probably explains the poor attenuation. www.mrmalty.com is your friend.


Mylo
"Life is too short to bottle homebrew." - Me

"HEINEKEN? Fuck that shit! Pabst Blue Ribbon!!!" - Dennis Hopper, in Blue Velvet
User avatar
Mylo
Global Moderator
 
Posts: 4722
Joined: Tue Oct 09, 2007 10:50 pm
Location: Scottsdale, AZ

Re: Fermentation while lagering

Fri Feb 27, 2009 5:34 pm

Well, I didn't learn that until RIGHT after brewing the lagers. I'm just now getting around to building a stir plate so i can do starters efficiently. I figured I needed more yeast so I added 2 dry Saflagers to it hoping to help out with the attenuation. I'm going liquid from now on and will be using the starters along with it.

Thanks for the link. Hopefully, I can figure it out.
Primary: Nada Damn Thing IPA
Secondary: ESB
Kegged: Jack Schittenweiss
User avatar
BigNastyBrew
 
Posts: 2008
Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2009 12:50 pm
Location: PHX, AZ

Re: Fermentation while lagering

Sat Feb 28, 2009 2:36 pm

I believe the yeast do continue to be active even when chilled close to freezing. Their activity is just greatly reduced, but they do continue to eat some of the more complex sugars. I got this from Noonan's New Brewing Lager Beer (I think).

Cheers,
OT
OldTree
 
Posts: 67
Joined: Sat Jan 20, 2007 8:03 am
Location: Saint Louis, MO

Return to Fermentation

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users

A BIT ABOUT US

The Brewing Network is a multimedia resource for brewers and beer lovers. Since 2005, we have been the leader in craft beer entertainment and information with live beer radio, podcasts, video, events and more.