My Lagering Method

[mckenry]

Hi All,
Since the purchase of my fridgemate I can now brew cold. Hey, I even have 2 fridgemates, so I have 1 working an ale on a heater pad and the other controlling the fridge. i have done many many searches and pages of reading and want to give my lager the best possible chance. As I understand it, to lager my beer properly I need to do a few things. They are listed below, step by step and want you guys to have a look and advise accordingly.
Cheers, mckenry

Yeast = SafLager W34/70

1. Fermenting at 11C - all going fine right now
2. Diacetyl rest??

I think I need to up the temp to about 18C?
Do I do this after primary has completely finished and can I do it in the primary fermenter or must it be racked?
I assume there will be more fermentation happening at this stage :huh: After this ferment (if it happens) do I then go straight to lagering?

3. lagering.
Put it back in the fridge at 2 or 3C for another few weeks?

I know this is a basic outline, but does it sound right?

 

[razz]

Morning mckenry. If you want to do a D rest then do it when the ferment is about 75% finished, use your hydro to check the gravity. You only really need to do a D rest if you pitched warm and cooled the fermenter and the yeast you are using is known for throwing diacetyl. Leaving it on the primary is important so as the yeast can clean up the diacetyl. Your lagering idea will be fine.

 

[mckenry]

Morning mckenry. If you want to do a D rest then do it when the ferment is about 75% finished, use your hydro to check the gravity. You only really need to do a D rest if you pitched warm and cooled the fermenter and the yeast you are using is known for throwing diacetyl. Leaving it on the primary is important so as the yeast can clean up the diacetyl. Your lagering idea will be fine.

thanks razz,
I checked the fermentis specs sheet, but it has no mention of the diacetyl levels for W34/70. It states the US-05 is low diacetyl, but nothing else.
Does anyone know if W34/70 needs a D rest?

 

[mckenry]

Hi,
I want to ask another quick question re Lagering.
After the D rest can I;

1) Keg, carbonate and leave in fridge (under constant carbonation pressure) for the Lagering period? - I expect to leave it for 3-4 weeks

or

2) Do I do the lagering for 3-4 weeks in the primary fermenter (slurry still at bottom) then keg, force carbonate and drink about 1 week later?

or

3) Bring the temp down after D rest for a day or two then follow point 1) ?

Cheers,
mckenry.

 

[lonte]

Hi,
I want to ask another quick question re Lagering.
After the D rest can I;

1) Keg, carbonate and leave in fridge (under constant carbonation pressure) for the Lagering period? - I expect to leave it for 3-4 weeks

Yep, go with (1) but I'd recommend only enough gas pressure to ensure a seal on the keg. Yeast don't work as well under pressure (a bit like me!). Once you've given it the 4 weeks MINIMUM then carbonate to desired level.

 

[mckenry]

Yep, go with (1) but I'd recommend only enough gas pressure to ensure a seal on the keg. Yeast don't work as well under pressure (a bit like me!). Once you've given it the 4 weeks MINIMUM then carbonate to desired level.

Thanks lonte. Makes the fermenter available 4 weeks earlier!