Queensland Heat

[Tyler38]

Hi all,

just wondering how people get around the Queensland heat when brewing cider. My first batch has sit at 28-32 degrees and I’m not expecting the best tasting cider at the end plus I think it’s finished fermenting in less than 4 days.
My brew needs to be in the garage but how can I keep it at an ideal temperature?
Thanks

 

[BrewLizard]

Best: Gumtree fridge + temperature controller.
Second best: Kveik.
Gets old fast but works: bucket of water + rotating frozen soft drink bottles of water. Add a t-shirt to the fermenter to get an evaporative cooling effect.

 

[Tyler38]

Best: Gumtree fridge + temperature controller.
Second best: Kveik.
Gets old fast but works: bucket of water + rotating frozen soft drink bottles of water. Add a t-shirt to the fermenter to get an evaporative cooling effect.

Something like this and connected to a fridge to turn it off and on?

 

[BrewLizard]

Yep, they're great. The Wi-Fi model is a good way to go, as it's otherwise annoying to change temperatures for cold crashing (and step fermentation if you're into that sort of thing).

 

[kingdomplantae]

Hey mate I'm in bris and have been using a large esky standing on its end to allow for the height of my FV with airlock on top. I change a frozen bottle of water once a day and keeps the esky sitting around 19 degrees.

 

[Tyler38]

Yep, they're great. The Wi-Fi model is a good way to go, as it's otherwise annoying to change temperatures for cold crashing (and step fermentation if you're into that sort of thing).

Thanks heaps. Do you think it’s worth bottling this batch? It was made from the mangrove jacks sachet that came with the fermenter. Not sure if it’s worth wasting the time and resources if it’s going to be undrinkable due to the heat and the quick fermentation.
thanks

 

[BrewLizard]

To be honest, I haven't made a lot of cider, as I prefer beer.

That said, my first couple of brews I ever did, were in peak Queensland summer and reached 27-28°C a couple of times, even with a water bath. The beer was delicious.

I think it's worth just bottling it.

 

[Eddy Monsoon]

As mentioned, Gumtree fridge plus an Inkbird

When you get the Fridge (or Freezer) I'd recommend getting one that is a single door (not a Fridge & Freezer) and big enough so

a) you can get 2 in if you need
b) gives you elbow room

Couple of current available in Brisbane at the moment below

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/mcdowall/fridges-freezers/westinghouse-fridge/1271193231
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/stafford/fridges-freezers/fridge-only-small/1271794553

 

[angus_grant]

I've got a free fridge you can have for a couple of beers.

It's got a bit of surface rust, but cold crashes well.