Time in fermenter

[JBrew]

Hi all

Have cold crashed an ale yesterday as I planned to bottle tonight. Not gonna happen now and am away for the next two weeks. Is the beer ok for 4 weeks in fermenter and should I bring temps back up to ferment temps?

 

[treefiddy]

No worries, I do it all the time.

Better to keep it at CC temps rather than fermentation temps once fermentation is complete.

 

[tcc]

pretty sure autolysis is a myth....as above keep it cold should be fine

 

[Rocker1986]

I always cold crash ales for two weeks as part of my process. It's probably not necessary but I do it anyway. :lol:

 

[yum beer]

Stick a kitten in the airlock for extra protection till you return.

Remove kitty cat before bottling.

 

[abraxxas]

I always cold crash ales for two weeks as part of my process. It's probably not necessary but I do it anyway. :lol:

Hi, I'm new to brewing but enjoying it all the same. Can you tell me what 'cold crash' means.

 

[of mice and gods]

From my understanding, Cold Crashing is chilling your fermented wort down (i've heard of this being done between -1 and 10 degrees celsius) for between typically 1-14 days to hasten the process of clarification as the particles seem to fall out of suspension at colder temps. I would imagine after 2 weeks your beer would be pretty bloody clear and ready for bottling/kegging.

 

[JDW81]

pretty sure autolysis is a myth....as above keep it cold should be fine

Autolysis isn't a myth, it is just less prevalent these days due to better quality yeasts and brewing practices.

But agree, keep it cold and you'll be sweet.

JD

 

[abraxxas]

From my understanding, Cold Crashing is chilling your fermented wort down (i've heard of this being done between -1 and 10 degrees celsius) for between typically 1-14 days to hasten the process of clarification as the particles seem to fall out of suspension at colder temps. I would imagine after 2 weeks your beer would be pretty bloody clear and ready for bottling/kegging.

Many thanks.............It's a technique I think I will try when I get more experience.

 

[slcmorro]

You don't need experience to cold crash. Just a cool place with little to no temperature fluctuations (I'm currently CCing a ginger beer and a faux lager on my garage floor as it sits around 0-4c in there all through winter) and protection from direct sunlight (box, sheets, blanket etc), and patience!

Edit: A fridge is even better if you have one and/or the FV will fit.

 

[Phillo]

From my understanding, Cold Crashing is chilling your fermented wort down (i've heard of this being done between -1 and 10 degrees celsius) for between typically 1-14 days to hasten the process of clarification as the particles seem to fall out of suspension at colder temps. I would imagine after 2 weeks your beer would be pretty bloody clear and ready for bottling/kegging.

If you can get it down as low as 1c, then even a couple of days at that temp will be great. Last APA I made my bottles had built up earlier than expected h34r: so it only got 48 hrs. Poured crystal clear from the FV.

 

[Rocker1986]

I can get my fridge (or the fermented beer in it) down to 0.6C, at least, that's what it reads on the STC. Not bad for a 70 odd year old Frigidaire. When I take another gravity reading of my current batch I will measure the temp of the sample as soon as it comes out to see how accurate the STC is reading. Last time I checked it on my last batch, it was pretty spot on as I recall.

 

[Droopy]

A mate stores his fermenter inside an old wardrobe in a cool place under his house. He's said before he often leaves his brew in the fermenter after fermentation has finished for weeks on end, sometime 4-6 weeks before bottling, saying that the extra time allows the brew to clear up greatly. And yes, I have strictly analysed his product, using sound scientific methods, and give it the thumbs up.

So long as its all sterile, you won't cop an infection or any nasties. Your 4 weeks in the fermenter beer will be great!

 

[syl]

I cold crash beers I want to show off! Otherwise I don't bother

 

[abraxxas]

Thanks for all your replies. I had no idea it could be done.

 

[Ducatiboy stu]

Stick a kitten in the airlock for extra protection till you return.

Remove kitty cat before bottling.

Only white kittens are suitable