Kolsch ale b3 lager characteristics

[huntfisher]

I do not have the equipment for lagers, but am wondering if this beer can still have lager characteristics if I store the bottles in 70-80 degree weather. B3 recommends fermenting in 65-68 which is no problem. But, storing bottles until carbonated are my problem since soaking bottles in water would cause mold to grow. So would storing at room temp, probably between 75-85 be okay for this style.

[Rezzin]

I do not have the equipment for lagers, but am wondering if this beer can still have lager characteristics if I store the bottles in 70-80 degree weather. B3 recommends fermenting in 65-68 which is no problem. But, storing bottles until carbonated are my problem since soaking bottles in water would cause mold to grow. So would storing at room temp, probably between 75-85 be okay for this style.

If you can't keep cooler temps then I would recommend waiting until it's cooler before brewing with lager yeast. I'm not familiar with the style personally but perhaps you can use an ale strain and ferment it on the low end as a substitute. I know Brew Captain brew's lots of Kolsch so maybe he, or someone else can chime in.

[dhempy]

Hunterfisher:

I typically store my Kolsch at around 60 degrees during ferm and initial aging. That is where the yeasties like to be. Fortunately, I have a neighbor with a wine cellar that he keeps at around that temp. I've never had any issues with Kolschs done that way. I would think that 75 would be too warm and that you'd have unhappy yeasts. That said, I've got a couple of bottles sitting in my pantry that is probably around 72. I'll break one open and let you know (after I chill it down a couple of days).

Dan

[brahn]

My experience says you'll be ok at those temps. It may not be ideal, but with only the priming sugar left I doubt you'll have any off flavors.

[dhempy]

My experience says you'll be ok at those temps. It may not be ideal, but with only the priming sugar left I doubt you'll have any off flavors.

Brent is probably right on this point!

Dan

[Rezzin]

Just an FYI - if the recommend temp rage is 65-68 for the yeast, your ambient air temp will need to be lower than that to achieve this. You could always use a tub filled with water and ice bottles as an alternative.

[backyard brewer]

It would be better if you could lager it, but the most important part will be the initial fermentation temp. Since you can control that, you'll end up with a Kolsch that is just not quite as clean as it can be is all.

[lars]

I've had Kolsch that sat at room temp (around 75f) for several weeks and came out excellent! Again, the most important part will be initial fermentation temps.

[huntfisher]

Thanks for the tips. I'll give the kolsch a try in a month or maybe two. I brewed three beers this month,so I am bushed.