3

Not having any cooling mechanism for my fermenter(s), this time of year I can get more favorable temperatures outside than inside.

I'm specifically talking about ciders in glass containers, but I'm also curious about hopped beer in glass and plastic containers. (hops in glass outside is obviously bad due to UV exposure)

Is there any reason I shouldn't ferment outside, or cold crash outside?
At what time in the fermentation process do I need to worry about temperature swings?
UV exposure for hopped and non-hopped fermentations?

Improve this question
2
  • 1
    I'd be worried about temperature swings through the whole process. Regardless of fermentable product.
    – brewchez
    Aug 17, 2012 at 22:27
  • If the question was instead "Is fermenting outside a bad idea?", the answer would be YES.
    – hartski
    Aug 20, 2012 at 17:29

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
1

if you are comfortable with the temperature variances, then making cider outside should be ok. Although you should cover in a tarpaulin or other thick plastic sheet - the UV radiation may kill the yeast, or at least reduce it's capacity.

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    other alternatives are large cardboard boxes, as long as it's in good condition it should be lightproof.
    – mdma
    Aug 18, 2012 at 18:58
1

I have a nice sized patio and a very small house with no AC and very old (1947) wall heater. my place is usually very hot or very cold (for us out here in So Cal, very moderate for you northerners :) that said, I ALWAYS ferment outside, but my bucket never sees the sun. I put it in a storage bin from Target filled with water. the water in the bin seems to stay at about 70F no matter what time of year. I have yet to have a complaint about my beer.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.