Secondary Temperatures

[Ohm Brewer]

How important is the fermentation temperature in the secondary? (for an ale I mean)

[mmmBeer...]

I primary and secondary at the same temperature. AFAIK, this is standard. I guess that if your temperature is really high you might get some problems...but I doubt it.

[fretlessman71]

I would think that anything over 75F is in the danger zone.

[HogieWan]

Primary temps are more important to watch, especially since the yeast is giving off heat while fermenting. Since the yeast has done most of the work, the temp is less important during secondary, but don't let it get out of hand.

[brewmonkey]

Temps during secondary are just as important as during primary. While the majority of fermentation is complete you still have activity occuring. If the temp is not in the zone yeast will not flocc out, you can bring about oxidation as well as other issues. You secondary temp can be the same as primary but depending on yeast strain you can adjust it (if you have the ability too).

I prefer my secondary to be cooler by several degrees to encourage yeast to start flocc'ing.

[HogieWan]

didn't know about the floccing issue - thanks. I forgot to put my disclaimer that I really don't know the answer and was just guessing. AFA lower temps for secondary, doesn't the temp drop a couple degrees naturally when the yeast slow down?

[brewmonkey]

Originally posted by HogieWan
didn't know about the floccing issue - thanks. I forgot to put my disclaimer that I really don't know the answer and was just guessing. AFA lower temps for secondary, doesn't the temp drop a couple degrees naturally when the yeast slow down?

Yes, as the yeast activity decreases you will see a proportionate drop in the temp. Usually a few degrees over the time. If a yeast is going at 68F I prefer to secondary at about 60F.

As for not knowing, I did not know it at one point either and that is why we are all here. To learn and share!

[HogieWan]

Thanks bm - I'm hoping to build a fermentation chiller soon. Most of my beer has been fermenting in the 70-74 range.

[Ohm Brewer]

I appreciate the info.....guess it's time to buy a bigger freezer.