Never Fear That Summer Is Here
by Scott Wallace
Are you deprived of your handcrafted brew in the Fall because you're afraid it's too hot to ferment in the summer? I have brewed year-round for years. There are three methods for doing so; depending on your price range and space limitations, choose one of the following:
REFRIGERATION
You will need:
Refrigerator ( find a good used one, prices vary)
Temperature Controller (available at Homebrew Adventures; part # CONT-001 $54.99, on sale during June, 1999 for $46.99)
Install the temperature controller
Brew as usual
Ferment at the proper temperature for the style of beer you brewed
This process requires you to install the E-Z temperature controller . With this technique you can ferment ales and lagers year-round. If you have the space and money, this would be the method of choice.
Brew as usual
Put the carboy in the swamp bucket
Wrap a wet towel around the carboy (If you have a handle on the carboy, fold it over onto the towel to hold it in place.)
Fill swamp bucket one quarter full of water (with the carboy in it)
Place ice packs around the carboy (in the bucket)
The water, beer, and ice along with the evaporative cooling effect of the wet towel will keep the beer in the low 60's. When it gets above 90 degrees outside, a small fan blowing on the towel will help keep it cooler. Monitor the towel closely. If it dries out the towel will lose its cooling effect.
This is the method that I use. I find it to be the most cost effective manner, although it requires monitoring and it does not work as well for lagers as the refrigeration technique does.
CENTRAL AIR PROCESS
You will need:
Central Air Conditioning
A Floor Vent ( choose one that is in an out of the way place or in a seldom used room)
A Wooden or Cardboard 5-sided Box (big enough to house a carboy, with airlock and the vent) You can go to your local appliance store and get a thick cardboard box that doesn't require insulation.
Brew as usual
Place carboy beside AC vent
Cut two small holes (about the size of quarters) in the box at the top
(remember that the box will be inverted on the carboy so the bottom
will be the top) and on the opposite side of the vent.
Put the box over the carboy/vent.
The air blowing in the box will keep the beer in the low 60's.
I have heard of people using the swamp cooler and AC methods together
in order to ferment lagers.
Now what are you waiting for? Get out there and start brewing this summer! Come fall, you'll be glad
you did.
