Are you wondering how to cold crash beer? Well, let us help you with that!
Today, we will talk about cold crashing, how to do it, and much more! You might have come here not knowing much about cold crashing. However, by the end of our talk, you will likely be on your way to becoming a cold-crashing expert! Let’s not delay any more. Let’s go!
What Is Cold Crashing?
Before we jump right in, let’s ensure we are all on the same page. Let’s briefly discuss what cold crashing is in the first place.
Simply put, it is a way to clarify a beer. Now, there are many methods to achieve a clear beer. However, cold crashing is a method that requires lowering the temperature of the environment of the beer in question. In addition, it is one that does not require an addition to the brew at any part of the process.
How to Cold Crash Beer
We have defined cold crashing and now know the main reason for doing it. Next, let’s discuss the who, what, where, and when. That is, to ultimately answer: how?
Who Can Cold Crash Beer?
Anyone! With cold crashing, one will likely end up with some fancy-looking beer. However, it does not require someone to be an expert to execute it. It is a simple process that even beginners can do.
When to Cold Crash Beer?
The answer to when is vital before answering what and where.
When cold crashing a beer, it is essential that one does it after fermentation and before bottling. There are different takes when to start the process between the two points, but starting three days before bottling is ideal.
On the other hand, how long the process itself could take would depend on how cold you can get your beer to be. Typically, it only takes around a day or two, though.
What Temperature Is Ideal for Cold Crashing Beer?
Again, there are different takes on the ideal temperature for cold crashing beer. However, generally, anywhere between 32 °F (0 °C) to 45 °F (7 °C) should work. It might be best to start as low as possible, though. Only make sure that it is not low enough to freeze your brew! You want the temperature as low as possible but not low enough to do any freezing.
No matter what temperature you want to try your first cold crashing, remember that it could affect how long the process would have to go. Generally, the lower the temperature, the faster the process would finish. For your first try, it would be best to keep an eye out on your brew than rely on set times.
Where to Cold Crash Beer?
Finally, let us answer the “where?” You want to place the beer you are cold crashing in a fridge or a freezer. Ideally, a fridge specifically meant for your beers. This way, your cold crashing will not be disrupted in the middle of the process.
In addition, you might want to place your brew where you can monitor the temperature. That is, if you want to make cold crashing a usual thing and not rely on regular check-ups.
Cold Crashing Problems and Solutions
Cold crashing is an easy process. However, that does not mean a brewer will not face any problem along the way. You don’t have to worry, though. We have listed some of the common issues here with some possible solutions!
Cold Crashing Without a Fridge
You don’t have to worry if you do not have a fridge or freezer for cold crashing. Your cold crashing journey does not have to stop before it even starts. There are three ways to do this process without a fridge or freezer:
- Run an Ice Bath.You can literally use your bathtub for this. On the other hand, a basin or anything that can hold some ice and your beer can also work.
- Get Some Ice-Cold Water-Soaked Towels.This method can be a little less unreliable, depending on how you decide to go about it.
- Use Nature.If it is winter, you can place the beer you want to cold crash where it could benefit from the chilly season.
As you can guess, there are other methods for this problem. Let your imagination roam!
How to Solve the Oxygen Problem
Oxidation is a risk one takes when cold crashing. However, there are a few ways to solve this issue:
- Get a CO2 Harvester.As the name suggests, this device will harvest CO2 for the fermenter to suck back instead of oxygen.
- Use a Keg.If you have a keg, you can use it for fermenting. The only thing you would have to do to prevent oxidation with this one is to close it.
As with the previous point, these are only some examples to solve this problem. There are more ways to do so!
Why You Should Cold Crash Beer
We already know the main why of cold crashing beer. That is, beer clarifying. However, you might be curious now why one should clear up a beer after reading through the process. In other words, is the result really worth the trouble?
Here are some reasons:
- We eat (in this case, drink) with our eyes first.Cold crashing and clarifying a beer ensure the first sip (with our eyes) would be delightful.
- Flavor and Aroma. While cold crashing is known to help with the beer’s appearance, it also helps with its flavors and aromas.
- Better Experience.It helps with sediments and unwanted particles. While one might not be interested in beer appearances, drinking sediments and such can ruin a drinking experience.
Final Words
Are you still wondering how to cold crash beer? Hopefully, the answer to that question is a no!
Today, we discussed cold crashing. We got to know what it is, how to do it, and why do it. We hope we got to clarify your beer concern today, just like how cold crashing can clear up a beer! If you have other beer concerns that need clarifying, you can check out our other talks!
As a homebrewer, Michael would get frustrated about the lack of brewing information on the internet. After hundreds of gallons of spoilt batches, Micheal had enough. And he founded Unknown Brewing as a resource for homebrewers.