Kolsch help

[Brewer #422752]

Good morning, gang, and happy new year! I am once again back into brewing, but I need bit of help on this one if you would, please. Recently I purchased a ready to brew kit from a local home brew shop. The gent who packaged it said everything I needed to brew was in the bag. I specifically asked in all the instructions were inside as well. Absolutely was the response. However, when I went through the recipe there were no fermentation notes. So my question to the group is what is the best temp for fermentation on a German/Czech kolsch, and for how long? I have done lagers before so I know then generally should have longer time at a lower temp than the ales I've done. Any help from those that know is appreciated.

 

[Josh Hughes]

Good morning, gang, and happy new year! I am once again back into brewing, but I need bit of help on this one if you would, please. Recently I purchased a ready to brew kit from a local home brew shop. The gent who packaged it said everything I needed to brew was in the bag. I specifically asked in all the instructions were inside as well. Absolutely was the response. However, when I went through the recipe there were no fermentation notes. So my question to the group is what is the best temp for fermentation on a German/Czech kolsch, and for how long? I have done lagers before so I know then generally should have longer time at a lower temp than the ales I've done. Any help from those that know is appreciated.

What yeast are you using? There should be a recommendation for temps on thanks pack. Low 60s if I recall from Kölsch yeasts I’ve seen. Treat it like the lagers you are used to. Low 60s and ramp at end.

 

[Josh Hughes]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Brewer #422752]

What yeast are you using? There should be a recommendation for temps on thanks pack. Low 60s if I recall from Kölsch yeasts I’ve seen. Treat it like the lagers you are used to. Low 60s and ramp at end.

Thanks for that info!

 

[Minbari]

Kolsch is an ale yeast, so whatever the recommended temp is.
Any beer can be lagered for clarity after

 

[The Brew Mentor]

As mentioned above, the yeast will be what determines the fermentation temperature.
Kolsch characteristics are typically created in a lower temperature fermentation.
If the yeast you received was a kolsch yeast, then I'd ferment at about 62° until you're approaching FG and then I'd warm it up to 70° and let it finish up there before processing.
Good luck