I’ve brewed a Cali Common for the first time. Due to a last moment change in plans and a ramped up brewing schedule I won’t be able to turn my freezmenter down to 50* because I’m putting two new batches of ale in there at 60*!
The Cali Common has finished fermenting and I’m wondering is it necessary to do the 2 weeks at 50*…? Can I bottle this beer first, carb for a few days at room temp and then cold condition it? Or would it be better to do this on the yeast in primary and then bottle? I can move it to my kegerator for a couple weeks regardless.
I brewed one in the spring. Had the temperatures in the low 60’s(F). Bottled and conditioned in a cellar at 68. Took four bottles and put them in the refrigerator for 6 weeks for a couple of contests: placed 2nd in one and 3rd for the state fair.
Thanks for the reply. I ended up putting the bucket in the kegerator and will bottle in two weeks. It’ll be easier than six weeks in the bottle! Good to know that it will work well the way you described it. May have to utilize that approach at some point!
Let us know how it turns out. I’ve been tossing around the idea of a Cali Common and was wondering how important it was to let it sit in low temps for the last couple of weeks.
I’ve now brewed my Cali several times and only concern myself with temperature during the first week of active fermentation. I shoot for 58-60F until all signs of active fermentation are done and then let it finish at ambient for two weeks which in my room is about 66F. They have all turned out wonderful with no off flavors and very clean and clear.