Hi. I’m currently brewing my first Kölsch. After primary fermentation should I transfer to a keg for lagering? Can I begin forced carbonation at this point? Thanks.
If you have definitely reached final gravity, and perhaps held it for a few more days at fermentation temperature, the yeast have done all they are going to do, and the flavor has been brought to maturity. Now what remains is physical conditioning of the beer. So yes, you can keg the beer, chill it to help clarify it, and carbonate it at the same time. This general plan can be applied to any beer, ale or lager.
Thanks for the info. Cheers!