Is it OK to serve at lagerig temperatures?

Sat Apr 13, 2013 2:42 pm

So here's the deal:
I made a fermentation station with 2 temperature zones. One side is for fermentation with controllable temperatures around ~50° F, and the other side is for lagering at ~34° F. The station is also going to serve as the base for my bar. I was thinking of putting a tower on the bar top and serving directly from the lagering side. Is that too cold to serve? Or should I serve in the low 40's? Has anyone done something like this? I'm sure there is a keezer with the same concept. I have a kegorator to serve beer in the low 40's, but it would be nice to consolidate into 1 unit. Let me know your thoughts.
Thanks.
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JoeBeer100
 
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Re: Is it OK to serve at lagerig temperatures?

Sun Apr 14, 2013 12:56 am

I put my kegerator on a 4 degree swing to give the compressor a little extra break. It fluctuates between 36-40. Works for me.
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Ozwald
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Re: Is it OK to serve at lagerig temperatures?

Sun Apr 14, 2013 4:13 am

Ozwald wrote:I put my kegerator on a 4 degree swing to give the compressor a little extra break. It fluctuates between 36-40. Works for me.


So you also use it for lagering?
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JoeBeer100
 
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Re: Is it OK to serve at lagerig temperatures?

Sun Apr 14, 2013 6:48 am

Haven't brewed a lager in ages. No real plans to either.
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Ozwald
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Re: Is it OK to serve at lagerig temperatures?

Sun Apr 14, 2013 9:33 am

No problem with serving at lagering temperatures. I would let the glass of beer sit for a while after pouring to let it warm up a bit so the flavors and aroma will come out better. Otherwise it will taste a little like those industrial lagers with the claim that cold is a flavor. :?
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Re: Is it OK to serve at lagerig temperatures?

Sun Apr 14, 2013 10:43 am

I keep my chest freezer for serving beers at 35F at all times. I do rinse my glass with hot water to warm it up before pouring a beer though. Sometimes I will even pour two in a row and let one sit to warm up for better aromas and flavors to come through while I drink the first colder one.
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Re: Is it OK to serve at lagerig temperatures?

Mon Apr 15, 2013 4:14 am

Since I don't have a separate lagering fridge, I lager at serving temperatures, 40-42F. Lager comes out nice and clean. I know it's probably better to go as close to freezing as possible, but it's another option.
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Re: Is it OK to serve at lagerig temperatures?

Mon Apr 15, 2013 1:38 pm

Awesome. Thanks for the replies, guys. It's good to know I'm not the only one out there who has this type of setup, and it will all be OK.
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