What are the ideal fermentation temperatures for ales and lagers?
The general guidelines for ales and lagers are as such. Ale yeasts generally enjoy fermentation temperatures between 65-75 degrees F. Some ale strains produce better results toward the cooler end of this spectrum and a few prefer to ferment even cooler than 65 degrees. Likewise some ale yeast strains produce better results when fermented toward the warmer end of the spectrum. Consult your local homebrew supply shop or printed material from the yeast purveyor regarding the optimum fermentation temperature for a particular ale yeast strain. Lager yeasts generally enjoy fermentation temperatures between 45-55 degrees F. Some lager strains produce better results toward the cooler end of this spectrum and several prefer to ferment even cooler than 45 degrees. Likewise some lager yeast strains produce better results when fermented toward the warmer end of the spectrum. One lager yeast in particular will produce good results as warm as 68 degrees but generally lager yeasts do not produce opti
