Lagering 101

[Solar]

Hi im about to bottle my first brew, made from the can of copers lager that came with my brew kit. I just followed the instructions it came with.

From what i've read on these forums coopers lager cans come packaged with ale yeast NOT lager yeast.

Was just wondering if i should still lager my beer after i bottle it and if yes then whats a good procedure for lagering?

[Dogger Dan]

It never hurts

Dogger

[thehipone]

Lagering might smooth out the flavor a little bit, but since this is your first brew I wouldnt worry about it too much; you'll love it regardless.

After you let it sit someplace moderately warm to carbonate, chuck it in a fridge for a couple of weeks for some cold conditioning, if you can wait that long to drink it

If you decide to make a true lager for your next brew, make sure you have somewhere that you can control the temperature in the 5-15 C range and use a true lager yeast, Saflager is a good one and comes with the Cooper's pilsener kit. (Or jump right in and do a triple decoction mash Pilsener Urquell style just kidding)

There isnt really a rule, but long times and cold temperatures are pretty much the guidelines.