Please click on an FAQ link below to view information regarding that question.   Question: What are the ideal fermentation temperatures for ales and lagers?   Answer: 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 Midwest's yeast section on the website 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 optimum results this warm. Consult Midwest's yeast section on the website or printed material from the yeast purveyor regarding the optimum fermentation temperature for a particular lager yeast strain.   Question: What are the different methods of temperature control? Can I brew lagers without having an extra refrigerator on hand?   Answer: There are a few methods homebrewers can use to acheive optimum fermentation temps. While a refrigerator equipped with a thermostat control will provide the most precise control, there are other, less expensive ways. Many hombrewers have a basement that is typically a few degrees cooler than normal, and many lagers can be brewed in these conditions. To see if your basement is cool enough, simply place a glass of water on the floor with a thermometer in it. Check the temperature several hours later; if the temp is between 45 and 55 degrees F, you're ready to start brewing lagers.   Question: What are the ideal fermentation temperatures for ales and lagers?   Answer: 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 optimum results this warm. Consult your local homebrew supply shop or printed material from the yeast purveyor regarding the optimum fermentation temperature for a particular lager yeast strain.