Beat the heat: Brewing in the summer months

Summer may just be the ideal time to enjoy a nice cold pint of Fresh Beer. As a Fresh Beer brewer, the topic of temperature is undoubtedly already on your radar. So how will the heat of summer have an impact?

You’ll know that we recommend brewing between 16-25°C. Keeping the temperature stable within this range is just as important as the temperature itself. Temperatures in parts of the UK reached 40°C in summer last year. We want to share some insights and tips on how to brew the best Fresh Beer when the mercury soars. 

Brewing in high temperatures

We’ll start by saying that you have nothing to worry about or need to change with the brewing process unless ambient temperatures get above 25°C indoors. At this point, there are some things to be aware of when it comes to brewing times and flavour profiles.

In general, higher temperatures can lead to more vigorous fermentation, with yeast working harder and faster. Which could lead to:

> Faster fermentation times

> More foaming from the Carbonation Dial

> Changes in flavour 

The Pinter brews beer under pressure and this pressurised fermentation helps to suppress esters and higher alcohol production which cause floral, spicey flavours as you get in wheat beers. It does this by limiting the yeast's ability to produce esters and undesirable flavours. 

Storing Pinter Packs in Summer

As always, we recommend keeping your Pinter packs at room temperature instead of in the fridge. They have a 9-month shelf life when stored this way and are easier to mix. Keep your Pinter Pack in a cool area as environments that are too warm could cause the yeast to be compromised.

Maintaining recommended temperature range

As long as the temperature where you are brewing is between 16-25°C, then you don’t need to take any extra steps. The aim of the game is to keep your Pinter within the recommended temperature range and for this to fluctuate as little as possible. Here are some things to try if you feel your Pinter is getting too hot:

> Move your Pinter to a cooler area of your house such as a basement, garage or, if you’re really lucky, an air-conditioned room. 

> Keep your Pinter out of direct sunlight.

Summer brewing times

In general, higher temperatures can accelerate the fermentation process, causing the yeast to work more rapidly. If fermentation happens too rapidly, this can lead to the production of off-flavours and other undesirable characteristics. We advise you to do your best to maintain the recommended temperature range for optimal results.

In the heat, we’d recommend sticking to standard times for fermentation as your beer probably won't need any extra time. When it comes to conditioning in the fridge, you can proceed as you normally would. 

How warmer brewing affects the beer's flavour

Warmer fermentation temperatures can impact the flavour profile of your beer. Excessive heat can promote the production of fruity esters and spicy phenols (oh my!), released during fermentation. This can lead to the production of overpowering flavours or harsh alcoholic notes. It's important to maintain the appropriate temperature range to achieve the desired flavours. Especially with lagers where you want a nice, clean flavour. 

Understanding temperature limits

As we’ve mentioned, brewing in excessively hot weather can pose challenges to the fermentation process. Yeast will behave differently and may struggle to survive at higher temperatures. Bear in mind that this can translate into fruitier or sweeter flavours.

If you know it’s going to be extremely hot within the next few days, we recommend considering your brewing environment before going ahead to avoid disappointment with the flavour of your beer. 

Embrace the summer vibes: Recommended styles for hot weather

Summer is a great time to make refreshing and lighter beer styles that are well-suited for both brewing and enjoying when the weather is hot. Some popular options include:

Wheat Beers and Belgian Ales

Wheat beers such as Hefeweizens are known for their light and crisp character featuring fruity and spicy notes. These styles are also known to tolerate higher brewing temperatures.

In Germany, Weissbier became the only kind of beer that was allowed to be brewed with wheat and the only one produced in the summer months in the 16th-18th centuries, making it the original summer beer. Try Weiss Nights. 

Session beers

These low-alcohol beers are perfect for hot summer days when you want to enjoy multiple pints without feeling too heavy. Try House Pale Session Pale.

Fruit-infused beers

Tropical and fruity flavours make for a refreshing summer drinking experience. Try Winter Sun IPA.

Need additional support?

Remember, brewing in hotter weather requires a little extra attention to temperature control. By being mindful of these factors and selecting suitable beer styles, you can brew delicious Fresh Beer even during the hottest months of the year. Cheers to summer brewing!

For additional support please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team of Brewing Advocates and Customer Agents who are on hand to help you.