Temperature to pitch yeast

[TheCavanMan]

Guys

What would you recommend here

All going well I'll have my fridge temperature controlled next week but i have a question about pitch yeast.

So I've read that it's better to brew at the lower end of the yeast temperature range and that ale should be brewed around 18oC.

If I have the fridge at 18oC should I get the wort to 18oC and pitch the yeast at 18oC or should the wort be at 22oC pitch and then cool to 18oc in the fridge.

Or would it be better to rehydrate the yeast and pitch at 18oC and stick it in the fridge.

Thanks in advance

[LordEoin]

I'd generally pitch at about 4-5° higher than my fermenting temp just to give the yeast a bit of a cosy nest to wake up in, then get it down to fermentation temp after a few hours or when i see some activity.

most kit yeasts don't need rehydrtion but it might kick things off a little faster.
if you're substituting the yeast, follow the instructions on the pack.
for example nottingham says to rehydrate at 30-35C for 15 minutes, bring down to wort temperature and pitch.

[TheCavanMan]

Thanks mate

Another quick one, the coopers kit instruction state the yeast will work between 18-27oC. Ideal temperatue 21oC

I know you can get bad flavors etc the higher you go, but is there any adverse effects if I brewed at 18oC.

I know it will take a little long but its not a race, its quality

[LordEoin]

I always brew coopers kit ale yeast at 18-20C
i wouldn't go much higher than that though.
just make sure it's not a lager yeast you have. They're best at 12-14C. or a lager/ale blend, best around 16
Check this post for a detailed breakdown of Coopers yeast and temperatures:
http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.com/forum/index.php?topic=660.0