TCB Wet Packs - novice brewer

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goq11k_76
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TCB Wet Packs - novice brewer

Post by goq11k_76 »

hi,

being a relative novice...

I have done some reading and everybody seems to rate them

are these wet-packs easy to brew?
Are there any specific tools needed? i.e extra large brewing saucepan?

and whats the ideal temp range for the yeast, I like pilsner type beers, but all these kits seem to be ales not lagers?

and most important, whats the taste generally like, buy from shop comparisons?

I was going to try a E.S.B fresh wort mix next time round. finally got a keg system that will be finished in a few weeks.

cheers all :D
pilsner is the love of my life...
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lethaldog
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Re: TCB Wet Packs - novice brewer

Post by lethaldog »

goq11k_76 wrote:hi,

being a relative novice...

I have done some reading and everybody seems to rate them

are these wet-packs easy to brew?
Are there any specific tools needed? i.e extra large brewing saucepan?

and whats the ideal temp range for the yeast, I like pilsner type beers, but all these kits seem to be ales not lagers?

and most important, whats the taste generally like, buy from shop comparisons?

I was going to try a E.S.B fresh wort mix next time round. finally got a keg system that will be finished in a few weeks.

cheers all :D
The tcb wetpacks are relatively simple and you need about an 8-10 litre pot, have a look at the country brewer site as they are a mix between ales and lagers, i have just brewed a european pilsner and have a southern lager ready to brew soon, they have a beer for most general styles including APA, pilsner, lager, wheat, porter/stout, english bitter and my favourite the classic oak ale, taste is about incomparible to most homebrew kits and i guarantee that you would not be disapointed by these
they are top quality :lol: :lol:

P.S all are supplied with top quality saf yeasts :lol: :lol:
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ACTbrewer
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Post by ACTbrewer »

THe ESB fresh worts are highly rated, but more expensive. The good thing is that all you need to do is add water and yeast.

The TCB range seems to be all highly praised, but they do take more time and efort as you need to steep grain, do a boil and add hops.

Both great choices.
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Biggles
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Post by Biggles »

Sorry for HiJacking the thread with a different question.

The TCB Wetpack Pilsner comes with Saflager S23 so needs to be brewed like a lager at cooler temps, ideally.

The TCB Summer Wheat beer comes with 2 silver packets of yeast that have only 6gr and 2599 written on them. What temps does a wheat beer yeast like ?
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gregb
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Post by gregb »

Wheat beers are generally Ales. It is probably an Ale yeast. 18 - 22 C would be a fair guess. Are there any suggested temps on the instructions? If all else fails give'em a buzz and ask.

Cheers,
Greg
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Biggles
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Location: Northern Rivers, NSW.

Post by Biggles »

Thanks greg.

The instruction sheet is the same for all the wetpacks and only states 20-22 for ales and 12-16 for lagers.
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rwh
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Post by rwh »

Yeah, should be an ale yeast, albeit one that likes wheat...
Last edited by rwh on Monday Oct 30, 2006 2:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
w00t!
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NTRabbit
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Post by NTRabbit »

Fairly certain the yeast that comes with the Summer Wheat is Safale S-33
Het Witte Konijn
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Biggles
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Location: Northern Rivers, NSW.

Post by Biggles »

NTRabbit, you are correct. I just called TCB and it is S33 with the Summer Wheat Beer.
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goq11k_76
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Post by goq11k_76 »

well an update, brew is in the keg getting carbonated for a day or two, it tastes great from the fermenter/secondary fermenter

tell me, is it meant to be a little bitter or this just a flavour characteristic when warm (22deg) not say 4-5 deg
pilsner is the love of my life...
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TommyH
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Post by TommyH »

I was just about to post a question when I saw this post so will hijack it instead.
Just bought my first TCB Wetpac on the weekend. A Wheat beer. I was asking the guy in the hbs about boiling etc, and he said it takes a one hour boil. I'm sure he said it takes that long because there are no bittering compounds in it and it will take the hops about an hour to release them. As this was being discussed we were sampling a very nice Xtract Pilsener that he had made and had offered me a sample of. So my mind might have been on the cold beer and not what he was saying.
Now, reading the instructions for the wetpack it tells me to boil for an hour THEN add the hops and other additives( orange peel) and leave to stand for 10 minutes.
Can someone enlighten me on this?
Plus any other tips would be appreciated. Still a bit nervous about all this.

Cheers

Tommy
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lethaldog
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Post by lethaldog »

follow the directions to the letter and you cant go wrong :lol: :lol:
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TommyH
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Post by TommyH »

Thanks doggie :D
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lethaldog
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Post by lethaldog »

No probs mate, They are a piece of piss to do and you will be fine, enjoy the end results cos i havent tried a TCB product yet that i didnt like :lol: :lol: :wink:
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TommyH
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Post by TommyH »

Just about to start my wetpak.
In the instructions the only water added to the boil is the water used to disolve the leftovers in the can. I was expecting to be adding a few litres of water. Any thoughts anyone? :o
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lethaldog
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Post by lethaldog »

TommyH wrote:Just about to start my wetpak.
In the instructions the only water added to the boil is the water used to disolve the leftovers in the can. I was expecting to be adding a few litres of water. Any thoughts anyone? :o
I always fill the can and add the rest of the kettle to the pot as well, the can does hold a fair bit though but if your not sure then just add it and an extra litre, just dont go over board cos remember you still have to strain your grain in as well :lol: :wink:
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TommyH
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Post by TommyH »

Thanks again doggy :D
I'm just a bit paranoid I guess. :oops:
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lethaldog
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Post by lethaldog »

Relax and enjoy, it will be great, i was a bit worried on my first go to but now i do em with my eyes shut :lol:
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TommyH
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Post by TommyH »

Now I'm wondering if I should rack this brew. Get it off all those additives.
or should I leave it alone??? :(
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lethaldog
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Post by lethaldog »

I would rack but its up to the individual :lol: :wink:
Cheers
Leigh
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