General homebrew discussion, tips and help on kit and malt extract brewing, and talk about equipment. Queries on sourcing supplies and equipment should go in The Store.
I've finally opened my first bottle (sorry I've opened it too early but couldn't resist!)
i've brewed a generic bitter from a kit as my first brew, fermented for about 10days, bottled for 2 weeks and been in the fridge for 2 days. What can I say? nothing has put a bigger smile on my face in ages!!!
- it's drinkable (is actually quite good)
- it will only improve with age
- carbonation is spot on
- smells good
- almost clear with little/no sediment
ah, the noise when the cap was peeled off and I knew it had carbonated correctly, mmm, the first taste....I MADE THIS!
(sorry if I seem excited, but i've just opened the window to cheap beer now to convert my friends )
Welcome to the slippery slope of home brewing. Before you know it you'll be explaining to people at the pub about specific gravities, hop schedules etc., etc..
congrats, I did my first brew in nearly 2 years the other week, got a keg etc, wasnt the best as the temps in sydney got so high it ruined the wort in my view, but it went in a week so not all bad
whats your next going to be?
I am putting down a wet pack and an old at my mates house.
Better body and flavour, if your doing a normal lager or draught for instance try just dropping down to 21 or so and see how it goes then you can always go a bit more on you next if you feel you need to
Welcome and well done! My first brew turned out ok but definitely not as good as the ones I brew now. You will find that the more you brew the better your skills and knowledge becomes and the better your hb will become.
You will also find yourself experimenting with more ingredients and techniques, especially with all the advice that is provided in this forum.
I am still primarily a beer kit guy, still haven't ventured into AG etc. but maybe one day when the kids are a bit older. I find myself using the better quality beer and conversion kits and yeasts from the hb shop, which adds 50-100% on the price over supermarket stuff but it is STILL cheaper that the commercial crap you get in the stores and tastes heaps better.
Hi spongmonkey, welcome to the HB scene from a relative newcomer (9 months this time after a 15 year absence).
My advice, keep it simple at first, but don't be afraid to experiment along the way. On my second sojourn I became concerned about the amount of sugars, principally dextrose, recommended for most recipes.
As an avid fan of German brews, I realised that what I was brewing did not meet the criteria of the German beer purity laws. What to do?
Started witha couple of 11.5L MSB brand fermenters with MSB can only kits. When I queried him, one of local HB shop proprietors told me that if I substituted MSB cans with another brand, say Coopers, etc., that the end result would be too strong & probably undrinkable.
Not so! Very flavoursome and enjoyable brews.
Final (almost) proof Sunday just gone. Family get together which included a couple of beer fanciers (as opposed to swillers). As a generous host, I had chilled a carton of Rooftop Red Lager (Matilda Bay, WA) 345ml stubbies, very highly rated. To my surprise, after one stubby each, the two beer fanciers each, and independently, stated a preference for one of my home brews!
They both struggled with my first offering, Coopers Bitter. Lovely if sipped accompanying a nice hand rolled cigar, but definitely not a session beer.
But both enjoyed my ESB Pilsner and Coopers Lager, with the latter getting the nod. Next home gathering will provide the final proof, one way or the other.
One thing I have noticed is the effects different types of yeasts have on the taste of your brew. Keep records if you use different yeasts, because some brews can be awesome, and you WILL want to duplicate them.
now to convert my friends )
