homebrewandbeer.com

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

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

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

P.S all are supplied with top quality saf yeasts

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.

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 ?

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

Thanks greg.

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

Yeah, should be an ale yeast, albeit one that likes wheat...

Fairly certain the yeast that comes with the Summer Wheat is Safale S-33

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

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

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

follow the directions to the letter and you cant go wrong

Thanks doggie

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

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?

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?

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

Thanks again doggy
I'm just a bit paranoid I guess.

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

Now I'm wondering if I should rack this brew. Get it off all those additives.
or should I leave it alone???

I would rack but its up to the individual