Jim's Beer Kit

I would be worried about the chance of infection getting in. If you want a way to safely test your wort without losing too much of it investing in a refractometer would be the way to go.

You could either cut it up juice when you drink it or use fermentation stopper and rerack with juice.

Nelson Savin is my current favourite, before that it was Green Bullet, I'm sure it will change again but I must say that NZ is my favourite country to buy hops from.

Cool, let us know how it turns out. I'd probably double the IBU's next time as well

Interestingly, the better Imperial IPA brewers are adding sugar to the grist in an attempt to dry out the beer since a really big beer gets to be just too much, just something to think about. :D That's a good point, I usually add a percentage of white sugar to help balance out the maltyness and acc...

I wouldn't have thought so, may add a bit of colour and some maltyness but I would forgo both the carapils and the crystal if you want a better IPA.

I would go with making your own as well. Very easy and much cheaper. I make mine according to these instructions.

http://www.aussiehomebrewing.com/HomeBr ... Sugar.html

I usually let mine sink to the bottom of the FV without any ill effects.

I have a regular recipe where I use 100gms of Magnum for bittering and 50gms Citra at 15mins and another 50gms at knock out, tastes rather good to me.

If it starts to get hotter check out some of the Belgian beer kits, blonde or golden styles will be fairly refreshing and there's no problem with a higher ferment 25+.

I just always add Sod. Met to anything I have cleaned with bleach, follow a mixture of CJJ Berry and Wheeler when it comes to it, not had an infection for years, (touching the nearest piece of wood to me). Do have a superstition when it comes to brew day though, if something doesn't f*ck up at least...

5oz wouldn't really do anything. Try making up about 200gms with about 20ltrs, you'll get a lower starting gravity but it will taste better.

Experiment a bit, throw two hops together that you think would make a good pairing from your single hop beers and try it. At worst you'll make something that's drinkable, at best you may find your perfect pint.

Yeah, I would suggest porter or stout for the vanilla beans, cardomon may be nice in a strong stout as well.

You could try an insulated box setup, may more evenly spread the heat?