Jim's Beer Kit

I have had a spot of bother with my last 2 brews, which has had a chemical aftertaste. The first one was a new recipe so wasn't too concerned and just assumed it was a dodgy malt, but the second one I have made before so know how it should taste. I think I have narrowed it down to the fermenting bin...

I have just got some whole mild malt and am hoping someone has used it to give me some advice on a Mild recipe. First of all, would it work better if I crushed it or left it whole, if so should I just use this malt or add others to it? My recipe idea is this. 3kg Pale malt 1kg Mild malt 100g Amber M...

Many thanks for the advice, beer is now racked and just the waiting bit to see if its drunkable!

Thanks Scotty, I wasn't planning to add any sugar as the receipe I have used says I shouldn't need to. Would you suggest making do with a cloudy pint as it's only my first attempt?

I am just about ready to bottle, and barrel to be awkward, my first ever brew. Can I add finings to the fermentation barrel before hand as the brew looks cloudy and still has quite a bit of sediment floating about. Unfortunately I don't have a big enough barrel or enough bottles to do one or the oth...