Improvisation No.1

[andyp]

Indulge me on this one as I know it's nothing like the impressive sessions from the AG aristocracy but it's my first attempt that isn't just a kit.

It's barely even an Extract as my biggest pan only holds about 5 Litres. It's just an invention from ingredients I had around the place with proportions that don't stray too far from some good looking recipies.

Half a tin of John Bull Light LME boiled about 60mins in 5 Litres
1KG of Light DME
500gms of Medium DME
180gms of Crystal Malt (approx, scales pretty rubbish) steeped 20 mins
50gms of Challenger boiled 45 mins
15gms EK Goldings boiled last 10 mins
15gms EK Goldings steeped 10 mins (loved the smell of all these hops by the way)
Safale 04
Mage up to 4 1/2 Gallons
OG 1040

Really enjoyed myself.

Foam head, of sorts, on day 2. (How do some of you get that layer of meringue you can see on some of the pics?) Subsided on day 3 but still getting 2 or 3 gurgles per minute from the airlock today - day 5. Will do a Gravity reading today and might give it a gentle rouse and will barrel on day 10 or 12.

Had to boast to someone as that glazed look that came over people at work when I explained what I'd done made me feel like an IT consultant.

[andyp]

It was only the half tin of LME (800gms?) and the crystal malt tea that was boiled, is this still what you meant? I suppose it's still quite dense.

Anyway, notes carefully taken thanks

[andyp]

If it isn't bitter enough you can add isomerised hop extract at any time.

Think I might get me some of that, and really, a much bigger pot. Will have a bittering assessment sip when it goes into the barrel