Brewing Tomorrow (*crosses fingers*)!!!!!!!

[Immy's Dad]

Yes, after a really long time off, I am finally going to get a brew on. I will probably use a kit with some spray malt and some styrian goldings for flavour/aroma.

My question is this: I have some crystal malt which I would like to use, what should I do with it?

I am really looking forward to this brew, hopefully should be ready for Chrimbo.....

[Immy's Dad]

I have a few to choose from but they are all one can jobs. Think I might go with the John Bull bitter. I also have a really cheap and nasty bitter kit as well as a porter.

[Vossy1]

Happy brewing tomorrow ID

[Jim]

Hope all goes well!

[guest5234]

I have a few to choose from but they are all one can jobs. Think I might go with the John Bull bitter. I also have a really cheap and nasty bitter kit as well as a porter.

Next time, may I suggest any Brupaks or Woodfordes.

[Immy's Dad]

I have to say that SWMBO bought the kits. (She still thinks I brew to save money), I just have to use my brewer's cunning and guile(sp) to make the most of what I have.

[Immy's Dad]

OK, just getting my stuff together and I have a dilemma:

I have in my inventory:

1.8kg John Bull Best Bitter kit

1.6kg Vina Traditional Best Bitter kit

(Both above are hopped)

1.5kg Light Spraymalt *edit*: just found another 1kg of spray malt (light)

*edit*: also have 2kg of crystal malt

Vacuum packed styrian Goldings, bagged fuggles and East Kent Goldings (been around a bit).

Do I use both kits or do I go with one kit and make up with spray malt?

Whadaya think..........?

[Immy's Dad]

How much crystal malt should I use, and how much hops?

Done my starter so will probably brew this afternoon.

[Immy's Dad]

Well I'm done now.

Incidentally, Dettol 4in1 gets boil-overs off floors really well.

Does anyone know how to remove the look of a wife's face when she comes home early to find you on your knees cleaning up an enormous sticky mess?
Or the look of disgust as she sniffs the air saying "your beer stinks!"

[Immy's Dad]

I have had my very first krausen(sp)!!!! Temp remaining a steady 18 - 20c, my new under the stairs cupboard is a real boon!

I a bit frightened to say what I did for fear of being told I'm a muppet, but here goes:

Decided on the John Bull Kit with 1kg spraymalt (light).

Used Gervin Ale yaest as opposed to those supplied, rehydrated yeasties and made a starter as per DaaB's destructions on his site (really helped, thanks a bundle!). (Note to self, use a container with a watertight lid next time!).

In the meantime I put about 250 - 300g of crystal malt(light) in me muslin bag and popped it into 2 litres of water, brought the water up to a boil and removed the bag. Then put in approximately 50g of styrian goldings into muslin bag and put this into, now boiling, crystal wort mixture. Boiled for about 15 mins, removed hops.

In the meantime I had put 1kg of spray malt (light) into some hot water from the kettle and mixed it up, bringing it to the boil (boil over occured at this point!). Boiled for about 10 mins.

Heated up tin in some water, emptied contents into fermentor, swilled tin out with hopped crystal malt liquid (thanks again DaaB!), poured in spray malt wort and topped up with water. Checked temp for pitching and pitched starter.

What did I do wrong, was particularly unsure about hop amounts and crystal malt amounts. By the way, OG was 1040.

[Immy's Dad]

Figured I didn't need any more bitterness, just a bit of flavour. My previous brews have been kits as per instructions on the pack, bitter enough, but not as complex as I would like.

[bitter_dave]

The amount of Crystal you used represents the equivalent of about 5% of the grist if this were an all grain beer - which is about the right amount IMO.

The styrians should add a nice citrusy flavour as well. I think this could be quite a beverage ID.

[Immy's Dad]

Well it's had a week in the fermentor so I decided to check the SG. It's gone down from 1040 to 1011, which, by my calculations, represents 3.9% ABV. Will check it again tomorrow, do you think there is any chance of it dropping some more?

Tastes quite bitter, but beery, and quite pleasant. Only had what was in the hydrometer jar and so am not able to comment further, plus I am just getting over a cold, so any subtle flavours or aromas might pass me by.