Need help first lager brew - Coopers

[delta9]

Hi There,

Have recently bought 'Coopers Lager" kit. It is 1.7kg net weight.

The problem is, my fermentor can only hold 18L with a few inches space left at top, I could probably push it to 19L, but I think 18L would be safer.

Now this beer kit requires 23 Litres fermenter. Should I just follow the guide regardless? ie Use ALL the ingredients or do you think it would be best to use a little less of the ingredients?

What do you suggest? I can't afford a fermentor, I am actually using a water-dispenser bottle.
Thanks

[OldSpeckledBadger]

Definitely use all the malt extract from the kit. I assume you'll be adding extra fermentables. You'll have the choice of either adding the full amount and get a somewhat stronger beer e.g., if strength @23L is 4% you'll get something in the 5% range, or add less extra sugar e.g., use 600g instead of 1Kg, and keep the strength about the same. Or anywhere between the 2 depending on your fancy

[delta9]

Thanks OldSpeckledBadger, Will use it all then

I'll probably use 800g of sugar instead of 1kg.

Extra fermentables? Do you mean sugar?
I thought the coopers kit just requires sugar+water???

cheers

[OldSpeckledBadger]

Extra fermentables could mean just sugar, a mixture of sugar and malt extract (beer enhancer is a 50/50 mix of dried malt extract and brewing sugar) or all malt extract. Using just sugar is cheapest but the resulting beer is a bit thin which why some (most?) of us substitute spaymalt for some or all of the sugar. It gives the beer more body and flavour but a higher cost per pint.

[delta9]

Thanks again for the help and speedy reply.

Will start this brew tonight, just soaking my fermenter now, will try this first and will start reading/adding more ingredients as I get some more brews under my belt

Cheers,
delta9

[mat69]

whack all ya sugar in and brew 18 litres,you live just one life..