How Much Fizz

[Big Al]

I opened up a bottle of Youngs Home brew lager that I had brewed and there was some gas but not a great deal.
The bottle itself was rigid with pressure so I know some was in there. I poured it straight into the bottom of my glass
to try give it a head, but only the smallest amount of bubbles appeared.

I added about a teaspoon of sugar to the 1litre bottle when priming and stored the bottles inthe dining room for about 5
days before moving into the garage.

Now does this sound like the right amount of fizz, or should I have got some more???

[sparky Paul]

Well, I add 4 tsp to a 2 litre PET to get a decent level of carbonation in lager, which is twice as much.

There is a problem with this though, if you open these bottles at room temperature you will get an instant beer snowstorm as the sediment lifts off the bottom. The bottles require several hours in the fridge before opening, preferably longer, to avoid this.

A good head always seems to be a problem with light beer kits, you could try a little PGA heading powder if it bothers you.

[Big Al]

I might look into putting a bit more sugar in but will see.
Its not so much a head I am worried about, just thought the beer as a whole might have been a bit
more fizzy. Still nice to drink though.

My beer is stored in the garage which is quite cold at the min, left it in the fridge for a couple of hours before opening.

The next bittle I open will have been in the fridge for 2 days so will see how it goes

[sparky Paul]

Yep, 1tsp per litre is fine for ales, but for lagers 2tsp per litre is what you need.

You will not get so many bubbles if the bottle has been chilled, but the CO2 will still give the sharp 'bite' you need in a lager.

[Big Al]

God damn, this is a learning curve and a half
Thank god it tastes nice, even if a little on the under fizzy side.

Current batch is an ale so the half Teaspoon should be fine per pint.

When next lager is on the go, will try 2 and see how that goes