multiple variations from one kit?

[drmick]

Hi All

thinking of having a bit of a play with a lager kit. Is there any reason why I can't take a standard 20L kit and split it into 5 demijohns and add a different mix of sugar / DME / syrup to each one then ferment them normally and bottle. I want to see what the effects of different sugars will have on the final beer and don't really want to make up 5 separate kits, and especially don't want to sterilise 200 odd bottles to keep it in. Then when I get a mix of sugars and kit that is my favourite I will know what to do for future kits? Also if anything tastes rank its only going to be 10 bottles that I will have to force down. Could also then do variations on adding other flavourings (fruit etc) in small batches without wasting a whole kit.

If I did do this should I just split the original sachet of yeast between all 5 DJs or should I get some more yeast and add a teaspoon to each one?

Thanks

DrMick

[brysie]

hey mick

cant see any reason why not myself and i suppose it cant hurt ta add a little bit more yeast.
im wondering why youre considering it though.
what if anything,are you trying to replicate?
from your sig` i can see that youve tried a wide range of brews and wondered if you were, like me, a bit disappointed with the lager kits.
ive done a few lager kits myself and found them lacking to be honest, and ive used different sugars, dme, all lme and still found early attempts
to be missing something.
im planning to refrigerate my brewing cabinet next and brewing a kit with bottom fermenting lager yeast, then keeping refrigerated for a few months in an attempt to make `proper lager`.

still, i reckon it could be fun to experiment like youre suggesting.

[drmick]

I've tried quite a few kits but have stuck with basic recipes - just normal sugar or beer enhancer. Really just after having a bit of a play to see what happens, not just with sugars but also might try adding other things to it. A bit curious as to how these different things alter flavour and texture of the beer. Lots of people on here recommend using this or that with a particular kit which is best for them, but may not necessarily be best for me (I do quite like Carling so my taste buds are a bit strange).

I agree the two lagers I've tried have been disappointing, the Coopers aussie lager is OK but I think could be better and it has got better with age but is almost finished. About to get a Coopers european lager on the go and will see how that goes.

Before I do any experimenting I need to wait until my demijohns are empty but will report back when I get round to trying this

[verno]

Let me know how it all goes, I was thinking about splitting a kit in 2 as I don't have any demi johns.

I recently put on the European with 500g light malt extract, 30g saaz hops seeped and 200g of honey, so will let you know how that experiment goes.