I am new to homebrewing and would like some advice before I get started.
1. I have bought a kit of Woodforde's Wherry...and noted comments re stuck fermentation. I have decided to use a different yeast...11g sachet of Nottingham. Is this ok?
2. When beer goes in a pressure barrel and after secondary fermentation and settling how long will it keep under its own pressure once started. Obviously this depends on how quickly you drink it...but some general ideas. I don't really want to add extra gas (try to keep things as real as possible). Is there a particular barrel that people recommend?
3. Are there any particular kits you would recommend to the newcomer. Obviously I am keen to brew a successful first batch and don't want to be put off.
Many thanks
Recommendations for new home brewer
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Hoppkins
I'm doing the wherry now. The yeast started off insanely fast and has now slowed to a crawl.
It's still moving though. I'm afraid to say the horror stories of their yeast are true. I would advise another yeast as you have indicated.
Once you have drawn a few pints off the pressure drops to a trickle. I would advise a gas system or basically you have to tip the barrel which can allow air back in the barrell. The Co2 keeps it fresher and lets you pour it.
It's nice to keep it real but at the expense of it going off much faster i found it was a trade off which wasn't worth it.
Since you've got a Wherry kit it seems to indicate you dont mind spending that extra to get a nice kit. At the moment my other brew is Brupacks Fixby Gold. Its in keg now maturing and even now it tastes fantastic. Easy to make and the hop bag you get is really cool and really adds flavour.
It's still moving though. I'm afraid to say the horror stories of their yeast are true. I would advise another yeast as you have indicated.
Once you have drawn a few pints off the pressure drops to a trickle. I would advise a gas system or basically you have to tip the barrel which can allow air back in the barrell. The Co2 keeps it fresher and lets you pour it.
It's nice to keep it real but at the expense of it going off much faster i found it was a trade off which wasn't worth it.
Since you've got a Wherry kit it seems to indicate you dont mind spending that extra to get a nice kit. At the moment my other brew is Brupacks Fixby Gold. Its in keg now maturing and even now it tastes fantastic. Easy to make and the hop bag you get is really cool and really adds flavour.
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shropshirelad
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Hoppkins
Bog standard ones are fine.
I have 2 youngs pressure barrells. You can buy a Co2 injector for the top for 15.99 that takes small gas bulbs.
All in all its 30 quid approx for a youngs keg and injector.
Not had a problem with mine yet. Some prefer the king kegs as they have top taps so you can drink the beer faster.
I have 2 youngs pressure barrells. You can buy a Co2 injector for the top for 15.99 that takes small gas bulbs.
All in all its 30 quid approx for a youngs keg and injector.
Not had a problem with mine yet. Some prefer the king kegs as they have top taps so you can drink the beer faster.
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kt88man
Allegedly some forum members have problems, regarding it as some form of gynecological operation. 
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PieOPah
I Have recently started to prime with brewing sugar (glucose). I have done this 3 times and so far I have not had to top up the gas. This is quite surprising for me as normally I have to start topping up after I have dispensed around 2 thirds of a barrell.
So, regarding priming my tuppence worth - Use Brewing Sugar!
So, regarding priming my tuppence worth - Use Brewing Sugar!
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shropshirelad
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PieOPah
You can always add a tap to your fermenter (or ask you LHBS to do it for you).
As for syphoning - Yes sucking on the end is considered a bad thing (introduces bacteria) although when I have done it I have never had a problem.
One method is to fill the syphon with water first. Whilst blocking one end (in a sanitory manner) put the tube in your beer. When you release the other end, the water will drain and draw up the beer.
Other people use thing like a bic pen (pen removed so you have a straw) and push that in the tube. Once the syphon has started they remove the pen.
Loads of other methods but they should be okay for now (Definately get a tap - makes life so much easier - and quicker)
As for syphoning - Yes sucking on the end is considered a bad thing (introduces bacteria) although when I have done it I have never had a problem.
One method is to fill the syphon with water first. Whilst blocking one end (in a sanitory manner) put the tube in your beer. When you release the other end, the water will drain and draw up the beer.
Other people use thing like a bic pen (pen removed so you have a straw) and push that in the tube. Once the syphon has started they remove the pen.
Loads of other methods but they should be okay for now (Definately get a tap - makes life so much easier - and quicker)
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Hoppkins
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shropshirelad
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PieOPah
If you have the correct tools then it is extremely easy. If you don't have the correct tools then the job is doable but not quite as easy.
Basically you need a hole cutter drill attachment which will cut the hole in your bin - simple as (well you need to get the correct size).
I didn't have this so instead drew a circle around the inside of the rubber washer and then cut out a hole using a stanley knife. I then tried to sand it down to make it a real circle.
The job is slightly botched but works well without leaking.
If you have a local home brew shop then I am sure that they will be more than happy to connect the tap (for a small charge).
Oh yeah, when attaching the tap, rather than having it as low down as possible, make sure the bottom of the tap is off the floor. My first practise attempt (spare bin) was done on a ledge meaning that the tap overhung. Whilst still usable, I have had to cut some of the tap lever off and turn the tap to an angle when being used.
Basically you need a hole cutter drill attachment which will cut the hole in your bin - simple as (well you need to get the correct size).
I didn't have this so instead drew a circle around the inside of the rubber washer and then cut out a hole using a stanley knife. I then tried to sand it down to make it a real circle.
The job is slightly botched but works well without leaking.
If you have a local home brew shop then I am sure that they will be more than happy to connect the tap (for a small charge).
Oh yeah, when attaching the tap, rather than having it as low down as possible, make sure the bottom of the tap is off the floor. My first practise attempt (spare bin) was done on a ledge meaning that the tap overhung. Whilst still usable, I have had to cut some of the tap lever off and turn the tap to an angle when being used.
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shropshirelad
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PieOPah