First batch - Muntons Gold Old English Bitter

[BarryNL]

Well, its just about ready. It sure looks good - probably needs a few more weeks before the taste catches up though, but it's improving all the time; just hope I can save a few bottles long enough...

[Immy's Dad]

Nice looking brew! That head looks nice and tight too!

[BarryNL]

Well, it certainly looks good - just lucky you can't taste a picture because it's not very nice. Even after more than three weeks in the bottle there is still an overpowering bitter aftertaste. It's a shame because it actually seemed to be turning out well, but I think it's actually getting worse with time now.

I can only assume it was caused by the kit being over a year past its sell by date - either that or some or my sanitisation wasn't up to scratch, but the very bitter taste has been there for the very first tastings of the wort so I'm blaming the kit.

I'm just wondering whether to dump it or give it a few months to see if it improves - probably depends how much I need the bottles.

[GTATTY]

It looks nice and clear.

Surely after you've had one, the others taste better though!
I wouldn't dump it, give it away to those who don't know any better

[Jim]

There's no doubt that beer can improve dramatically over time, but there's no guarantee.

Also, three weeks isn't really all that long for a beer to mature, so I would give it at least another few weeks.

[kt88man]

I bottled a Muntons Old English Bitter before Christmas. That too had a very, almost harsh, bitterness to it at the 3-4 week stage. It mellowed after 8-9 weeks, losing the harshness, and starting to taste rather nice...

I seem to recall that Muntons suggest a 6 month maturing period for that particular kit. Probably well worth it if you can wait... I've about 20 pints left but intend to keep a few of those to see how it improves.