Questions Re. Safale s-04 yeast/spraymalt.......

[andyjc]

Two quick questions to ask before brewing my next 2 kits, which are a Smugglers Special & a Headcracker.

1. Is it better to use a Safale s-04 yeast satchet instead of the supplied ones with the kits, & how will this improve the beer?

2. Can I use 80gms of Muntons Medium Spray Malt for priming in my barrel when tranfering fermented beer from the bin instead of Tayte & Lyle sugar, and would this improve the taste?

Cheers.

[anomalous_result]

Just to give you a rough idea in case you're brewing tonight before someone more knowledgable arrives:

1. Is it better to use a Safale s-04 yeast satchet instead of the supplied ones with the kits, & how will this improve the beer?

Yes it is generally considered to be better, not least because there can be up to twice as much yeast (by weight) in a s04 sachet (11g as opposed to 5-6g, not to mention potentially increased viability so the yeast that you have got is in better condition as well). Not sure about flavour changes, but s04 flocculates very well and leaves you more likely to get a clear beer, it sticks to the bottom of bottles well.

2. Can I use 80gms of Muntons Medium Spray Malt for priming in my barrel when tranfering fermented beer from the bin instead of Tayte & Lyle sugar, and would this improve the taste?

You can use spraymalt for priming sure, although the taste benefits are probably marginal, if you've used 1.5kg of extract + sugar, the improvement won't be massive, it could help to round the flacour off a bit, maybe leave it not quite so thin, and if you do a 2 can 3kg+ kit then using 80g of cane sugar won't be noticeable.

[andyjc]

Thanks for info.
Will not be brewing for a couple of weeks as I have an Admirals Reserve at 3 weeks in my only Top-Tap at the mo (should be getting a 2nd at Chrimbo!!!), and have already tasted & it seems to be A-OK, which I consider 'Not Bad' for my 1st ever brew...

It it best to keep my satchets of Safale s-04 in the fridge or in a cool cupboard?