Brupaks Colne Valley Bitter (1st timer!) 5/11/07

[Minus The Bear]

I had a quick look this morning and there is a head formed now.

I always knew i was going to worry about it as it was my first go!

I haven't got a camping mat or anything for insulation so i used an old coat, a proper 'beer jacket'.

[andyp]

I haven't got a camping mat or anything for insulation so i used an old coat, a proper 'beer jacket'.

It's indoors innit? If not bring it in then normal room temperatures will be fine, not a cold unused room tho'

Now, you can say hello in the mornings and kiss it night nights then it's best mainly left alone. Try not to be looking and breathing into it, taking gravity readings, sipping samples too too often, difficult I know.

[Minus The Bear]

No worries about that i have promised to be good and not hassle it!

It's in the kitchen but i'm afraid my double glazing is crap so it gets pretty cold in there, nothing the central heating can't fix though.

[Buzz]

I haven't got a camping mat or anything for insulation so i used an old coat, a proper 'beer jacket'.

In the early days I stuck an old jumper over my barrel at night and never had a problem.


I'm sure you'll be fine

[Vossy1]

Cosy

[Minus The Bear]

Just got back from work and had a look, the foam has reached the lid now so it all looks good.

One thing, where the head touches the lid there are some brown bits on top, is this anything to worry about?

[Seveneer]

You could skim the brown stuff but I don't bother. If the foam reaches the lid the brown stuff will stick to it when fermentation dies down anyway.

/Phil.

[Minus The Bear]

so what causes it, from a science point of view?

[Vossy1]

Edited this post out

[Minus The Bear]

Cracking thanks for that, glad i have got a coffee with me!!

Reading that makes me want to scrape it off!

[Minus The Bear]

Edited this post out

How come?

[Vossy1]

How come?

I'm having one of those nights. The broadband's playing up, I deleted a single word, and the entire post went

Some people do scrape it off. Taste it, it's really bitter.
There is some belief that it doesn't affect your beer as it's insoluable, and a lot of people just leave it.
Others belive you can detect it in the finished beer if it's left, and that it can impede endpoint fg.
I've done both and not really noticed any difference

[Minus The Bear]

Well seeing as though its my first go and i have no idea the beer will taste like i'm going to leave it.

Plus the football is about to start and i can't be bothered to go downstairs!

[Vossy1]

[Minus The Bear]

Brew has been at 1016 for the last 2 days, i don't think its done so will check again tonight and if nothing has changed will give it a stir to rouse the yeast.

There are still a few bubbles but not many.

Has anyone done this kit before?