Obviously, they had sold the last two bags by the time i got there.
So, in a fit of desperation/madness/ingenuity i decided to use my Sticklebract hops. Along with the 12g 'tea bag' of Fuggles pellets.
The packaging for the Sticklebract hops claims 'well favoured internationally, is the 'Prima Donna' of the varieties to produce. A report on NZ hops from a major German hop broker claimed Sticklebract as their favourite...having aromatic qualities comparable to the european variety Northern Brewer. Sounds like marketing blurb to me
I bought a little sack to put my hops in. Weighed out 24g(as a direct replacement for DaaB's suggestion-but he did suggest Fuggles, i have my fingers crossed) and followed his boil for ten mins, remove from heat, add 12g fuggles, leave for 15 mins directions. I figured i wouldn't 'ruin' the beer just alter it's hop characteristics. Am i right?
I followed DaaB's easy-to-follow instructions, made my first yeast starter ever. It was great hearing it fizz away when everything went quiet every now and then. Boiled my extract for 10 mins, boiled my hops-as above. Everything in the FV and a little cooling down in the sink. Half hour later FV temp was at 24 and i pitched my yeast starter. Gave it a good ol stir to oxygenate well and took a sample for an SG reading. 1048. Hope this will ferment down to 1010.
The kit recommends adding 400g light clover honey to convert kit to a honey porter kit. Which sounded great to me. I was hoping when they said light they meant light in colour??? The one i got was white and light.
Put it in fermenter along with hot hop wort.
2hrs since i fitted airlock and the water level is starting to get pushed up-activity. My fastest to date. Normally takes 24hrs+ before anything happens.
I have high hopes for this brew. Thanks Daab and everyone else who has helped with tips. I owe you all a beer
P.S. Sorry Daab i was too busy concentrating to take pic's as well as read instructions. Now i've done it once though i'll have a go next time round.
