Hi All,
I'm just getting back into brewing after having a dabble a few years ago.
I have been very interested in beer types for many years and have tried all available on my many travels in central europe, asia and australia.
When i last tried brewing, it was before i was online and i did'nt realise the possibilities available with extra ingredients.
The kits i brewed were quite one dimensional in flavour.
My friend has brewed Coopers Bitter many times and it tastes quite agreeable but i think there is room for improvement.
Can anybody tell me how they have improved the flavour of this kit with any additions ie hops, malt, sugar type?
Thanks shepp
Tips To Improve Coopers Bitter?
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stevezx7r
Hi Shep, just noticed this unanswered post... Tut tut...
Anyway, I think you've answered your own question, adding hops is the simplest way - if you boil your can of wort (some do, some don't) you could add extra hops at the boiling stage to make it more bitter, or, if you want more aroma add some to the keg (if your intending to keg it). I used to throw in around an ounce of whatever I had, i.e Goldings, or Saaz if it's a lager (for dry hopping in the keg).
Really, the choice is yours!
Anyway, I think you've answered your own question, adding hops is the simplest way - if you boil your can of wort (some do, some don't) you could add extra hops at the boiling stage to make it more bitter, or, if you want more aroma add some to the keg (if your intending to keg it). I used to throw in around an ounce of whatever I had, i.e Goldings, or Saaz if it's a lager (for dry hopping in the keg).
Really, the choice is yours!
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chopperswookie
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shepp
I've been sorting out my cupboard under the stairs, it's big enough to stand up in.
So i've put some big shelves up, painted it out, layed on power. Ready for my first brew in this house. I'll be setting up a small 60w tubular heater in there because i think it will heat it up to the required level, i'll give it a test run for a few days. I hope to get my Coopers Bitter on in the next week, i'll be using a Geordie beer enhanser, dry hopping with 20g of Goldings for 5 days in the fermenter and maybe use a light brown sugar for priming.
I'll keep you posted.
So i've put some big shelves up, painted it out, layed on power. Ready for my first brew in this house. I'll be setting up a small 60w tubular heater in there because i think it will heat it up to the required level, i'll give it a test run for a few days. I hope to get my Coopers Bitter on in the next week, i'll be using a Geordie beer enhanser, dry hopping with 20g of Goldings for 5 days in the fermenter and maybe use a light brown sugar for priming.
I'll keep you posted.
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shepp
Coopers Bitter
I got my Coopers Bitter going last night. It was difficult to make sure all was sterilised, but i think i got away with it. I guess you get a routine going after a few kits.
It's in the cupboard at 22c and this morning i saw that the foam had hit the lid so fingers crossed it is going well.
One thing, i just wondered how long after the sg has stabilised at the required level , would you leave it before bottling?
Would finings be needed if i'm bottling it?
Cheers, Shepp
It's in the cupboard at 22c and this morning i saw that the foam had hit the lid so fingers crossed it is going well.
One thing, i just wondered how long after the sg has stabilised at the required level , would you leave it before bottling?
Would finings be needed if i'm bottling it?
Cheers, Shepp
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shepp
The brew looks like it's going well, i put in a boiled muslin bag of goldings in on friday but unfortunately i did'nt weight it enough with only one large marble so it's floating. I gave the bag a squeeze with sterilized spoon last night and all looks well. I'll check the spg mid week.
Does everyone think about the next kit as soon as one's going
It must be a hobby with which you continually strive for perfection.
Does everyone think about the next kit as soon as one's going
It must be a hobby with which you continually strive for perfection.
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shepp
I just tested my bitter and it gave a reading of 1004 sg, i think that sounds about right. I also removed the bag of hops.
I could smell the hops in the beer and it tastes reasonable, i'm over all happy with it so far.
I will be bottling it on saturday.
I just wondered the best way to add the sugar when bottling it, should i dissolve it in boiling water and if so how do you measure out the correct amount into each bottle?
I thought i'd use half T&L and half muscovado.
I could smell the hops in the beer and it tastes reasonable, i'm over all happy with it so far.
I will be bottling it on saturday.
I just wondered the best way to add the sugar when bottling it, should i dissolve it in boiling water and if so how do you measure out the correct amount into each bottle?
I thought i'd use half T&L and half muscovado.
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shepp
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shepp
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shepp