Second attempt at brewing

[likesbeer]

Well the first go with the John Bull IPA was fantastic I can thoroughly recomend this kit was extremely easy to do and very easy to drink ;o)
I would like to thank all for advices last time as it really helped stop me worrying I was doing it all wrong.

I'm now going to have a go with a Brewers Choice Best Bitter with EDME (option 2) as I would like to see through the beer this time ;o)
I've read the very helpfully sticky at the top which answers most questions but would like any advice on the yeast, the kit comes with one but from this forum it sounds like lots of people dont bother with kit yeasts? Also what about ading yeast Vit is this something done as a standard practice or used when all is going wrong?

I am also going to make a natural cider (this might be the wrong place for this bit but it doesnt rally fit elsewhere anyway) I have available a selection of diffferent apples and will be picking today and pressing tomorrow. The plan is to set it going for a day or so and if it doesnt naturally ferment add a wine yeast. I will be doing it in Demi-Johns. Any helpfull suggestions or advice will be most appreciated.

[Garth]

If you are unsure about using kit yeast buy a S-04 or Nottingham, it's only about a quid more, keep the kit yeast for emergencies. Personally I wouldn't add yeast vit, I've never used it and had no problems with fermentations.

I'm intrigued by the cider making, I've done a kit and Turbo Cider as have most people but never from real apples. I have heard of naturally fermenting as the skin has wild yeast on..?

Some piccies in the 'other brews' section would ge great.

[likesbeer]

Thanks Garth I'm going to a brew shop today so will pick up some S-04 or Nottingham as suggested. Maybe I'll leave the Vit out unless anyone else has an opinion that suggest otherwise.

Apparently the apples have a small qty of yeast within them the natural yeast on the outside is bad and is what makes them rot. According to the books. I'll take some pics and see if I can work out how to put them on here and start a thread in the other brews section.

Cheers

[Shoit]

I'm now going to have a go with a Brewers Choice Best Bitter with EDME (option 2) as I would like to see through the beer this time ;o)

What does EDME stand for? I'm interested in trying these kits - would be excellent to know how you get on?

Kev

[likesbeer]

Oops should have been SDME I guess Spray Dried Malt Extract (light)

[likesbeer]

Unfortunatly my local brew shop (in Reading) only has a very small selection and the only yeast was a "brewers Yeast" from youngs, I wasnt sure if this was going to be any better than the kit yeast so I didnt get it.
If anyone knows a nearer well stocked brew shop other than Farnborough that would be most appreciated?

So I made up the kit Sunday evening after a hard day of Cider making (I've discovered how far I can push she who must be obeyed...............1 40 pint beer kit and 7 gallons of home made cider ;o)

It started fermenting very quickly and within 24 hours was looking like a rabid dog frothing nicely. So it looks like Ive been lucky with the kit yeast.

I've just taken a reading and its down to 1012 and settled right down, as I took a little out to take the reading it would have been rude not to try it, and I'm a little dissapointed it lacks somewhat in flavour, I steeped the tea bags for the pre-requisit time and also gave a gentle nudge (you always get the last bit of strong tea from the extra little squeeze of the tea bag ) Also cautionary note the bags arent as strong as tetley and split so had to strain before adding.
I expect it will change as it conditions but I think it will be difficult for it to gain flavour. The alcohol will be strong enough as it started in the mid 1040's, is it to late to add to the flavour?

I've heard of dry hopping but dont know what this is? is there anything that can be done or is it to late?

[likesbeer]

Please help!!!
Advice on here is always excelent, I'm concerned my beer is lacking somewhat in flavour body etc. Its ever so thin.
I realise it will improve with time but not sure it will change that much.

It doesnt really have that bitter taste either.

Will dry hoping help? Is there something else I could try?

Thanks

[sparky Paul]

Advice on here is always excelent, I'm concerned my beer is lacking somewhat in flavour body etc. Its ever so thin.
I realise it will improve with time but not sure it will change that much.

It doesnt really have that bitter taste either.

It will improve, but don't think anybody on here got everything right on their first attempt. What I would do is to use the search function and try out some of the suggestions made on here for tweaking any particular kit you are interested in, and see if it turns out to your liking. There are lots of methods to try, and some of them do make some great beer. I'm currently supping the last of my Fuggled Geordie Bitter, which with some tweaks and additions over the last few brews, I've arrived at a very passable imitation of Marston's Pedigree bitter.

There's often some trial and error involved, but when you get it right, it is very satisfying.

When you make a kit up, do you add 1Kg sugar, Beer Kit Enhancer, Spraymalt or 1.5Kg Liquid Malt Extract? For a bitter, you really need to be going for Spraymalt or extract for good results.

It would be well worth looking at some old threads for ideas regarding hop additions, dry hopping, etc., but I reckon that adding a few hops to any kit makes a world of difference. The kits seem to lose some hop flavour and aroma in the process of dehydration, and that can be replaced by adding hops whilst making the kit up.

Hope this helps!

[likesbeer]

Many thanks it does help indeed of the two kits so far one was a liquid malt extract 1.5kg (very dark) and turned out superb from the cans the second I've used spray malt 1kg (pale).

I've bought some hops today and am having a go a dry hopping (30g).

I'look through some other threads for some ideas on the next brew with some tinkering. This brewers choice was far more fun than just emptying the can of the John Bull Porter (although that was a great drink)

Thanks for advice

[Buzz]

Unfortunatly my local brew shop (in Reading) only has a very small selection and the only yeast was a "brewers Yeast" from youngs, I wasnt sure if this was going to be any better than the kit yeast so I didnt get it. If anyone knows a nearer well stocked brew shop other than Farnborough that would be most appreciated?

If you're willing to go to Farnborough, how about Swindon in the other direction? Arkwrights has a decent stock - it's a pig to find though if you don't know where you are going. they also have a website;

http://www.arkwrightshomebrew.com/catalog/index.php

If you need directions you can PM me or call the shop - Ken is a good fella and will see you right.