Need some clarification (info, not the beer )...

[MoonChild]

Hi Guys,

First off, great site, suberb advice and info for a novice brewer like myself. Have only been brewing since Oct (ish) and have been greatly impressed by the results you can achieve these days - never thought I'd like a pint of HB but these days I can't get home from work quick enough.

Have been mainly brewing Coopers kits, first 2 were a lager and a real ale - both done exactly as it said on the tin - and both brews demolished over Christmas to many congrats from friends and family (they're easily pleased).

Next 2 were both lagers brewed with 1kg brew enhancer and a little extra (100g or so) sugar for a bit more of a kick (1 caster, 1 golden caster; not sure it will make any diffence but it's all I had in the house), both conditioning now and can't wait to see what the differnece from the first lager will be.

Currently have Muntons Midas Touch Golden Ale on the go (bought the day before I read the topic on how Muntons tends to stick at SG 1020 , arse!!!). Will be paying a lot of attention to that one!

Anyway, my next planned brew will be a Coopers stout with 1Kg med spray malt (read the Ditch post so though I'd go with that straight off) which will be bottled. I have a question about the conditioning of Stout - should I be treating it the same way as I do the lagers i.e. 1 week room temp and 3 weeks or so colder (loft in my case)? Does it need longer conditioning or a diff environment?

Brew after that will be one I saw mentioned by someone on here but can't find the post now, basically an extra stong lager consisting of 2 tins Coopers Euro lager and 1Kg light malt. Has anyone acutally tried this one (or similar)? were the results any good? Am trying to acheive a strong but fairly dryish tasting brew - will be very hacked off it turns into a Special Brew/Tennants Super type drink.

Anyway, sorry for the ramble, any pointers will be greatly appreciated

[sdcspeak]

I have a question about the conditioning of Stout - should I be treating it the same way as I do the lagers i.e. 1 week room temp and 3 weeks or so colder (loft in my case)? Does it need longer conditioning or a diff environment?

When you bottle, you want to keep at room temperature to allow the yeast to naturally carbonate the beer, 1 week should be enough. Then you want to move it and store in a cooler environment to allow the yeast in suspension to drop out and clear the beer. When pouring from the bottle, try to do it in one slow motion, avoid glugging and leave the bottom 1/2 inch in the bottle (with the spent yeast).

Good Luck, you have the bug, I bet you will be doing an all grain brew within the next month or two.

[MoonChild]

Cheers for that Simon, so essentially I need to treat a conditioning stout in the same way I would a conditioning lager. Little bit concerend about the "cooler " part - only place I've got is the loft, which is chuffing cold at the moment - don't want to ruin my first attempt at stout

[sdcspeak]

Cheers for that Simon, so essentially I need to treat a conditioning stout in the same way I would a conditioning lager. Little bit concerend about the "cooler " part - only place I've got is the loft, which is chuffing cold at the moment - don't want to ruin my first attempt at stout

You won't ruin it by being to cold for the second stage (unless you freeze it ) Stout is a good choice because you can get away with a bit of a haze without anyone noticing

As a rule of thumb the stronger the beer, the longer you want to mature it before drinking.

[sdcspeak]

Cheers for that Simon, so essentially I need to treat a conditioning stout in the same way I would a conditioning lager. Little bit concerend about the "cooler " part - only place I've got is the loft, which is chuffing cold at the moment - don't want to ruin my first attempt at stout

Here is a great recipie from Dave Lines Book "Brewing Beers like those you buy" It's one of my favourites. For a 20 ltr brew:

2500 maris Otter
250 Crystal
200 Black

60 Gms Fuggles
500gms Soft dark brown sugar

I upped everything by 20% to get an increased yield, due mainly to the implementation of new system with significant losses in pipe work etc.

It's now in the FV:

OG 1.050 (should be 1.036, but I find it lacks body at this gravity)
FG 1.010 (Target)