youngs lager

[brewers droop]

im thinking of doing a youngs lager for my second brew but dont fancy following the companys instructions any ideas on whether this is a decent brew and or any advice on whats the best way to takle it cheers

[beer]

hi ive just done a youngs definitive lager with brewers sugar and on first tastings its not to bad a taste but defiantly lacks body you could try with spray malt

[brysie]

why dont you want to follow the companies instructions?

you one of those commies boy?

[brewers droop]

i was thinking whats the best way to add the yeast, do i use a second fv or straight to bottles spraymaalt or sugar etc

[Ady1975]

I've just tried mine after a couple of weeks in the cold, clearing.
it tastes ok to be honest, only problem i've had is that it hasn't turned out very fizzy but the taste of it is ok.
as a guide, it's not dissimilar to fosters in my opinion.
I used brewing sugar for fermentation then demerara to prime,
Now I need to search the forums for ideas to add sparkle!!
cheers

[Normski]

i was thinking whats the best way to add the yeast, do i use a second fv or straight to bottles spraymaalt or sugar etc

Hi Droopy

I think sticking to the manufacturers instructions can be a very good place to start. Try a few brews before you decide to change too much. Then you'll have an Idea what you want to change etc. Lots of people on here recomend useing Spray malt instead of sugar. I agree with this. But as Youngs is a budget kit, Im not sure it makes good economics. I have make a Youngs Scottish Heavy recently useing sugar for fermentation. It turned out ok. not a bad budget beer kit. I used this as a tester to get used to the equipment and make sure it all worked ok.
For what its worth. my opinion on your questions is, keep it simple to start with. Each of your 3 questions can be searched on here and you will find lots of great advise. But anyway heres my thoughts on a Youngs Lager Kit. stir the Yeast into the wort when its at the correct temp. use sugar to ferment. you dont need a second FV just to bottle it. Just bottle it from the FV, maybe get a little bottler to help. use sugar to prime. i know that others will have different opinions on this but If you keep it simple until you know the best way yourself, you should be turning out decent beer everytime.
My current fav kits are Coopers. Oh yeah and with spray Malt.

[brysie]

..............what norm said.

[brewers droop]

thanks very much for the advice i think i will go with the spraymalt, i was going with the youngs as its sold at wilkinson so no postage but i think i might go with a coopers, any advice on which is best for a lager/light ale drinking

[brysie]

well ive had a taste of their european lager this week and was so impressed i bought one and brewed it straight away.

[brewers droop]

cheers im off now to get one thanks for the help

[Ady1975]

I would add to my comment that, Although I'm drinking it and it tastes ok, I have just purchased 3 more kits and none of them are youngs.
take from that what you will.
I personally think this homebrewing game is a learning curve, you find what is right for you, both in convenience and taste.
it'd be boring if we all liked the same things after all....

[timothio]

FWIW, my first kit was a bog standard Youngs Lager, it came as an "all in one" kit from Wilkos with FV, hydrometer etc... I bottled it about 10 days ago. When I took my hydrometer readings at the end of fermentation, I had to sample it, and was pleasantly surprised when it tasted of beer.

2nd kit was an EDME German style Lager, also from Wilkos, its been fermenting for just over a week now. I took a hydrometer reading today and of course, had to sample it. Tasted a hell of a lot better than my first Youngs kit. Cant wait to see what its like when bottled and conditioned.

Whats annoying me is that I went out last weekend and bought a Youngs "Definitive" Lager kit, again from Wilkos (this was before I sampled the EDME kit). I think I was swayed by the 6.99 price tag. I started it off today, but to be honest after my first Youngs brew I'm not expecting much from it at all.

P.s. used BKE with all 3...

But still, personal preference and all that... I'm certainly no expert!!

[brysie]

tim dont worry son,

youre going down the same road i have. so long as your lager clears ok and has plenty of sparkle, just chill it properly chuck a wedge of lime in
and enjoy yourself. adding hops really makes a big difference too.

however........you are never going to get true lager taste from a cheap kit using ale yeast [which most kits sold in the uk seem to come with]..
proper `lager` is made with yeast thet works at lower temperatures, slowly, and then is stored for a few months in the cold.

coopers have given a nod to this in their european lager by supplying a lager yeast with the kit. ive got one on the go and have managed to keep the temp` below 15 degrees in the cellar, and it seems to be ticking along nicely.

[brewers droop]

many thanks for all your advice, ive bought a coopers european and im just waiting for it being delivered, ive also bought some saflager23 and bke so getting really excited and cant wait for the postie coming

[Normski]

Hi Brewers droop and Brysie
I've been folowing this thread. I've got a Coopers Lager on the go at the moment myself. The european lager sounds very interesting. Nice to hear they supply a Lager yeast. Them 7g Coopers yeasts are lively beasts. Can you both keep us updated as they progress. Sounds like one I'll have a go at. Cheers lads.