Does steeping a few grains definitely make a Kit bitter?

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WishboneBrewery
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Does steeping a few grains definitely make a Kit bitter?

Post by WishboneBrewery » Mon May 18, 2009 1:02 pm

Does steeping a few grains definitely make a Kit bitter?

Just wondering... I've got a couple of kits left to brew before I'm all Extract brews.
The Fixby Gold I did with some extra steeped grains seems to be all right, but I don't know what it would have been like without them!
Still a Coopers Dark Ale & Coopers Brewmaster IPA to get going at some point, should I or shouldn't I tweak them?

mercilessrich

Re: Does steeping a few grains definitely make a Kit bitter?

Post by mercilessrich » Mon May 18, 2009 1:34 pm

In my opinion....... Yes!

2-300g crystal malt will give a nice amber colour and malty/nutty flavour (I simmer for 40-50mins then sparge). And I'd add some extra hops too- steep 60g goldings or so in boiling water for 20-30mins and add to the vat. Oh and if your not using spraymalt already I suggest you get on it- more body and head that lasts!

My results- as good as any med-dark guest ale you're likely to find.

delboy

Re: Does steeping a few grains definitely make a Kit bitter?

Post by delboy » Mon May 18, 2009 1:42 pm

Is the bitter a deliberate typo, i presume that should be better??

When using steeping grains in a kit brew you are changing the balance of the beer from its intended original formulation, this could result in a better beer or it may throw it off kilter to some extent. For the vast majority of the times though i would have thought subtle using of steeping grains should enhance your typical kit beer.

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OldSpeckledBadger
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Re: Does steeping a few grains definitely make a Kit bitter?

Post by OldSpeckledBadger » Mon May 18, 2009 1:47 pm

The only way to really tell is to do 2 identical kits, one with added grains and one without.
Best wishes

OldSpeckledBadger

WishboneBrewery
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Re: Does steeping a few grains definitely make a Kit bitter?

Post by WishboneBrewery » Mon May 18, 2009 10:35 pm

oops, yeah... Typo, bitter = better ;)

Cheers guys :)

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StrangeBrew
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Re: Does steeping a few grains definitely make a Kit bitter?

Post by StrangeBrew » Tue May 19, 2009 10:24 pm

OldSpeckledBadger wrote:The only way to really tell is to do 2 identical kits, one with added grains and one without.
or one can each of a two can kit!

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Re: Does steeping a few grains definitely make a Kit bitter?

Post by WishboneBrewery » Tue May 19, 2009 10:46 pm

Its also possible to split a one can kit once the main of the Wort is mixed in the FV, just decanting half of it off into another...
Its probably a bit late now, it was just a question... *only 2 kits left on the to-brew shelf!! :)

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