Kit beer strength

[Toiletbrewer]

I know, I know...most people use measuring equipment, but I think part of the fun in kit brewing is "playing it by ear" or semll and bubbles for that matter. Just to clarify: my usual method is to use 1-2l LESS of water prescribed, candy sugar (2/3 amount prescribed)- and if i can get hold of it - LME (from drugstore, apparently used to pep up babies in Austria). My downstairs toilet has a constant temp of 20-27°, which is where i stand my vat. I then bottle using less than the prescribed amount (a bit more than half) of priming sugar and then rack. My question is, what is the average strength of such a brew, i.e. a Cooper's Real Ale or a Muntons Yorkshire Bitter?

[Mogwyth]

I would guess it's going to be between 4-5%.

Cheers

BIll

[Toiletbrewer]

I would guess it's going to be between 4-5%.

Cheers

BIll

That's about what I expected. I use 1l glass mineral water bottles (already sterile) and I must say, 2 are enough!!

[mshergold]

I use 1l glass mineral water bottles (already sterile)

You need to ensure that the bottles are thick enough to withstand the pressure of the C02 that your beer will produce. I'm sure someone else will be able to advise. Somewhere on the forum is a post will the recommended thickness of glass. On the base or around the bottom of the bottle will be a figure which gives the thickness of the glass. Also, freshly opened mineral bottles will not be sterile. Even though I hate sanitising bottles and equipment, I'd never take a risk by not doing it.

[Toiletbrewer]

Already brewed and drunk 3 batches of beer this year. The only cock-up was not being able to wait long enough for it to mature. I've been more than satisfied with the results and fallen over in the garden a few times. The glass bottles a thick, heavy duty deposit mineral water bottles (ubiquitous in Austria) with a screw cap.