Brewferm kits

[Toiletbrewer]

I'm brewing "Ambiorix" at the moment, it says primary fermentation takes 10 days on the can, is this not too long?

I guess this is the same for other stronger belgian ales - why do they specify such a long primary fermentation period?

[sparky Paul]

I'm brewing "Ambiorix" at the moment, it says primary fermentation takes 10 days on the can, is this not too long?

I guess this is the same for other stronger belgian ales - why do they specify such a long primary fermentation period?

With the high OG, the fermentation is alway take longer than usual, and the fermentation of these higher ABV beers does slow markedly towards the end. That said, under the right conditions, fermentation will probably take less than 10 days.

You will also find that these beers benefit from a long maturation period, preferably several months to reach their best.

[Toiletbrewer]

thanks for that. Mine has been fermenting since Sunday. Really vigourous at first, now slowing down. sniffed a swig from the tap and tastes promising. I think i will bottle on Monday or Tuesday. Then comes that dreaded long wait. I can never wait 6 weeks for my ale to mature. The yorkshire bitter I bottled a few weeks ago already tastes excellent. Basically, as an expat, I'm in dire need of proper ale. You lucky ones in the North of England can simply go down the pub for nice pint of bitter.

[Mogwyth]

If it is anything like the Diabolo I did, then yes it will take as long as 10 days. The Diabolo didn't taste that great out of the fv, but after 3 weeks it was fairly drinkable, after 6 weeks it was very nice and it's still improving.

As soon as I can get to a HB shop I will certainly be picking up some more Brewferm kits as I quite like Belgium beer.

[Manx Guy]

Hi all!

I scored a cheap Amborix kit off eBay and am looking forward to giving it a go...

Should I use 1kg dark/light candi sugar to make up the fermentables?

I think that this is the way to go to get the full intended abv and a flavour similar to the real belgian beers...
Anyone used candi sugar with a brewferm kit?
If so how much and what were the results...?

I also have a brewerm pils which I intend to use with real lager yeast once the weather has cooled off a bit (can't afford a chilled/cooled FV set-up, plus SWMBO would most likely thottle me) Has anyone brewed this kit before?
I notice that the instructions allow for 9l or 20l without additonal sugars/with additional sugars (respectively)
Should I use Dextrose or candi sugar for the Pils kit?

Thanks in advance...


Slainte!

[pauljmuk]

It's a great kit - mine certainly took 10 days in the FV. I used dark candi sugar.

It benefits from long period of conditioning - mine been 6 weeks in bottles and starting to taste superb.

[Manx Guy]

Hi!

Thanks... So I'll use 1kg Dark Candi sugar for the amborix with a 10day Primary...

I may get some candi light to try with the pils...?
I looked at the brewferm website but it didn't give any reccomendations...


Slainte

[Benson_JV]

Imho, Brewferm kits should be used with the candi sugar that is of the optimum colour.
Spray malt would just give it to much mouth feel! So yes light C-sugar for the Pils is about right.

[Manx Guy]

Hi,

Thanks Benson... So a 1kg Candi Dark (for Amborix) & 1kg Candi sugar light (for the Pils)...



Looking forward to trying both of these brewferm kits...

Slainte!