Geordie Kits : Time to Experiment

[Tramorak]

Hello all, been away in a Coopers induced alcoholic haze for a while but have just picked up some bargain Geordie kits (3 for 2 in Morrisons) and felt like having a play around.

I grabbed a Lager, Bitter and Yorkshire Bitter and am open to suggestions for modifying.

With the Lager I plan to add some Hops, probably Saaz, and either elderflower or lemongrass. (Unless someone convinces me otherwise).

Anyone got any ideas, tried or untried, for either of the bitter kits?

Plan to hit the LHBS on Thursday and get at least one of them up and running.

T.

[cwrw gwent]

I'd be tempted to brew the Bitter and Yorkshire Bitter as per instructions but using at least 50% spraymalt. Both kits produce an easy drinking tasty ale with a hoppy aftertaste. Geordie Lager though definitely needs something extra as it's a bit low on flavour and body. How about Saaz hops as suggested, spraymalt or beer kit enhancer and brewing to 20 litres? When I did this kit (only once I should add using spraymalt to 20 litres) it improved no end after five weeks whereas the two bitters are drinkable within a fortnight.

[pauljmuk]

I've done a Geordie Bitter and a Geordie Mild kit

For bitter I added brewkit enhancer, and golden syrup as part of the fermentables - was nice light beer with a bit of body, but not perfect. Also dry hopped with 20g fuggles in the FV.

With the Mild I used some spray, some beerkit enhancer, some molasses. Also steeped 250g crystal in some of the malt, and added some fuggles to the boil. Switched the yeast to S04. Worked out lovely - am drinking a pint now - Much more of a stronger dark ruby than a mild - about 5.5%

In my view, when starting the Geordie kits are perfect for being cheap, and easily adaptable.

From there, if you are anything like me, you will move on to extract using LME cans (from shops like Brewgenie at only £6.50 for a 1.5kg can), and then on to pure spraymalt extract brews, with steeped crystal, chocolate and black malts, and hopping yourself.

It's a slippery slope, but experimentation is supremely enjoyable, and not that much extra effort really.

Enjoy!

[chopperswookie]

i've done the geordie bitter with 200g (ish) crystal malt steeped and about 60g of goldings. really good pint. i totally agree with adding saaz to the lager kit. done it twice now and the results are really good!

[tarmacsurfer2000]

Where are these Morrisons with the homebrew sections!! I can't find any

[dunc]

me neither.

[Nobby Novice]

I am sure I have never seen any beer kits in Morrisons. I use Wilkinsons and Arkwrights. I have emailed "The Range " stores, they stock all sorts and the arty crafty stuff, but they have no intention of stocking home brew.

[johcharly]

Morrisons stock Geordie kits in Doncaster, but none of the local Wilkinsons stock homebrew stuff.

I added a caffietier (sp) of elderflower infused water to a Scotch export Geordie the other week, It's coming up ready next week so will let you know the outcome.

[Matt24]

Well,

I am going to use a Geordie Mild kit as a malt base for a treacle ale recipe I have found on the web.

I have read on another thread that it doesnt really turn out drinkable or is an "aquired" taste if using the basic recipe, so I thought the beer kit might add a bit of body and make more of a beer style.

The plan is this...

I will ferment this out in 2 x 1 gal demijohns, which should, in theory produce a very strong dark beer like a winter warmer or belgium strong ale. On the other hand, it could be foul but Im giving it a go.

Here's the recipe:

1.5 kg Geordie Mild Beer Kit (The nearest thing to unhopped extract that Wilko's do!)
2lb Golden Syrup
1lb Black Treacle
Citric acid

Method:

Split the beer kit between two demijohns as evenly as possible.
Boil 1 gal (8 pints) water and add the syrup and treacle, stirring to dissolve.
Pour the mixture into the two demijohns (again as evenly as possible).
Vigourously shake to dissolve, adding more hot water if necessary.
Leave to cool, and then add 2 tsp Citric acid to each demijohn.
Top up with cold water to the gallon.
Pitch yeast and fit air locks.

Any ideas on what this might turn out like?