EDME and Honey

[mayersbrew]

Just started EDME kit with 1kg brewing sugar and a 454g jar of tescos honey. Hydrometer reads 1.066 temp adj to 1.0681 puts it at about 7.5 % if i get it down to 1.010. I used tap water with 1/2 campden tab so if all goes well should be a strong cheap brew but will have to let you know how it goes. Just trying to experement .

[mayersbrew]

Wow, just gone to bottle today and Hydormeter reading is 1.004 that makes it 7.9%. Will let you know what it tastes like in a few weeks

[dave-o]

I can't imagine that it'll taste too good, but here's hoping!

[Mattb]

I can't imagine that it'll taste too good

Me neither, but as we say in Norfolk, "that'll get yew where yew wanter gew."

And inexpensive too.

[mayersbrew]

Oh no its a elastic band beer ! I tried it last week and it was undrinkable with a strog sulpher / elastic taste. this week it is slightly better but still undrinkable. I have everything crossed and hoping it comes good with time. I think it was the mistake of adding the honey without boiling it, DOHHHHHHHH !!!

[dave-o]

I think it was the mistake of adding far too much simple sugars!

[mayersbrew]

Yea, your probably right dave-o. I will let you know how it is in a couple of weeks.

[Barley Water]

I can tell you from personal experience that the beer is not going to get any better, if anything, it will attenuate a little bit more but that's it. This reminds me of the first homemade beer I made (many, many years ago). I remember tasting it and thinking, "God, this tastes like sh#$" but I drank a couple of bottles just because I kept hoping I was wrong (being my first effort and all). After the second bottle I remeber thinking to myself " well this really doesn't taste any better to me but then I am not feeling any pain either". That nasty taste at least in my case was due to way, way too much simple sugar and no temperature control (which in Texas will give you all kinds of funky tastes and hot, solvent flavors). Thank God I am nothing if not subborn and thankfully I have figured out how to avoid that problem. The down side to that experience is that for many years I would avoid putting any sugar what so ever into my beer which of course is problematic, especially if you wish to make Belgian brews.

[mayersbrew]

Thanks for the advice Barley. I was trying to get a cheap strong pint that tastes good, kind of recession busting but yes looks like I got too carried away with sugars and yes temp control was probably also the issue. I had been doing ok with the kits up till now. I think its time I went into AG BIAB.

[mayersbrew]

Just tipped it all down the drain, OUCH . It didnt get any better with age, the bad taste just changed to another bad taste. This is the first one Ive had to tip down the drain but learnt a few things.

Thanks for the tips.

[dave-o]

In the long run, going AG BIAB will save you money compared to kits. It's also more fun and makes better beer!

[Uncle Joshua]

Maybe, this is what you where hoping for....


viewtopic.php?t=41701

[mayersbrew]

Thanks gents, looks like AG BIAB is the way forward but been looking for a barrel / keg to convert for ages now. Does anyone know where I can get one that wont cost me a fortune. Money is tight.

[dave-o]

Thanks gents, looks like AG BIAB is the way forward but been looking for a barrel / keg to convert for ages now. Does anyone know where I can get one that wont cost me a fortune. Money is tight.

Keep an eye out on Ebay for someone packing in. I got:
-boiler
-mash tun
-3 FVs
-2 pressure barrels
-capper
-bottles
-hydrometer
-bits like thermometer etc
-some grains and hops

for about £35 as i was able to go and pick it up.

[mayersbrew]

Sounds like you got a great deal dave-o. Im keeping my eyes peeled on ebay for stuff local, hopefulil I will get lucky.
cheers !