My first extract brew - Way To Amarillo

[Shaun21]

Hi guys, I've been doing kits for a while now and thought I would finally jump to the next level, extract brewing.

Had a look around online for a pot and finally chose a 15 litre one from eBay (had free 48 hour shipping which sold it).

Got the "Way To Amarillo" extract kit from Brewuk because of all the positive reviews. Thought I couldn't go wrong with something that has had so many praises.

Both arrived in the post so here we go...



Added my first KG of DME and the first lot of hops.



In goes the second lot of hops and the final 2KG of DME



Had a decent 'hot break', wasn't too hard to control though.



Hot break over, the boil continues.



Added the final part of hops and left them to steep for 30 mins.

This is where I forgot to keep taking pictures. I cooled the wort, got it into the FV through a colander lined with voile and poured bottled water over the hops to get all the flavour out.

Topped it up, pitched the yeast and it's now sitting in my spare room in the dark. Let the waiting game commence.

I must admit, getting more involved in the brewing process was a lot more satisfying. I can see this being a slippery slope towards all grain. But we will see.

Thanks for reading my little (not very well written) story

[SiMania]

WTA was my 2nd extract and is a lovely beer, better than my local at times.

[Shaun21]

Bottled this today and ended up with 39 bottles. Tried the sample and it was pretty tasty. Can't wait for this to be ready now.

[barry44]

I made this as my first extract brew and it was amazing. So much better than any kit.

Safe to say my passage to the dark side was complete.

[Shaun21]

I made this as my first extract brew and it was amazing. So much better than any kit.

Safe to say my passage to the dark side was complete.

I'm planning on doing a small BIAB batch to fit my 15L pot so I think my passage to the dark side may be complete as well. Looking forward to getting my next brew done.

[davew]

Tis a nice brew not made one for a while might have to get the ingredients in.

[Shaun21]

After 1 week and 1 day in the bottle I gave in and tried one.

What a beer! It's so tasty even with it being so young. Carbonation level is pretty good, keeps it's head and you get a little tingle on your tongue with every mouthful.

Once swallowed the bitterness comes through but it's not to overpowering and gives it that balance.

I must say this is the best beer I've made and it was so easy. I'd recommend any new extract brewer to give this a go and even the more experienced.

[davew]

When I made it last I thought it was the best beer I have ever tasted, well that and punk IPA.

[Nexia333]

Brilliant looking beer. Great to see how you manged to pull a nice, amber orange colour out an extract brew kit. Job well done... what was the final ABV?

[Shaun21]

I think it came out at about 5%. I've got around 10 bottles left of this so I'm going to need to put another batch on at some point! Popped one open last night and again, lovely pint! Well recommended.

[Nexia333]

I think it came out at about 5%. I've got around 10 bottles left of this so I'm going to need to put another batch on at some point! Popped one open last night and again, lovely pint! Well recommended.

Brilliant, what kind of flavour did you end up getting - was the brew malty in character, or more dry and hoppy. I have used Amarillo Pellets in several of my beers, gives a glorious aroma (orange - tangerine citrus) as a late addition...I'm just curious if using the full hop flower imparted some different characters. Truly a nice looking beer.

[Shaun21]

I've opened another one for this...



I'm not the best at taste tests. I normally say "yeah, I like that" or "nah, that's not my thing" but I'll give it my best shot.

From the smell I'm getting quite a malty character and a small amount of hops. Not sure how else to describe it [WINKING FACE]

Mouthfeel when you first pour it into your mouth is really smooth (mostly down to my carbonation level. When I make this again I'm going to up it from 85gr to 100gr and see how it ends up)

The first thing I notice in the taste is the bitterness, not too overpowering just very balanced. It's more malty than it is hoppy, but you do still get a sweetness and a small amount of hops in the flavour which really does make it pleasurable. You mentioned Nexia, you got a orange/ tangerine flavour - I'm not getting that. More than likely because I'm rubbish at tasting things.

Other than that, I'm not sure how to describe it, I know it's a beer I would pay good money for in the pub which is the best bit for me! I've made this in my house, for a fraction of the price it would cost me to drink in the pub. I've given most of my batch away to mates and family and I don't think I will be doing the same next time.

Hope that very badly worded review is ok, like I said, I'm the worst person to try and 'taste test' something. Oh, the mrs was helping with this... she actually enjoyed tasting it and trying to decide what it tasted like. I got a "hmmm, I don't know what it tastes like but I like it". Just as usefull as me haha.

[Nexia333]

I think you did an excellent job in describing the beer. You are a natural! From your description, I got a very good impression of the beer and it sounds like a very sessionable beverage. If the mrs. approves then it must be a winner Cheerz