New Brew

[normanh]

I've not been too active on the brewing front lately due to being diagnosed as being Type 2 diabetic. Have given beer a wide berth for the last 4 months or so whilst I get my weight and blood sugars under control. However decided to do a brew for Christmas which will go into bottles only.

As follows the recipe:-

1.5 Kg Coopers Amber malt
1.5 Kg Coopers Light malt
1 Kg Muntons brew enhancer

Brewers Gold 62 g boiled for 30 mins
Summit 30 g boiled for 10 mins
then finally Apollo 30 g boiled for another 10 mins

You may ask why these well its simple these are what I had in the freezer open so just using up the open stock, I will be dry hopping in likely 2 stages after fermentation then just prior to bottling for that added hop head. Not sure whether I will use Summit and Apollo at this stage.

Made up to 24 litres, using Safale US-05 yeast initial gravity of around 1060 starting temp of 80F a little higher that I wanted but the weathers cool and the room soon cool down. I have never used this yeast strain before so I am keen to taste the results.

Norman

[normanh]

Added 30g of Apollo that was covered in boiling water and allowed to cool last night that's 3 days into fermentation and will dry hop with some more Summit before bottling.

Norman

[normanh]

Checked the SG this evening, the fermentation appears to be proceeding well with a drop to around 1032 good heady hop aroma when removing the vessel snap lid. Cant wait to the bottling.

Norman

[Jim]

Nice that you're getting back into your brewing Norman. Enjoy it!

[normanh]

Now down to 1024 after 7 days, looking very active a fermentation still, smelling real good, no not long now.

Norman

[normanh]

Now down to 1016/1018 very difficult to read in the plastic lidded bucket, still going well.

Norman

[normanh]

SG now at 1012, have dry hopped with 50g of Summit AA around 18.0 when purchased. the bags been open some time now in the freezer just sealed tight so not worth saving any so I used the lot to finish it off. After the addition of the Apollo I have a good hoppy taste, this should be my ultimate IPA. Will check the SG again the weekend and possibly fine the brew in preparation for bottling.

Norman

[normanh]

Appears finished at 1012 no further activity strained off the hops ready now for fining then bottling planned for this weekend. Wow what a hoppy taste and head just what I was looking for.

Norman

[normanh]

Bottled the brew tonight and have a yield of 40 - 1/2 litre bottles. This is a Fully Monty Hoppy Beer cant wait now for it to bottle mature.

Norman

[Jim]

Enjoy!

[normanh]

Oh my WOW just as I wanted a brew. Its only been in the bottle a few weeks but tastes yummy full hop, light colour a magic IPA.

Anyone in the vicinity of South Essex want to try a bottle pm me and I am sure it can be arranged.

Norman,

[WalesAles]

Oh my WOW just as I wanted a brew. Its only been in the bottle a few weeks but tastes yummy full hop, light colour a magic IPA.

Anyone in the vicinity of South Essex want to try a bottle pm me and I am sure it can be arranged.

Norman,

norm,
I`m so Happy that your Brew is WOW!
Pity I can`t pop in to get a bottle!
I hope to see you here.....viewforum.php?f=78
Come on down!

WA