Well, the bugs well and truly bitten and I successfully put down my second batch on Saturday night. Foamed like a b!tch too!
First batch was the Coopers European Lager kit made to 22-ish litres with BE2, spring water and dry-hopped with 30g of Hallertauer plugs in the 2nd week (more hops next time I think, and maybe saaz?). Seems to have gone well, ie smells and tastes like beer, maybe Becks, although still green. Had a small scare halfway through and nearly lost the full FV off the table! I bottled Saturday night and it looked clear as a bell going in with no clouding whatsoever except in the first and last bottles which look like pond water because of rookie mistakes... I'll crack one of this batch at about 6 weeks and see how it's fairing. 12 weeks is recommended by Coopers.
2nd batch is a Thomas Coopers IPA kit made to 23L with a LHBS 1.7kg can of liquid LME, spring water and dry-hopped with 70g of Cascade plugs. Smells awesome, very similar to Little Creatures Pale Ale which I'm very happy about! I've got a couple extra plugs and might just chuck in another soon as its super tempting to boost that awesome aroma. Can't wait to taste this one! Though I'm a bit scared that I used only LME and no dex or sugar... :unsure:
Man I LOVE this new hobby!!! :beer:
First batch was the Coopers European Lager kit made to 22-ish litres with BE2, spring water and dry-hopped with 30g of Hallertauer plugs in the 2nd week (more hops next time I think, and maybe saaz?). Seems to have gone well, ie smells and tastes like beer, maybe Becks, although still green. Had a small scare halfway through and nearly lost the full FV off the table! I bottled Saturday night and it looked clear as a bell going in with no clouding whatsoever except in the first and last bottles which look like pond water because of rookie mistakes... I'll crack one of this batch at about 6 weeks and see how it's fairing. 12 weeks is recommended by Coopers.
2nd batch is a Thomas Coopers IPA kit made to 23L with a LHBS 1.7kg can of liquid LME, spring water and dry-hopped with 70g of Cascade plugs. Smells awesome, very similar to Little Creatures Pale Ale which I'm very happy about! I've got a couple extra plugs and might just chuck in another soon as its super tempting to boost that awesome aroma. Can't wait to taste this one! Though I'm a bit scared that I used only LME and no dex or sugar... :unsure:
Man I LOVE this new hobby!!! :beer: