Brewcraft Fresh Wort Kit

[soundawake]

Hey guys,

I wanted to get a brew on today and had close to zero time so I thought I'd get a Brewcraft fresh wort kit. Normally I avoid going there but they're the only place in Adelaide that sell them (that I'm aware of).

Anyway I got a 15L 'Original Porter' kit. No expected gravity figures were supplied. I topped up to 20L with water as per instructions and took a reading, and it only came up at 1.036. This is pretty low and I'm expecting to have a midstrength beer at the end of it, not a typical porter! I put the brew down after Brewcraft had closed for the day so I couldn't call them.

I'm kicking myself I didn't take a reading at 17L or so, but the kit was designed to be a 20L kit. Should I be happy with this or should I call Brewcraft and ask them what the deal is?

After taking the reading I just pitched the yeast, s-04 in this case. About half an hour later I realised I just should have added more dry malt... d'oh!

 

[Helles]

call them Frigin cheapskates

 

[pimpsqueak]

About half an hour later I realised I just should have added more dry malt... d'oh!

Still not too late I reckon. If you have any that is...

 

[soundawake]

Still not too late I reckon. If you have any that is...

I do.... according to brewmate I'd want to add around 330grams.. wasn't sure if I should be adding anything after pitching.. should I?

 

[pimpsqueak]

I do.... according to brewmate I'd want to add around 330grams.. wasn't sure if I should be adding anything after pitching.. should I?

Hell yes man, get that stuff in there. Just dissolve it in a small amount of cold water then boil and cool before tossing it in.
All sorts of stuff can be added after pitching. Hops, sugaz, spices etc...

 

[RdeVjun]

Yes, add the extra malt now, will be fine. :icon_cheers:

 

[soundawake]

Hell yes man, get that stuff in there. Just dissolve it in a small amount of cold water then boil and cool before tossing it in.
All sorts of stuff can be added after pitching. Hops, sugaz, spices etc...

Will do! Thanks!!

Edit - how much water for 330g of LDME? Obviously I want to add as little water as possible.

 

[Florian]

Just as much as you need to be able to bring it to boil. You're not trying to make a yeast starter, so keep the gravity high if you don't want to dilute further.

 

[manticle]

Anyway I got a 15L 'Original Porter' kit. No expected gravity figures were supplied.

They should be

I topped up to 20L with water as per instructions and took a reading, and it only came up at 1.036. This is pretty low and I'm expecting to have a midstrength beer at the end of it, not a typical porter! I put the brew down after Brewcraft had closed for the day so I couldn't call them.

Make sure everything is as it should be - hydrometer works properly, etc.

I'm kicking myself I didn't take a reading at 17L or so, but the kit was designed to be a 20L kit. Should I be happy with this or should I call Brewcraft and ask them what the deal is?

Um........... ring and ask.

After taking the reading I just pitched the yeast, s-04 in this case. About half an hour later I realised I just should have added more dry malt... d'oh!

You still can - boil some up in a minimum amount of water, cover and allow to cool, then add gently in.

 

[soundawake]

Well, I just bottled this today and it smelled and tasted fantastic out of the fermenter. Should be a cracker. Thanks for everyone's advice.