how long to lager a kit

[Cummy]

So I started brewing a few lagers (5 so far) but only just starting to drink them. The first I was drinkable but turned out nothing like what I expected. The next batch should almost be carbonated but on testing it tasted a lot better. The other three are a while away before I'll know what their like.

My question. How long should I be lagering a kit. I have heard the longer the better but I'm also aware that at the end of the day it's a kit so I don't want it to sit a a fridge for 6 months when I know it won't win any awards.

 

[Benn]

Have you been using fair dinkum larger yeast or just the sachet that comes with the tin of extract?

 

[slcmorro]

It really depends on a number of factors.

Are you using kits and the yeast that comes with it?
What temps are you fermenting at?
Are you using spec malts or adjuncts?
How long can you wait?
Can you store them at 1-2c once secondary fermentation has taken place?

 

[mrsupraboy]

With the knk kits they normally use ale yeast so drinkable once there carbed but will clear over time. My advise is to make heeps. Then drink as you get to them.

If you want to make it taste more like a lagar. Ditch the yeast in the can and ask your local homebrew supplier for some lagar yeast. Only problem is you have to keep the beer at a constant temp for atleast 3-4 weeks before bottling or kegging. Lagars can easily get of tastes. I used to always do ales and this winter only lagars. The differences in taste are phenomenal.

 

[bookers]

FWIW i generally do K&K lagers and pilsners, 12-13 Degrees for 3 weeks

 

[Cummy]

I have been usin s-23. Kits, 1kg dried malt and steeping 250 grams of lager grain. Fermenting for 3 weeks and then lagering for between 6-10 weeks. Then bottling and storing at room temp. Not sure if I was wasting time by lagering for too long.

 

[danestead]

Lagar lagar larger, lagar lagar larger haha

 

[manticle]

I have been usin s-23. Kits, 1kg dried malt and steeping 250 grams of lager grain. Fermenting for 3 weeks and then lagering for between 6-10 weeks. Then bottling and storing at room temp. Not sure if I was wasting time by lagering for too long.

Best way is to taste it. I laged usually for e-4 weeks but essentially I do it for as long as it takes to get a clean, clear beer. Mine are ag but it's mostly cleaning up acetaldehyde, diacetyl and yeast dropping out that you want to achieve. Sample at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks etc and see what you reckon.

What is the 'lager' grain?

 

[Cummy]

To be honest I have no idea what the grain is. I will ask next time I'm in the store.