Kit O' Beer #2 - Canadian Blonde

[JFN111]

Welcome to homebrewing!

Yeah, looks like a great kit. I compared it to the ones sold at Northern Brewing and the Midwest kit is a better deal.

I used an enamel cook pot until I just recently upgraded due to increased batch size, it worked fine.

One note: The wing cappers that come with the kits suck. My very 1st upgrade was a vintage bottle capper and it continues to be one of my best investments for brewing. Here's an example.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Anti...-/251462883284

Feel free to ask anything you might have questions about.

Thanks, I hope to be able to join the discussion after I learn a bit more.

[BrewTech]

Thanks, I hope to be able to join the discussion after I learn a bit more.

I would say that joining the discussion is one of the best ways to learn more. No need to wait!

[Libertytree]

I agree with BT, join in on the fun JFN!

[Glass]

JFN111 I also think that is a pretty good kit for the money. Its very good value IMO. I'm looking forward to hearing about your first brew.

As LT says upgrading the bottle capper will be something you do fairly soon. Its easier to have at least one hand on the bottle when you are capping it and those wing ones make it difficult for one person. I've been looking around for a 2nd hand one like in the link. I thought I might get one in a thrift store but nothing yet.

[Glass]

Have had maybe 3 more bottles since the last post. 2 of them were same same. Not much going on. The 3rd one was how it should be IMO. Nice head, lots of carbonation. Good lacing. That makes 2 out of the 20 or so I have opened so far that were properly carbonated.

I think there are 9 bottles left. I will put 4 or 5 away for much later and to share with a couple people. They can see how my brewing is progressing.

I picked up another kit yesterday for KoB #4. I will do that one either tonight or tomorrow. It will be fairly cool tomorrow so it may be then.

[BrewTech]

I've recovered everything in my homebrew system except for my fermenter...going to pick that up tomorrow. I guess I'm doing the demo brew for the LHBS at the same time, with the guy who took over when I moved away. Smoked Porter? I think that's what he said they wanted to make.

I think the doppelbock I made back in December is ready to go. Hopefully the one I made is better than last year's... yuck. I didn't make that one. LHBS owner thought it was great... and it was if you love the taste of band-aids... I didn't have the heart to tell him it was infected.

Looking forward to posting after I start making beer at home again... the two girls (ahem) that moved in down stairs are craft beer fans, and I think one works part time doing promotions for a brewery in Wisconsin, so they should be down to learn how to brew. There is a BBQ down in the common patio as well, so I can see it might make for a fun brewing spring/summer.

[EE_]

Looking forward to posting after I start making beer at home again... the two girls (ahem) that moved in down stairs are craft beer fans, and I think one works part time doing promotions for a brewery in Wisconsin, so they should be down to learn how to brew. There is a BBQ down in the common patio as well, so I can see it might make for a fun brewing spring/summer.

Sounds like you moved to San Diego and are loving it. It's definately one of my favorite places in this country. Best weather in the world, beautiful people and a friendly smaller town atmosphere. Great beaches too!

I lived near the Torre Pines area, off of La Jolla Village Dr., 5/6 years ago. I loved it!
Too bad I couldn't afford to retire there, I wouldn't have left it.

[Jewboo]

When using it, especially on a big beer, I have started to blend it with US-05 to get better attenuation. If you think the yeast may be old, you might want to do a starter to revive the colony and bring up the healthy cell count.

When brewing with extracts, it is imperative to use only the freshest. Dry malt extract works well, and tends to last longer than LME.

[JFN111]

Quick question for you guys. I'm going to bottle for the first time tomorrow. Made up a batch of English Ale and it looks like it's ready. When I move it from the carboy to the bottling container I need to add the sugar. I think I have that part down, dissolve the sugar with 1 cup boiling water and then let cool somewhat. Questions- How much is somewhat? Do you pour the sugar in and then siphon from the carboy or visa verse?
Thanks

[Libertytree]

Quick question for you guys. I'm going to bottle for the first time tomorrow. Made up a batch of English Ale and it looks like it's ready. When I move it from the carboy to the bottling container I need to add the sugar. I think I have that part down, dissolve the sugar with 1 cup boiling water and then let cool somewhat. Questions- How much is somewhat? Do you pour the sugar in and then siphon from the carboy or visa verse?
Thanks

I mix mine in the bottling bucket. I don't even dissolve the sugar in water either. I would let the boiled sugar water cool to room temp.