Extract Kit

[fish]

Hi,

I want to jump into brewing at the midway point and try extract brewing as the basic Kit's seem too simple for me to learn anything ( I already know how to dump ingredient's in a tub and wait ) , Ive made a few wines which have turned out nice and some home pressed cider , So I'm not a complete novice.

As a first timer I would like a extract kit which has everything I will need ingredient's wise and simple to follow instruction's.

But Ive not found anything even close which is available in this country.

Do you guy's have any suggestion's ?

Or if not a really simple recipe which uses easy to get extract and hop's.

I'm not too bothered about the style at this point I just want to make a drinkable beer and learn the ropes

Thanks in advance
Steve

[Madbrewer]

Have you seen this?
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9700

I am sure you could pick a recipe and get the nearest HBS to help select the extract, hops and yeast?

[wetdog]

do you have the equipment to boil the extract and hops?

[fish]

Have you seen this?
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9700

I am sure you could pick a recipe and get the nearest HBS to help select the extract, hops and yeast?

My LHBS doesn't really go much in the way of beer. He has all the kit's and equipment but not much else. Although I havn't asked him so he could have something in the back, But as an example his choice of yeast's are Ale yeast or Ale yeast ..... 5 or 6 different wine yeast's but just the one Ale yeast. So it look's like it will have to be internet or wait till I go back to Leicester at christmas.

I guess people are pretty happy with the kit's round this way and he only stock's what he can sell.

Unfortunately it's a bit far out for a casual visit as well ( I have to get a lift from SWMBO ).

And yes I do have a pan for boiling.

[Robdog]

Brupaks produce an ingredient pack which will get you started on your first brew http://www.hopshopuk.com/craftsmaninstructions.php

It's an expensive way to brew though.

Is Extract brewing in general expensieve as i was thinking of going along the Extract router in the new year then onto to AG.

[Robdog]

Thanks Chris. Is there anywhere you recommend for bulk buying malt?

[Robdog]

Ok cheers ill do as you suggest plus ask down my local HBS.

Ive seen 15kg for sale, would this be in one big tin as i imagine its very difficult to weigh out. I think if i get the smaller tins and say i need a bit extra i can add DME at 80% of the weight of the LME.

If its is going to work out alot more expensive im undecided whether to have a go at AG, just not sure how much more difficult it is than Extract. Maybe im chomping at the bit to much im only on my third kit but i find the thought of properly making my own brew very appealing.

[Russ]

Hi Robdog

I used to do extract-but this is only just past tense, as my 1st all grain was last weekend

I used to buy Paines Maris Otter extract from Leyland home brew, around £50 for 25kg, so it worked out pretty economical. This is unavailable now and I think your stuck with Brupaks extract, which is good stuff, but much more expensive. I think you'll find AG is now quite a bit cheaper. This is one of the reasons I decided to go all grain.

Regarding measuring out bulk extract, it comes in either jerry cans or buckets, with a resealable lid. It's a pain to measure out! I found my best method was to use two large spoons and scoop out what I could then twist the spoons round each other to get rid of the strings of extract, then drop into a pan sat on scales to weigh (Tare the scale to include the weight of the spoons and pan). I used to add boiling water to the pan and desolve the contents before pouring into the boiler.

Weighing grain in by comparrision is a doddle You need the same equipment for AG as extract other than a mash tun, which is easy to make (I went for Daabs false bottom type) My first impressions of AG is it's not difficult, you just need to get your head round the process. It is however much more time consuming but the payback is a better taste (I may be counting my chickens here a bit but I've just tasted my 5 day old brew in the FV - it's spectacular now!, tastes better than extracts used to (same recipe) at this stage a much fresher? taste

Having said that I think doing extract first has help me learn the basics and stuff like hop utilisation, so I'm glad I did them before AG.

Cheers

Russ

[Robdog]

Cheers Russ. Ill have a think as my misses sxays im not allowed to start until after Crimbp because we have guests comming and we will need the spare room.

[Russ]

Hi Robdog

Ignore the missus and crack on

If you get going now you'll have a brew done and dusted and be drinking it for Christmas, so shouldnt be too much evidence in the spare room. Tell the missus how much you'll save on beer over Christmas to help soften her up (obviously forget to mention the cost of the equipment )

[fish]

Well I went to the LHBS and they had boxes of hobs under the counter .

Hashed up buying the ingredients ( spent £30) because I forgot to halve what I was buying ( I'm only do a 1.2 batch). LHBS didn't have any 25 liter buckets Wilkinson's only had one without a lid . Then I hashed up the boil ( Same problem ) so I made a 3/4 batch and did the best I could with the mistakes I had already made and cramed it into a 15 liter bucket .

God only knows what it will turn out like but as long as it's drinkable I will be happy.

Even came up with a name for it

"Brewer's Belly Bitter" SWMBO was taking the mick.

On the plus side I have more then enough ingredients for another brew and I WONT be making the same mistake/s again