Lager kit with Citra hops

[Manngold]

Hi all,

Have a got a WIlko's delicate pilsner kit that I am thinking of starting before my stag kit turns up. However was thinking of doing something different with the hops. Was planning to use the following recipe, and just want a bit of advice before I start.

1 can Wilko's delicate pilsner.
1kg brewing sugar.
10g Citra hops, in a hop tea.
Yeast that comes with the kit (I know that it isn't a true lager yeast).

Ferment for 14 days.

On the 14th day add 25grams of citra to dry hop for 3 days.

From what I have read, I need to be careful about the hop additions, and not adding too much. Does this sound ok? I was toying with the idea of removing some of the brewing sugar for honey, or something a long those lines.

On a side note, had a Wherry that has been conditioning for five weeks last night and it tasted amazing. I also had a Milestone Shine on that I had dry hopped with Citra, and the Citra was simply sublime in it (even if I do say so myself). I have about 33 pints of Wherry left, and 40 of Shine on, but can see the Shine on depleting very quickly!

Happy brewing all!

[winelight]

I've experimented a bit with hops and the only thing I do now is dry hop - hop teas and so on didn't really add the kind of flavour I was after. And I use a lot, 100g a time.

[Monkeybrew]

I would say that you've got it about right, as you are using brewing sugar as your fermentable.

If you were using DME and some kind of crystal malt additions, then I would suggest using some more Citra as extra malt helps to balance hops.

Try and ferment it at 18-20C for a light and hoppy blonde ale

Cheers

MB

[alexlark]

Hi, I've got that Wilko Pilsner in my stocks and I'm planning a hop addition to it. Based on the Youngs Harvest Lager I have in the PB I'm planning the following:

1 can Wilko Pilsner
1kg Light DME
250g Sugar
35g Saaz Hop Tea

Saflager w-34/70 Yeast


Apart from the Coopers Euro Lager, the Youngs kit was the first one that I tried using a propper yeast. I had a taste test on Wednesday, Coopers Euro (brewed to the kit instructions) and the Youngs Harvest (same recepie as above). The Coopers Euro tastes quite nice but still has that very slight homebrew smell whereas the Youngs Harvest smells and tastes like a commercial lager. The Saflager yeast isn't cheap but it is well worth it!

[AnthonyUK]

I made a pseudo AG lager recently with a late Galaxy addition and it is really, really good so I'd say go for it with the Citra. It may not be a lager but if it is what you like then that's what matters.
I used Nottingham yeast (actually Wilcos ale yeast) at 14°c.

[Rookie]

Hi, I've got that Wilko Pilsner in my stocks and I'm planning a hop addition to it. Based on the Youngs Harvest Lager I have in the PB I'm planning the following:

1 can Wilko Pilsner
1kg Light DME
250g Sugar
35g Saaz Hop Tea

Saflager w-34/70 Yeast

A couple of months ago I brewed a German pilsner with 34/70 that turned out excellant.

[cellone]

Hi, I've got that Wilko Pilsner in my stocks and I'm planning a hop addition to it. Based on the Youngs Harvest Lager I have in the PB I'm planning the following:

1 can Wilko Pilsner
1kg Light DME
250g Sugar
35g Saaz Hop Tea

Saflager w-34/70 Yeast


Apart from the Coopers Euro Lager, the Youngs kit was the first one that I tried using a propper yeast. I had a taste test on Wednesday, Coopers Euro (brewed to the kit instructions) and the Youngs Harvest (same recepie as above). The Coopers Euro tastes quite nice but still has that very slight homebrew smell whereas the Youngs Harvest smells and tastes like a commercial lager. The Saflager yeast isn't cheap but it is well worth it!

You are going to spend more than that on yeast before the year is out. I dare you stick to dry yeast.

[alexlark]

You saying liquid yeast is even better?

[cellone]

Massively.

[Manngold]

Quick update:

Hi guys, thought I would just give a quick update on how this is going. I brewed it as I stated in my first post, and OG was at 1.038. After about 7 - 9 days it was down to 1.002. This is my third kit, and the only one to drop so quickly and so considerably. I can taste and smell the Citra hop tea that I made, but there is something that concerns me more. I am worried that it may have got to warm. I dont have a thermometer or temp gauge, so not sure how warm the kitchen is. It is kept under the table, in the dark, with the lid only slightly off to allow air to escape.

I had a taste test on day 9 in preparation for dry hopping. It tasted a bit sharp, almost sour. I didn't know if this was a product of the hop tea, or the fact that it has been too warm for the yeast? I plan to dry hop this evening with 40 g of citra instead of the 25 i said to begin with. (I love Citra).

My biggest concern is my golden stag kit that I bought. I think I will leave until the temps drop again, as the kit cost me a fair bit, and dont want it to go wrong.

How is everyone else's beer doing in the summer heat? Any advice for keeping it cool - other than a fridge - don't have the space for that until I can build my new shed (September time for that bad boy).

[Liverpool-Lad]

I would be tempted to leave the other until you can control the temp to very low 20s or high teens

[Manngold]

Ok. Checked the temp in my kitchen. Came in on 21c. Does this sound ok? Defo getting a brew fridge, need to clear it with swmbo. Guys at work were saying that pilsners are often sharp, so has put my mind at rest a little!

[Manngold]

Hi all - thought I would give a little up date on this. I bottled three weeks ago, and it had two weeks inside and has had a week outside. Due to my inxeprience with the kits, and the tinkering that I did I cant tell if the heat had an adverse effect on the yeast in the FV.

I managed to get about 50 bottles in the end. Some small 330ml ones, and some larger 500ml, and a couple of 660ml bottles.

In terms of taste, it is relatively light and has a fruity slightly sharp vibe to it. This I am putting down to the citra - as I dry hopped with 40grams in the end. It reminded me initially of Hoegarden (obviously less wheaty).

Looks wise - very light, straw coloured and kept a nice tight white head all the way down the glass.

Will post pictures when I crack open another in a couple of weeks time.

EDIT: OG - 1.038. FG - 1.004 approx abv 4.5%