A few n00b questions (with pics)

[sean88]

Nice one Matt, thanks for that. Unfortunately I won't get a chance to add this until Saturday, hope it's not too late by then.

[PaddyX21]

Wilkos sell light and medium DME if that helps you.
£4/500g

[sean88]

Thanks Paddy, I tried my lhbs and 2 different Wilkos at the weekend but despite my best efforts I couldn't get hold of any DME. I bought another kit as I was considering dumping the batch as I didn't like the idea of waiting 2 months for weak, watery beer but I've decided against it...I think It smells lovely, I'm hoping it will taste half decent.

[NOZ]

6 extra pints of water wont make that much difference, don't bother adding anything extra to the brew as u risk adding nasties to the brew and also more oxygen. As for it escaping i would just mop it up with kitchen towel and once the ferment has died down cover the hole with cling film.

[Normski]

Thanks Paddy, I tried my lhbs and 2 different Wilkos at the weekend but despite my best efforts I couldn't get hold of any DME. I bought another kit as I was considering dumping the batch as I didn't like the idea of waiting 2 months for weak, watery beer but I've decided against it...I think It smells lovely, I'm hoping it will taste half decent.

Hi sean

If you still need some Dried Malt extract, I have some, i think about 500g, maybe a little less. I use it for yeast starters. I am in Annfield Plain. If you need it just PM me.
Regards Norm

[sean88]

Hi Norm,

Thank you, that's very kind of you, but I think it may be time to keg the brew, I've seen no visible activity inside the FV for the past 3 days. Took a hydro reading yesterday and today both 1006. Kit instructions say target is below 1008 so I'm good to go right? Seen a few yeasties floating on top and what looks like some dried krausen, is this normal?

Thanks again Norm, much appreciated mate!

[Normski]

Hi sean

if its down to 1006 then its finished fermenting. Yes its time to keg it.
Then you can get your next one on.

p.s. there are quite a few of the lads from here, going to the Chester Le Street Cricket Club beer fesival this friday night.

[sean88]

Kegged it last night, didn't go 100% according to plan but many lessons were learned for next time

There was some splashing/sloshing when going into the pressure barrel so I'm slightly worried about 'oxidising'
Also did 6 bottles, picture here - http://i49.tinypic.com/k4dpfp.jpg

As you can see, they range from 'Sweet Newkie Brown' to 'Oops, I think I knocked the sediment' to 'Bottle of sediment anyone?'
My hopes aren't too hight for this brew as it has been a big learning curve but hope to have much more success with the next one which I'll be starting in a couple of weeks. Thanks again for all of the advice.

Hopfully will make it to the CC tonight and see you fellas there.
Cheers,
Sean

Edit: Forgot to ask about conditioning temps, i've read a few confusing threads and am none the wiser. It's sitting back where it fermented atm (20°c) which as far as I understand should be left for a week, then transferred to somewhere 'cooler'....how cool is cooler? My options are garage or spare room with no heating. Still need to investigate what temps these places are.

[sean88]

[quote="sean88"]Kegged it last night, didn't go 100% according to plan but many lessons were learned for next time

There was some splashing/sloshing when going into the pressure barrel so I'm slightly worried about 'oxidising'
Also did 6 bottles, picture here - http://i49.tinypic.com/k4dpfp.jpg

As you can see, they range from 'Sweet Newkie Brown' to 'Oops, I think I knocked the sediment' to 'Bottle of sediment anyone?'
My hopes aren't too hight for this brew as it has been a big learning curve but hope to have much more success with the next one which I'll be starting in a couple of weeks. Thanks again for all of the advice.

Hopfully will make it to the CC tonight and see you fellas there.
Cheers,
Sean

Edit: Forgot to ask about conditioning temps, i've read a few confusing threads and am none the wiser. It's sitting back where it fermented atm (20°c) which as far as I understand should be left for a week, then transferred to somewhere 'cooler'....how cool is cooler? My options are garage or spare room with no heating on. Still need to investigate what temps these places are.[/quote]

[Matt12398]

Garage would be fine.