Beer Kit

[Guzluka]

Firstly laid my hands on a edme super lager kit and was wondering whether anyone has had experiences with these? Also could someone tell me why I ferment the kit at 18-21 when lager usually ferments at a lot lower temp?

[Manx Guy]

Hi!

I have used the EDME lager kit myself but I do have one for a lager kit experiment, which I've yet to brew.

The most obvious reason is that the lager kit comes with an ale yeast.

If you can control or keep the area you intend to brew at a constant12-15C then buy a genuine lager yeast (Saflager S-23 or brewferm lager yeast- Iv'e used both)
Remember using a lager yeast will at least double the fermentation time and ideally (due to long ferment) you need to have a sealed fermenter and avoid lifting the lid to avoid infection.

I've brewed 3 brews (2 lagers & 1 bock) using lager yeasts recently, the cold weather helped!
I just insulated my FV and placed it in the unheated utility room and 14 days later it was ready for bottling!

Hope this helps!
Good luck!

[Guzluka]

So if I use the ale yeast what will the lager actually taste like?

[psychoactive]

Hi Guz,

I did the edme with 1kg of beer kit enhancer and used the supplied yeast- it was an ok drink, but had a definite ale flavour which was a bit weird. I'm brewing a Coopers European lager (which has a real lager yeast supplied) at <15 degrees, which seems to suit it down to the ground. I'm hoping for a truer, clean lager flavour. If I were you, I'd avoid using 100% sugar in the brew as it comes out quite thin and sometimes has a weird sharp flavour.

Happy brewing

[podge1]

Done quite a few lagers in the last year mainly coopers ones. Maybe im a bit fussy but i like my lager to look as good as it tastes and i find brewing sugar does a fine job, but adding some hops makes all the difference. Wilkinsons in my area ran out of coopers aussie lager so my hand was forced and i had to try an edme lager and found i liked this even more.

[Guzluka]

From my own research it seems as though what this is, is an altbier, a beer using a lager style with higher temps (ale yeast) top fermented like pale ale. I am suprised by this but kolsch, a beer I had in cologne last year is a top fermented ale, it is simply lagered to complete the crisp lager tasting finish.