Youngs Brew Buddy Basic Questions

[OldRogue]

Hello, some basic questions from a complete novice (well, to brewing ale anyway...).

I started my Youngs Bitter 40 pint kit off last Sunday, the kit says 4-6 days fermentation, but a week on the hydrometer reading is still around 1.008 rather than the target 1.006 - there's a strong warning saying bottles will burst if bottling is done before it reaches this level. Should I leave it a bit longer, is there any harm done leaving it too long before bottling? For info room temp is 18-19°C most of the time, possibly colder at night.

Also, in reckless enthusiasm I threw in a handful of hops half way through, now having read another posting I see I should have boiled them first. They were in a sealed bag from a brew shop, but is there a risk I've spoiled the beer (it tastes ok!)?

Final question, I've amassed plenty of clean empties, and the caps for the bottling. Once I've used the steriliser solution on them, is it best to rinse with boiling water or is tap ok?

Cheers

[Dances]

Welcome - you are on the slippery slope to addiction now.

The difference between 1.006 and 1.008 is very small but take a reading every day until you see the readings stay the same - then bottle. You are unlikely to get bottle bombs at this stage with that kit.

It is unlikely throwing the hops in has spoiled your brew - a lot of people add dry hops to the FV - I have done it myself and it usually gives good results, but yes boiling is better.

I always rinse my bottles with tap water unless they are really soiled in which case I use boiling water, then sanitisor then finally rinse with tap.

Enjoy and get that second brew going asap!

[OldRogue]

Cheers for that, I'll give it a bit longer then.

Any need to remove the hops at some point sooner or can I just keep them in until the bottling?

[micromaniac]

Cheers for that, I'll give it a bit longer then.

Any need to remove the hops at some point sooner or can I just keep them in until the bottling?

ya hops will be fine till you bottle they are a natural preservative ,but they will only be adding aroma to the brew and not bitterness.but it seems a strange thing to be doing to your first kit.good luck in your new venture

[Hoodlum]

I would recommend buying Graham Wheeler's book - "Brew Your Own British Real Ale" It's orange and white on the front cover, pint of ale on the front in a handled pint pot.

It'll answer questions you didn't know needed asking and you'll be all grain brewing without realising it. Simples.

[OldRogue]

Thanks all for the advice, it's all bottled now so fingers crossed. as for adding the hops, they've made the brew darker and tasting good so far. So hopefully all not lost...