Sugars?!

[L2wis]

Hi all, I'm a new brewer having only made cider last year.

I've got a can of geordie lager in my fermenter at the moment to which i added 1kg of normal granulated sugar.
I've caught the bug and decided I should try Woodford Wherry (as I prefer ale/bitter more myself), however now i'm getting myself a bit confused on the process. I've read that you need spraymalt? and dry malt and brewers sugar for the Wherry.

What sugars should I use? It's too late for the geordie lager haha.

Also when priming the geordie will more granulated sugar be okay?

[mickhew]

The Wherry doesn't need ANY sugar adding, only at the priming stage. Normal sugar for your Geordie for priming will be fine

[mickhew]

2 can kits = no sugar/spraymalt needed
1 can kits, sugar or spraymalt can be added. It should all be explained in the instructions with the kits.

[L2wis]

ah okay brilliant

Thanks for clearing that up for me! If i use normal granulated sugar for the Wherry will it be good or is it recommended to use something special.

I've not received the wherry kit yet, i'm sure i'll probably understand it when it comes.

[EoinMag]

ah okay brilliant

Thanks for clearing that up for me! If i use normal granulated sugar for the Wherry will it be good or is it recommended to use something special.

I've not received the wherry kit yet, i'm sure i'll probably understand it when it comes.

The Wherry should be fine with normal white sugar.

Don't be disappointed if the geordie lager is sour and not that good, that happens when you use a bag of sugar with a one tin kit. Just remember if you think it tastes rotten that'll be the reason. Some on here will say there's nowt wrong with it, but honestly I despair for their taste buds.
With a one tin kit you should use spraymalt and not sugar. The sugar used for priming is not that important, that said, I totally avoid white sugar in my brews.

[jason123]

Part of the fun, I think, with ales at least is to try different combinations of spray malts and sugars like a muscovado if you want a dark flavour or demerara or light or dark soft brown sugar for the different qualities. I stay away from ordinary white sugar though, and do use a spraymalt if you can, I think it does improve a kit.

[L2wis]

humm okay cool thanks for the input! I'll research this more before starting the Wherry (which hasn't arrived yet haha).

I won't get my hopes up too high regarding the geordie, i just wanted to get started with brewing and try a cheap kit to ensure im capable of sanitising/sterilizing my kit! hehe That is yet to be seen!

[bigdave]

Normal Sugar = quick boost in abv % but possible cidery taste and a thin tasting brew
Spray Malt = adds extra body, mouth feel and taste to a brew but not such an abv % boost.

Trick is to find a happy medium that suits you (eg, 80/20 split).

[thedeckking]

Part of the fun, I think, with ales at least is to try different combinations of spray malts and sugars like a muscovado if you want a dark flavour or demerara or light or dark soft brown sugar for the different qualities. I stay away from ordinary white sugar though, and do use a spraymalt if you can, I think it does improve a kit.

I have to agree that experimenting with different sugars is well worth it. I don't use white sugar anymore (after experimenting) but have had good results with dme, brewers sugar (dextrose) and brew kit enhancers (50/50 mix of dme and brewing sugar ready mixed in a 1kg bag).

Try making the same kit again using a brew enhancer or dme and then try a bottle of each. It's really worth doing as a new brewer.