Coopers Ginger

[LeeH]

Going to brew one of these for xmas.

After some searching it seems popular to add sugar but i have a few questions.

Brewing sugar or t&l?

How much?

Can a add light malt extract as i have a spare bag and it seems this has been done as well?

Leave it as coopers intended it to be?

Thanks.

Lee

[lovelldr]

I did one a while back, using some cinnamon, star anise, root finger and chilies first boiled together. Then added about 1.5kg (might have been 1kg, can't remember) of being sugar, and 500g light dme. Came out quite nice. Had that take sugar taste, so if you don't like it, might not be for you... But, all in, was quite impressed...

[mattpocket]

I've only ever made ginger beer from scratch so I can't comment on the kit. But I've been wanting to do one of these for a while (I'm a big fan of coopers kits). My local homebrew shop warned me it can taint your barrel a bit flavour wise. Probably not an issue if youre into bottling. But something I thought worth mentioning. I was gonna follow it up with something powerful like a stout and give the barrel a good bleaching first so any residual flavours wouldn't matter as much. I'll be interested to see how it turns out. Careful with the chillies if you go down that route. Mine was a bit fiery! Luckily I like a bit of heat! It's nice if you serve it up cold with a shot of spiced rum. Sailor jerry's is my fave!

Let me know how it tastes!

[LeeH]

Thanks Matt.

Anyone else?