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Androshen · 04-27-2010, 08:36 PM

Just an update ... after a couple more weeks, the flavor of this beer is definitely improving!
Still not as good as my first batch - but certainly has possibilities!!

stefan1011 · 04-28-2010, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Androshen

Just an update ... after a couple more weeks, the flavor of this beer is definitely improving!
Still not as good as my first batch - but certainly has possibilities!!

Thanks for the update. My batch has been in the bottle for almost 3 weeks. I drank a few after 8 days in the bottle. It had a bitter start, but a smooth finish. It wasn't great, but it wasn't bad. I drank a total of six over the course of a week and decided to wait until a full three weeks to try it again.

On a related note, I brewed the GF Dark Ale kit (from the same supplier as the GF Honey Ale kit) on Saturday. It started to ferment much faster than the Honey Ale. This beer has great color and I am hoping it turns out alright.

**midfielder5** · 04-28-2010, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stefan1011

How long did you leave your batch in the primary? My directions said to check gravity at 5-7 days after initial brewing. My batch has been in the primary for 10 days and is still bubbling in the airlock (approx every 30-40 seconds). I plan on taking a gravity reading near the end of this week to see where things are.

I think you will find the beer improves if you let it on the yeast, in the primary, for at least 2 weeks. I let my sit and bulk condition for at least 3 weeks. The yeast clean up after themselves.
Brew some more (get another primary container, too) and let the beer age.
good luck.

stefan1011 · 04-29-2010, 01:36 AM

Thank you midfielder5. I'll give this 2nd batch at least 3 weeks. This time I will try to let it sit in the bottle for at least 3 weeks as well. The waiting is by far the hardest part....

**midfielder5** · 04-29-2010, 05:23 AM

It is personal preference on the length of primary after the fermentation is done; just wanted to point out the option. Try different things and see what works for you. Enjoy.

Androshen · 05-03-2010, 08:07 PM

My goal is to get enough beer ahead that I will always be drinking beer that has been bottled for *several* months ......

**Lcasanova** · 05-03-2010, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Androshen

My goal is to get enough beer ahead that I will always be drinking beer that has been bottled for *several* months ......

I know exactly what you mean, I have 7 cases of GF beer and a case of 22 ozers... Since I am moving I might take a month or 2 off from brewing. Not looking forward to moving all this beer though

patd · 06-08-2010, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stefan1011

Thanks for the update. My batch has been in the bottle for almost 3 weeks. I drank a few after 8 days in the bottle. It had a bitter start, but a smooth finish. It wasn't great, but it wasn't bad. I drank a total of six over the course of a week and decided to wait until a full three weeks to try it again.

On a related note, I brewed the GF Dark Ale kit (from the same supplier as the GF Honey Ale kit) on Saturday. It started to ferment much faster than the Honey Ale. This beer has great color and I am hoping it turns out alright.

How did the dark ale turn out? I'm about to tackle my first GF brew, and don't know if I should use one of these kits, or try an extract recipe from here...

**Lcasanova** · 06-08-2010, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patd

How did the dark ale turn out? I'm about to tackle my first GF brew, and don't know if I should use one of these kits, or try an extract recipe from here...

The advantage of a kit is that everything you need comes in a box. With a recipe from here you just need to get the required ingredients and follow the recipe...or tweak it to your liking. I've never done a kit and am pretty satisfied with my beers but- try a kit, try a recipe, make up your own, either way you're brewing

stefan1011 · 06-09-2010, 01:31 AM

patd- The dark ale is actually turning into a great beer the more time I give it in the bottle. From the start it was not as bitter as the Honey ale beer kit was (which also has turned out to be an excellent beer as time progresses.)

My first two GF brews were kits and I feel that they were a great way to assure a decent outcome. They also gave me a starting point for future recipes. I just brewed an extract recipe that was posted here and it has gone well so far.

I agree with lcasanova that either way you are making beer and that is what it is all about...