chip82

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Hello folks, i have a question regarding my first brew that i am going to attempt. I am going to purchase a kit from AHS. The following one to be exact.
http://www.austinhomebrew.com/product_info.php?cPath=178_452_42_163&products_id= 10628
My question is, what is the are the pros and cons of using a Liquid extract compared to a Dry Extract? Is one easier to do? Does one provide a better taste compared to the other?

I decided that is I am going to start my adventure into homebrewing, I want to do it properly.

Thanks in advance,

Chip

ChshreCat

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Handled right, there's really no difference in the end product.

LME is easier to incorporate into the wort since DME can tend to clump and need lots of mixing to get dissolved.

DME is kind of foolproof when it comes to freshness since it's so shelf stable. LME can give you issues if it's not fresh enough. (btw... Austin Homebrew sells very fresh LME)

It's really up to you so don't be afraid to use either one. I use LME because I can get it really fresh and cheaper than DME at my local shop, but don't have anything against the dry stuff either.

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Sea

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Agreed. LME is easier to mix in, and I prefer it, but you do have to stir quite a bit to prevent the liquid from settling on the bottom of the kettle and scorching before it's thoroughly mixed in.

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Corrupt Brewers

chip82

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Ok, cool. Thanks for the help.

ChshreCat

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With either one, make sure you take the kettle off the heat until it's completely mixed in.

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Mermaid

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Mixing in the DME reminded me a bit of trying to dissolve cornstarch into liquid.. it was a pain in the butt .... but I'm sure it will be worth it in the end.

ericsabbat

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With that being said, has anyone tried making a slurry (like how you do with cornstarch) of distilled water and DME to help it incorporate quicker?

RegionalChaos

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I like DME. If my brew day gets pushed back, no biggie, etc.. Its nice to have ingredients for a batch sitting there in case the right time comes along as well.

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How I brew: Stir plate starters, Extract, Full boil in a Keggle, 10 gallon batches.
Brewing upgrades in progress: temp controlled ferment, stir plate re-work, building mash tun, milling station

Planned House Ales: an Amber, an IPA, a dark IPA, a Mango Ale, a blueberry oatmeal stout, a dry Irish stout, a honey wheat, Apfelwien

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demonrichie

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simple answer...it all comes down to preference as many things on this site do.

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SumnerH

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DME is easier to divide into smaller portions, more shelf stable, and easier to dispense,

LME's cheaper, easier to mix, and comes in more varieties.

Overall I find DME easier to use; the mixing is slightly harder, but getting LME to pour more than balances that out. Obviously others disagree.

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