bitter bite

philhead1 · 08-23-2009, 04:23 AM

I've been brewing for a little over a year now and love it. always looking for a new technique or tip. my question is how can get get rid of the extra bitterness, usually lingering heavy in the aftertaste? I use the brew kit bucket for primary, glass carboy for the secondary, strain out hops when racking to primary. I mostly use brewer best kits. I like the hoppy beers but don't like the dry/bitterness finish. what can I do?

beerocd · 08-23-2009, 04:59 AM

The earlier in the boil you throw in the hops the more bitterness is extracted. Move your hop additions to later in the boil.

-OCD

VTBrewer · 08-23-2009, 05:00 AM

Can you provide an example recipe, including the size of boil, amount of hops, time in the boil and AA%? I think your individual taste may require a smaller amount of hops at 60 minutes or a lower percentage one.

**slomo** · 08-23-2009, 07:18 AM

^^ I agree with VTBrewer show us your receipe. The more info the better.

philhead1 · 08-24-2009, 07:22 AM

ok my steam style ( california common)

6.6 lbs plain light malt extract
8 oz crystal malt 20l
1 oz cascade bittering (60 min)
1 oz casade finishing 5 min
iIBU 35-45 don't remember AA% threw package away BB kit

**rocketman768** · 08-24-2009, 01:54 PM

I would guess it's not really the hops themselves. High levels of sulfates and magnesium in your water can make hops really astringent and sharp. What's your water profile like?

papamike · 08-24-2009, 02:09 PM

+1 for water, my first batch was horribly bitter, not a pleasant hop bitterness. I switched to bottled water and beer is fine now.

Arkador · 08-24-2009, 03:54 PM

1oz of bittering hops should not cause a sharp bitter aftertaste, espically if you are using cascades.

VTBrewer · 08-24-2009, 07:42 PM

Agreed. I assume the cascade was around 7%.

philhead1 · 08-25-2009, 11:54 AM

I haven't check my water. will try some bottled water next time see how it turns out. thanks guys