First Batch. Start to Finish in Pictures!

BadMitten · 01-13-2012, 06:59 AM

So this is my first batch. I was going for something similar to Alaskan Amber but a tad darker and more flavorful. I went to the local beer supply store and the guy and me picked out the ingredients and he made me a recipe, which I wil post eventually. Once I find it again.

I tasted it before bottling and it was delicious. Had a nice malty aftertaste and it was great. As planned, like Alaskan Amber but deeper.

This forum helped me immensely. Thanks, all.

Here's some pics.

djfriesen · 01-13-2012, 08:12 AM

Nice!

Looks like you had quite the active fermentation there.

I'd be interested to see your recipe, your process, and hear about what went right, what went wrong, what you enjoyed, and what you learned.

I always love hearing the blow-by-blow on these first experiences.

What's your second batch gonna be? Hopefully you have it planned, if not started already!

urbanmyth · 01-13-2012, 08:16 AM

Where'd you snag the red caps?

BadMitten · 01-13-2012, 08:29 AM

Alright,

I have had a few brews already and I'm in a story telling mood ha! Here is my first brew journey, good and bad.

To begin, Here is the recipe.

1 pound 45*L Crystal Malt- crushed
1 ounce Chocolate Malt-crushed.

I was supposed to add that to my 1.5 gallons of water (I somehow ended up with 2.5) over 20-30 minutes until boiling. I ended up having the said ingredients in the bag and in the wort for about 90 minutes instead of the said 20 because it took way longer to boil than anticipated. First hiccup. I figured It would still work.

Then remove from heat and add:
7 pounds Extra Light Malt Syrup
1 Pound Light or Dry Malt
13/4 ounces Cascade Hop Pellets

Add water until its 3 gallon and boil for 45. Accomplished that fine, and thats when I realized I had too much water to begin with...

Add 1 teaspoon Irish moss flakes and boil for 12 minutes, but since my buddy was already under the influence, he added two because "He felt it needed it"...we have NEVER brewed, so where the intuition came from is beyond me. So that's the second hiccup.

Then add 1 ounce Saaz Hope Pellets and boil for 3.

Then cool the wort and once it reaches 75* pitch yeast (I threw out the package so I cant tell you what it was)

Anyways, It fermented like crazy for a few days, after a week I transferred to secondary and there it stayed for about another 2 weeks. It was in a closet in the dark with a space heater keeping it at exactly 72*.

I bottled today and finally tasted it. It really tasted great, I mean, really good...So I think so far so good...

But here is the final kicker........When I had the beer in the bottling bucket I saw a piece of dog hair in it. I fished it out with a sanitized fork ASAP. I hope its not ruined/infected. I might shed a tear. Third mishap.

So overall, I think it turned out great, hiccups and all...until the dog hair. Which is Ironic anyways because of the label.....

Hope you enjoyed!

**Balto** · 01-13-2012, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urbanmyth

Where'd you snag the red caps?

Looks like they came from his Midwest Kit.......

Plain Red Caps- 144 Count

nanofreak · 01-13-2012, 08:32 AM

Congrats on the first brew. It is such a great feeling to get through it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by urbanmyth

Where'd you snag the red caps?

Red caps along with other colors at midwest supplies
Bottle Caps & Cappers - Beer Bottling - Brewing Equipment

BadMitten · 01-13-2012, 08:34 AM

I forgot some things!

1. It's extremely clear. Like glass clear.
2. I learned that I may have to lock Hank up when brewing and not to let my friend use his intuition.
3. I've been looking at the next batch all night. No idea whats next...maybe a brown ale of sorts? I'll hopefully start it within a week!

BadMitten · 01-13-2012, 08:34 AM

The red caps I got off of Amazon somewhere...The midwest ones were bland and silver...

Mase · 01-13-2012, 03:34 PM

Awesome! So how do you like the Brewers Best kit? That most likely the one I'll be purchasing here shortly. Any troubles with the parts and pieces provided in it? What size kettle do you have pictured?

Sorry I'm so full of questions, trying to get all my research out of the way. Cheers!!

**BamaRooster** · 01-13-2012, 03:43 PM

Awesome, thanks for sharing!!