So my first beer didn't turn so great. In fact, it was bad. I've finally given up on it, and it's going down the tubes. But I learned some valuable lessons I believe, and have ideas on how to improve. Any suggestions or corrections are very welcome.
1: I did a full wort boil, but used large tea balls, which ended up packed solid, so I don't think I got the extraction I wanted. Next time: Use hop bags.
2: Forgot to order a hydrometer test tube, and couldn't come up with anything on the fly. So no gravity readings. Next time: Order hydrometer test tube with next order.
3: Cooled wort in an ice bath while stirring to whirlpool. Next time: I already ordered the copper for an immersion chiller.
4: Sanitized bottles in dishwasher on rinse cycle. It has been speculated that remnants of food in the dishwasher is why I have NO head retention and the soapy off flavor. Next time: Soak in star-san and hang on bottle tree.
5: Fermented in closet. Who knows what temp. swings there were. Next time: Better temp control with mini-fridge I snagged for free.
Does that sound like a winning combination to everyone?
1: I did a full wort boil, but used large tea balls, which ended up packed solid, so I don't think I got the extraction I wanted. Next time: Use hop bags.
2: Forgot to order a hydrometer test tube, and couldn't come up with anything on the fly. So no gravity readings. Next time: Order hydrometer test tube with next order.
3: Cooled wort in an ice bath while stirring to whirlpool. Next time: I already ordered the copper for an immersion chiller.
4: Sanitized bottles in dishwasher on rinse cycle. It has been speculated that remnants of food in the dishwasher is why I have NO head retention and the soapy off flavor. Next time: Soak in star-san and hang on bottle tree.
5: Fermented in closet. Who knows what temp. swings there were. Next time: Better temp control with mini-fridge I snagged for free.
Does that sound like a winning combination to everyone?