First, I'm relaxed, and I've got a home brew.
OK, so I've chosen my 3rd kit and ordered and received my Northern Brewer Black IPA kit, but I'm hoping you guys can clarify a couple of points for me - Brewing this Saturday afternoon. Let me start with I chose the liquid option and I got a Wyeast American Ale II smack pack.
So the first point of confusion is that they recommend "2 stage fermentation and yeast starter" in the product description. 2 stage no problem, but yeast starter? I've read about 300 pages on the topic and don't see why I'd have any problems making one - the question is should I? The directions sheet from NB don't say a thing about it (yet their website does). The Wyeast pack says direct pitch. <sigh> This is where I need advice... I'm leaning towards making the starter just 'cause.
Last question, in the sheet, it mentions 1lb corn sugar late addition (0 min). Do I do this before (flame out), after, or as I'm cooling to pitching temperatures?
OK, so I've chosen my 3rd kit and ordered and received my Northern Brewer Black IPA kit, but I'm hoping you guys can clarify a couple of points for me - Brewing this Saturday afternoon. Let me start with I chose the liquid option and I got a Wyeast American Ale II smack pack.
So the first point of confusion is that they recommend "2 stage fermentation and yeast starter" in the product description. 2 stage no problem, but yeast starter? I've read about 300 pages on the topic and don't see why I'd have any problems making one - the question is should I? The directions sheet from NB don't say a thing about it (yet their website does). The Wyeast pack says direct pitch. <sigh> This is where I need advice... I'm leaning towards making the starter just 'cause.
Last question, in the sheet, it mentions 1lb corn sugar late addition (0 min). Do I do this before (flame out), after, or as I'm cooling to pitching temperatures?