My buddy & I brewed our 1st beer together about 4 weeks ago (Sam Calagione's A-Z Brown Ale, from his book extreme brewing). For our 2nd choice we wanted to do something that was more to our liking (IIPA) . When I went to my LHBS, I told the dude what we were after & he talked me into getting a kit, something that neither of us wanted to do because: 1. we're adventurous, & 2. We didn't want the same beer that the guy up the street has. But after talking with the guy, & reading everything that can go wrong with calculations, it just seemed like a good idea to me. And it'll get us more acquainted with the brewing process. I did however pick up some oakmore while i was there yesterday, just to give it some kind of originality.
After I got it home I did a little googling & found that a bunch of people loved the way it tasted, but it "could be hoppier". So I went there today & picked up a secondary (5gal BB carboy), & 2oz of Cascade pellets (for dry hopping). I also asked about doing a full boil instead of a partial boil like the directions say to do. He said that would be even better hop utilization if i did a full boil.
That being said, we're planning on brewing in a couple days. Does anyone have experience with this kit? Do you have any suggestions? I'll try & update with whats going on. Thanks!
After I got it home I did a little googling & found that a bunch of people loved the way it tasted, but it "could be hoppier". So I went there today & picked up a secondary (5gal BB carboy), & 2oz of Cascade pellets (for dry hopping). I also asked about doing a full boil instead of a partial boil like the directions say to do. He said that would be even better hop utilization if i did a full boil.
That being said, we're planning on brewing in a couple days. Does anyone have experience with this kit? Do you have any suggestions? I'll try & update with whats going on. Thanks!