RoaringBrewer
Well-Known Member
Greetings all!
Just wanted to introduce myself as an aspiring, new brewer and poster to these parts. I am 24 and from good ol' Pennsylvania, so if there are any locals here let me know. I'd love to pick up as much information as possible and observing may be the best way.
Anyway, I got started this past Sunday with a hand-me-down Mr. Beer kit (I know, this isn't 'real' brewing per se, that is why I said 'aspiring' in the intro, haha) and one of their standard brew kits (West Coast Pale) I found at an Outlet store in Lancaster, PA. I took the liberty of adding some (1 cup) honey to their kit to increase the alcohol content and hopefully flavor. Otherwise, I followed their directions verbatim as I hadn't done much prior research on the brewing process. Basically (after sanitation) I boiled a few cups water, dropped in their extract (liquid), their 'booster' (which is just sugar i suppose) and the honey. Then I brought to room temp by ading to cold water, and dropped in the yeast (provided with kit) while around room temp. I then aerated it by stirring/splashing it vigorously. Put the lid on and I have a little cupboard with a stable 70-74 degree temp in my basement, so I dropped it in there. About 16 hours later I checked it and it was bubbling away (quite a few bubbles actually!). Still bubbling away today.
Anyway, I guess my only concerns with the Mr. Beer mix I threw together is that I do not see a 'krausen' or whatever (I've only read about this on here recently). Just some bubbles (mostly around the edges, but also on top) and a cloudy looking beer. There is also a little bit of a 'sludgey' ring that is left above the liquid level of the beer. Should there be more stuff floating on top of my beer or no? It seems to be bubbling from all levels and even the very bottom, but there is very little stuff on top... Also, has anyone EVER made a successful beer with these kits? I have the patience, so I intend on letting it ferment for about 2 weeks and sit in the bottle for at least 4-6 weeks for the best possible flavor, however I've only read 'horror' stories about these kits on here. (Forgive the amateur questions)
The good news is I believe I'm already hooked and I'm looking for a better setup without going TOO crazy. I have a lot of other hobbies (sports cars, guitar) and a demanding job so I can't brew every week or probably even every month. Anyway, I've checked out the midwest home brewing website and plan to order this (http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByID.aspx?ProdID=6874) kit anyday now if the members here approve/recommend it?
I also plan on buying a turkey fryer/aluminum pot (5-6 gallon) from Target/WalMart/wherever I can get the best deal bc I want to brew from my basement and not my kitchen stove. Is this a good idea?
Anyway, any comments, criticism, or questions are welcome... Also the answer to my Mr. Beer questions might be nice. Thanks in advance!
Just wanted to introduce myself as an aspiring, new brewer and poster to these parts. I am 24 and from good ol' Pennsylvania, so if there are any locals here let me know. I'd love to pick up as much information as possible and observing may be the best way.
Anyway, I got started this past Sunday with a hand-me-down Mr. Beer kit (I know, this isn't 'real' brewing per se, that is why I said 'aspiring' in the intro, haha) and one of their standard brew kits (West Coast Pale) I found at an Outlet store in Lancaster, PA. I took the liberty of adding some (1 cup) honey to their kit to increase the alcohol content and hopefully flavor. Otherwise, I followed their directions verbatim as I hadn't done much prior research on the brewing process. Basically (after sanitation) I boiled a few cups water, dropped in their extract (liquid), their 'booster' (which is just sugar i suppose) and the honey. Then I brought to room temp by ading to cold water, and dropped in the yeast (provided with kit) while around room temp. I then aerated it by stirring/splashing it vigorously. Put the lid on and I have a little cupboard with a stable 70-74 degree temp in my basement, so I dropped it in there. About 16 hours later I checked it and it was bubbling away (quite a few bubbles actually!). Still bubbling away today.
Anyway, I guess my only concerns with the Mr. Beer mix I threw together is that I do not see a 'krausen' or whatever (I've only read about this on here recently). Just some bubbles (mostly around the edges, but also on top) and a cloudy looking beer. There is also a little bit of a 'sludgey' ring that is left above the liquid level of the beer. Should there be more stuff floating on top of my beer or no? It seems to be bubbling from all levels and even the very bottom, but there is very little stuff on top... Also, has anyone EVER made a successful beer with these kits? I have the patience, so I intend on letting it ferment for about 2 weeks and sit in the bottle for at least 4-6 weeks for the best possible flavor, however I've only read 'horror' stories about these kits on here. (Forgive the amateur questions)
The good news is I believe I'm already hooked and I'm looking for a better setup without going TOO crazy. I have a lot of other hobbies (sports cars, guitar) and a demanding job so I can't brew every week or probably even every month. Anyway, I've checked out the midwest home brewing website and plan to order this (http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByID.aspx?ProdID=6874) kit anyday now if the members here approve/recommend it?
I also plan on buying a turkey fryer/aluminum pot (5-6 gallon) from Target/WalMart/wherever I can get the best deal bc I want to brew from my basement and not my kitchen stove. Is this a good idea?
Anyway, any comments, criticism, or questions are welcome... Also the answer to my Mr. Beer questions might be nice. Thanks in advance!