Today is my 1st attempt at homebrewing. I've read books, web sites, etc... and thought I was ready to go. Haven't even opened the containers and I'm stumped.
I'm making an Imperial Pale Ale. The Homebrew store owner thankfully talked me out of attempting an IPA (with the added hops, etc...) for my first batch. I've got a 4 lb. can of LME, and a 3 lb. bag of Munton's Extra Light DME. Should I use the entire bag, or only 2.2 lbs. as the directions that accompany the LME say. I'm guessing that the directions are probably useless. What effect would more vs. less DME have on the taste?
One more question from this newbie - To proof or not to proof my yeast. One expert says yes, the other no. I realize that proofing is an opportunity to determine the viability of the yeast, but otherwise, is there a good reason to proof?
Thanks for the info. Looking forward to filling my house with the aroma of homebrew.
I'm making an Imperial Pale Ale. The Homebrew store owner thankfully talked me out of attempting an IPA (with the added hops, etc...) for my first batch. I've got a 4 lb. can of LME, and a 3 lb. bag of Munton's Extra Light DME. Should I use the entire bag, or only 2.2 lbs. as the directions that accompany the LME say. I'm guessing that the directions are probably useless. What effect would more vs. less DME have on the taste?
One more question from this newbie - To proof or not to proof my yeast. One expert says yes, the other no. I realize that proofing is an opportunity to determine the viability of the yeast, but otherwise, is there a good reason to proof?
Thanks for the info. Looking forward to filling my house with the aroma of homebrew.