MariaAZ
Well-Known Member
In early December I brewed my first batch, an extract & steeped grain American pale ale kit. Being not only a newbie in brewing but also a newbie in beer drinking (my faves are Oktoberfest & hefeweizen, both relatively low hopped brews) I didn't realize exactly HOW much more bitter/hoppy the APA would be.
It's been over 5 weeks since bottling, and each sample I tried tasted WAY too bitter with not enough carbonation. The latest sample, however, tasted a lot different than the one a week prior. Although it's hoppier than I'm used to, the bite had mellowed noticeably. And, carbonation levels had improved dramatically. Although the brew doesn't form a sturdy head when poured, I DO get a bit of foam. Of course I had to make sure that it wasn't just that one bottle but both bottles I've tried thus far are equally tasty.
Overall, it took a lot of patience to let the beer "do it's thing" but it's amazing what a little time can do for a brew!
It's been over 5 weeks since bottling, and each sample I tried tasted WAY too bitter with not enough carbonation. The latest sample, however, tasted a lot different than the one a week prior. Although it's hoppier than I'm used to, the bite had mellowed noticeably. And, carbonation levels had improved dramatically. Although the brew doesn't form a sturdy head when poured, I DO get a bit of foam. Of course I had to make sure that it wasn't just that one bottle but both bottles I've tried thus far are equally tasty.
Overall, it took a lot of patience to let the beer "do it's thing" but it's amazing what a little time can do for a brew!