Hello,
I started my first ever batch of brew today (been dieing to do this for 3 years, finally got my starter kit) anyway, I wanted to check a couple of things -
(1) I am using a 4lb can of extract (Mountmellick Export Ale) which said to mix with "warm water" but I have the "Complete Joy of Homebrewing" which said to ignore this and boil the extract for 45min for better beer - is this the right way to proceed?
(2) The aformentioned book stated that I should mix sugar at the initial boiling stage - the can instructions say I should add sugar to "condition" the beer after fermentation directly before bottling - which is better?
(3) Regarding sugar the book says that sugar is not reccomended - however the ABV for this mix (4lb can for 5 gal) would produce a "light beer with low alcohol content" since I preferred a stronger beer I added 1lb of corn-sugar to my boiling mix... I this a cardinal sin or what - IE is my beer still going to taste right?
(4) Oh, I also have a yeast "smack-pack" that the store gave me with my kit - VS the included yeast - is the "smack-pack" better?
...any further input would be welcomed!
I started my first ever batch of brew today (been dieing to do this for 3 years, finally got my starter kit) anyway, I wanted to check a couple of things -
(1) I am using a 4lb can of extract (Mountmellick Export Ale) which said to mix with "warm water" but I have the "Complete Joy of Homebrewing" which said to ignore this and boil the extract for 45min for better beer - is this the right way to proceed?
(2) The aformentioned book stated that I should mix sugar at the initial boiling stage - the can instructions say I should add sugar to "condition" the beer after fermentation directly before bottling - which is better?
(3) Regarding sugar the book says that sugar is not reccomended - however the ABV for this mix (4lb can for 5 gal) would produce a "light beer with low alcohol content" since I preferred a stronger beer I added 1lb of corn-sugar to my boiling mix... I this a cardinal sin or what - IE is my beer still going to taste right?
(4) Oh, I also have a yeast "smack-pack" that the store gave me with my kit - VS the included yeast - is the "smack-pack" better?
...any further input would be welcomed!