I'm still waiting to commence my first brew, but before I do I was just wanting to ask a couple of questions:
1. I'm planning using 25L Bucket (primary fermenter) and a 25L Jerrycan (secondary fermenter) will this be large enough? the kit I'm going to use will produce about 22.5L so will I have enough headspace or should I extend the airlock to prevent the beer going all over my floor? From a spill point of view (and the fact that I can get either for free) would I be better getting 2 Jerry cans.
2. I've ordered a kit which comes with DME, then you add the sugar. However I came across a video that suggests replacing the sugar with a DME for improved flavour. I've had a look online and Muntons do a good range, any suggestions for which one though? I believe it is meant to be a bitter (Hambelton Bard Old English Ale). Is there DME which will be okay in any or is there a particular DME for each beer in this case.
3. I live in a flat with pretty tight space restrictions, so I don't think I'll be able to do some of the sheer awesomeness I see here. I think for the time being I'll be restricted to Kits, but looking at them, they are just DME/LME, hops and yeast, this might be obvious to those who know, but couldn't I just go out and buy a couple sacks of different DME's and basically make pretty much any type of beer? Can I at least pretend to follow what some of you guys are doing and make some interesting beers?
Point number 3, if I'm right, has got me thrumming (vibrating for those non-Scots) at a fairly disconcerting frequency. Surely the world of beers can't be that easy
1. I'm planning using 25L Bucket (primary fermenter) and a 25L Jerrycan (secondary fermenter) will this be large enough? the kit I'm going to use will produce about 22.5L so will I have enough headspace or should I extend the airlock to prevent the beer going all over my floor? From a spill point of view (and the fact that I can get either for free) would I be better getting 2 Jerry cans.
2. I've ordered a kit which comes with DME, then you add the sugar. However I came across a video that suggests replacing the sugar with a DME for improved flavour. I've had a look online and Muntons do a good range, any suggestions for which one though? I believe it is meant to be a bitter (Hambelton Bard Old English Ale). Is there DME which will be okay in any or is there a particular DME for each beer in this case.
3. I live in a flat with pretty tight space restrictions, so I don't think I'll be able to do some of the sheer awesomeness I see here. I think for the time being I'll be restricted to Kits, but looking at them, they are just DME/LME, hops and yeast, this might be obvious to those who know, but couldn't I just go out and buy a couple sacks of different DME's and basically make pretty much any type of beer? Can I at least pretend to follow what some of you guys are doing and make some interesting beers?
Point number 3, if I'm right, has got me thrumming (vibrating for those non-Scots) at a fairly disconcerting frequency. Surely the world of beers can't be that easy