I just sampled my second extract batch, which was my first with adding my own hops, and it seemed to have an off taste similar to my first batch which was just a Coopers Real Ale kit recipe. This got me thinking I messed up somehow and after re-reading my books I came across a line saying it was best to boil with the lid off. I'm wondering if this was the problem so I wanted to know if anyone had done this and could confirm it can be enough a problem that it causes an off taste. I'd like to describe the taste but I really can't explain it well enough yet. I may have a friend taste it to see if they can help pin it down.
My third batch is almost ready for bottling and used the same boil method so I have to wait to start and finish my 4th batch to try and taste a difference.
My third batch is almost ready for bottling and used the same boil method so I have to wait to start and finish my 4th batch to try and taste a difference.