Boiled my first batch yesterday - amber ale. Kit instructions said to preboil 2.5 gallons, then set aside to cool, covered. I put that water in the fermenter bucket. I did my boil, then cooled the wort to 70 degrees, which took about 30 minutes. Added the wort to the fermenter bucket, then took sample for gravity testing. When I took the temp for the hydrometer adjustment, I found that it was 95 degrees! I never thought to test the temp of the preboiled water before combining, and there was no mention in the kit instructions. I had to cool the entire 5 gallons, which took another 45 minutes to get back down to 70 degrees. I finally pitched the yeast about 1.5 hours after it was ready. Will the delay cause any flavor problems? The airlock is bubbling this morning, 13 hours after yeast was added.
By the way, I used bottled Arrowhead spring water. Was there really any need to preboil, or could I have added straight from the bottle?
By the way, I used bottled Arrowhead spring water. Was there really any need to preboil, or could I have added straight from the bottle?