First brew

Did a Hefeweizen liquid extract for my first brew . Carbonation seems good it's been priming for 7 days at room temperature and 1 of those days in fridge for this one sample in picture . Taste is good ! Only thing is color came out darker than what I thought , it wasnt as dark before when taking gravity readings. From what I read before could before carmelization from extract ? Or will it possibly lighten up some in color after staying in fridge for a period of time ?

 

I think it was Mallard reactions, not carmalization. Net effect (dark color) is about the same. And no, it probably won't lighten up. To get light colored beer, in the end you have to go to all grain. The process of making extract for some reason causes darkening that isn't reversible.

 

I am by no means near as experienced with other, but I have found that over time, my beers clear up dramatically, which will result in a lighter color. This is a hef though, so it will remain cloudy somewhat due to the wheat.....so in short, no I do not think this will lighten up very much if at all. Just my opinion though.

 

If you're using extract, don't add until 10-15 left in the boil. Haven't tried it but have read this should lead to a lighter color. Also, do a full wort boil.

I learned this after finishing my first beer (ipa), which happens to be the same color as yours.

 

Yea kinda figured it hard to do something with the liquid extract. Maillard reaction makes senses when I searched it right now . I don't plan on doing extract anyways after this batch , BIAB is next . I also saw people adding extract at end of boil too for better clarity or color . Seems to work for some people .