Recent content by wanzelbin

Thanks very much for the advice. They smell great! Think I'll go for a single gallon tester this year, and if it's ok will go for something bigger next year. Dave

I went for a run this morning, and noticed loads of wild hops growing by the side of a road. I'd really like to try making some beer with them, but don't know when they're ready for using, how to prepare them, whether they'd be suitable for bittering or aroma etc. I noticed most were...

Thanks very much everyone. I'm going to try and leave the rest a couple more weeks, but as I said, it had been a very bad work day ;) The "recipe" was as follows: 3lb of Brupaks Amber Malt Extract boiled in 1 and a half gallons of water. Brewer's Gold hops - 3/4 oz at hot break, 1/4...

After a very nasty day at the office, I've just opened my first bottle from my first brew slightly more than two weeks earlier than I'd planned. This particular bottle was only sealed with a wine stopper so wasn't expecting much fizz, and indeed you can only detect anything once on the tongue...

With my very first brew only 3 days into bottle I'm no expert, but having bought a bucket with spigot I ended up using a siphon because a) the siphon gives greater control and a smoother flow (less chance of oxygenation I suspect) and b) there was quite a build up of sediment in the barrel of...

Thanks very much for the reply. Temp was about 72 F - I'll have to read up on the effects of this. How would I go about making it stronger though? Simply more malt extract to begin with?

Well, my first brew appears to be complete. About 2 3/4 gallons, made from 3lb malt extract and some brewer's gold hops, only bubbled for a couple of days and I've left it for about 10 days since. Gravity started off at 1030. Just poured some off for testing and tasting - gravity 1012 and...

*clap* Great looking kit and beer Jekster. Quite inspirational. My very first brew is happily bubbling behind me as I type. Keep looking at it, checking the temperature, trying to smell it. Might keep it in the bedroom tonight...

That's a fantastic site. Thanks Jekster.

I hope that it should only be 3 gallons. I must admit I had initially intended to make a 5 gallon batch, but accidentally only ordered 3lbs of extract so had to adjust my plans.

Thanks folks. I've been sitting here feeling a bit glum about the whole thing, but now there is re-newed hope!

Hi there everyone. First post (after Introduction), so please be gentle with me. However, as you'll see, I think I probably deserve at least some abuse... Wondered if a few of you knowledgeable folk might cast your eye over my interesting first steps in home brewing, and let me know if I've...

Hi everyone. Absolute beginner here. Currently waiting for my first ever wort to cool down, and don't have very high hopes. See you on the beginner's forum...