Beer has no backbone

[csandvik]

I have brewed 5 batches. All of them have had good flavor but taste thin as if the strong malt backbone isn't present. I realized I have been making a big mistake. When I transfer from primary to secondary I have been using a funnel with a strainer. I totally wasn't thinking that this was bad, but it's the only thing I think of that I've done wrong. Any suggestions?

 

[chickypad]

Well you've likely been oxygenating your beer which means they may not be their best and won't age well. You'll have to supply a lot more info to fully troubleshoot though, like recipes for a start.

 

[kev211]

I doubt the funneling would have any affect of the body or backbone of your beer. Probably oxidized it, but Ive never thought of oxidized beer as lacking malt backbone. What were some of your recipes? Process?

 

[Stillraining]

What they^ said...also what are you finishing at...very low FGs tend to have that character.

 

[csandvik]

My most recent was the kiwi express extract from northern brewer. I hit my OG and FG. I'll give it more time in the bottle and see what happens.

 

[mrgrimm101]

As others have mentioned, this shouldn't have an effect on the body of your beer. It will oxidize it, which will make it go bad really fast. Oxidized beer is said to taste/smell like moldy cardboard. You definitely want to avoid splashing/and or creating bubbles/foam after fermentation has started. Straining through the funnel most likely caused A LOT of bubbles.

A lot of kit receipes are fairly mild for their style, so maybe you made the beer correctly, it's just not up to your tastes. What I would do in this situation is to try and find a clone recipe for a beer that I know I like and buy the ingredients from the LHBS. This way I can tell if it's the recipe or my process that is the problem.

 

[charliehorse]

My most recent was the kiwi express extract from northern brewer. I hit my OG and FG. I'll give it more time in the bottle and see what happens.

I looked at that recipe and there didn't seem to be any reason that it wouldn't have any backbone, as it is. Are you using tap water or bottled water? When I did extracts, I used bottled water (2 3 gallon jugs from Lowe's). Often times, new brewers will use distilled water and they end up with beer that tastes like you're shaking hands with an empty glove.

 

[lolcats]

I'm 99% sure your thermometer is not calibrated

Or else check recipe

Edit: oops i didn't see it was extract... nevermind

 

[csandvik]

I use bottled water. It seems to be getting a little better. So time will tell.
I might lean towards Mrgrimm's response. It may not be what I'm used to drinking.

As others have mentioned, this shouldn't have an effect on the body of your beer. It will oxidize it, which will make it go bad really fast. Oxidized beer is said to taste/smell like moldy cardboard. You definitely want to avoid splashing/and or creating bubbles/foam after fermentation has started. Straining through the funnel most likely caused A LOT of bubbles.

A lot of kit receipes are fairly mild for their style, so maybe you made the beer correctly, it's just not up to your tastes. What I would do in this situation is to try and find a clone recipe for a beer that I know I like and buy the ingredients from the LHBS. This way I can tell if it's the recipe or my process that is the problem.

 

[FloppyKnockers]

Mine doesn't have a femur. JK...just ribbing ya'. Hope you found it humerus.

 

[kev211]

Mine doesn't have a femur. JK...just ribbing ya'. Hope you found it humerus.

Boo. Hiss. Lame!!!