I've been lurking, reading, digesting this forum for a while. This is my first post however, as I finally attempted my first beer. I decided to use extract but wanted to make up my own recipe as opposed to copying someone else's work (instead just using other's as a starting point). Anyways here it is (Irish Red, 5 gal batch):
5 lbs. Amber Malt Extract
1 lb. Crystal Malt (40L)
1/4 lb. CaraRed Malt
1/4 lb. Roasted Malt
1 oz. Northern Brewer Hops (60 min)
1 oz. Tettnang Hops (1 min)
American Ale Yeast
I really didn't know what to expect for OG but it seemed extremely low at 1.031. I'm guessing this is because I didn't use enough extract? Should have went with 6 lbs I think. It's been 8 days fermenting (with lots of activity) and the gravity is now 1.011 which seems good, the yeast is doing its job! The color is a beautiful dark red and still somewhat clear. It smells like a good beer should.
My concern is that I've tasted it after taking the gravity, expecting some off flavors and no carbonation since it's still so young. To my surprise it was nearly undrinkable! Very solvent-like aftertaste.
Will this mellow out? Can I expect it to be drastically better after bottling and storing for two weeks?
Thank you for any input!
5 lbs. Amber Malt Extract
1 lb. Crystal Malt (40L)
1/4 lb. CaraRed Malt
1/4 lb. Roasted Malt
1 oz. Northern Brewer Hops (60 min)
1 oz. Tettnang Hops (1 min)
American Ale Yeast
I really didn't know what to expect for OG but it seemed extremely low at 1.031. I'm guessing this is because I didn't use enough extract? Should have went with 6 lbs I think. It's been 8 days fermenting (with lots of activity) and the gravity is now 1.011 which seems good, the yeast is doing its job! The color is a beautiful dark red and still somewhat clear. It smells like a good beer should.
My concern is that I've tasted it after taking the gravity, expecting some off flavors and no carbonation since it's still so young. To my surprise it was nearly undrinkable! Very solvent-like aftertaste.
Will this mellow out? Can I expect it to be drastically better after bottling and storing for two weeks?
Thank you for any input!