First Post: Pale Ale

[Pattidrum]

Hi Everyone! This is my first post on this forum and I am excited to be here. After finally building up the courage I made an account, so here is my first post. I have a Pale Ale 5 gal kit to be used for my next brew. This will be my 6th batch ever and was wondering if anyone had any pointers,tip or tricks? I think its an American Pale, some steeping involved which I am familiar with,but other than that nothing out of the ordinary. Also any tips, tricks or pointers for working the forum would be great!




Primary: Nothing
Secondary: Nothing
Bottled: California Orange Ale

 

[Pie_Man]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

What do you like in a pale ale? Can you post your recipe?

 

[tootal]

Rule no. 1. Things must be clean before you sanitize them. You can't sanitize crud.
Rule no. 2. Everything that touches the wort after the boil must be sanitized including hoses, spoons, buckets, chillers etc.
Rule no. 3. This only applies to all grain brewers with longer mash times. No drinking until the boil!!

Now relax and have a home brew!

And have fun!

 

[Pattidrum]

Thank you tootal will keep those in mind ALWAYS. Pieman the recipe calls for:

1 can of Muntons hopped light extract
2lbs light DME
6oz crystal malt grain
Cascade hops at 30 min boil it seem
One packet dry Muntons ale yeast

The recipe it came with isn't very precise so I was wondering when a good time to add the cascade would be? Also didn't realize it came with hopped extract which I've been told isn't great but o well i guess ill make due. Everything else is usual, steep for 30 at 150. Bring to boil and add everything. Ill gladly take a more precise recipe if any one has one! Thanks!


Primary: Nothing
Secondary: Nothing
Bottled: California Orange Ale

 

[Pie_Man]

If you already have the ingredients, I would add the Cascade later in the boil, probably in the last 0-10 minutes. About an ounce of Cascase should do. I have personally never used hopped extract. While it may be a fine product, I prefer adding my own hops for more control. Plus, adding hops is fun. You can also move the DME addition to the last 15 minutes of the boil. Some prefer this method to prevent scorching.

If you want to try a different recipe, there are plenty of great recipes in the Recipe forum of HBT. Maybe you'l find an idea for a future batch. Good luck.

 

[Pattidrum]

Yes i concur, adding hops in is fun. Hell, the whole thing is fun lol! I had seen other people talking about adding DME later in the boil and always wondered why. Now I know, thank you for the tip. Ill look around at recipes to get a more specific run down of the boil before I start. One last thing, would you guys recommend racking into a secondary after primary is done for this style, or just bottle?


Primary: Nothing
Secondary: Nothing
Bottled: California Orange Ale

 

[kh54s10]

Sanitation is something that you cannot skimp on.

Fermentation temperature control and pitching enough yeast for the recipe are the best ways to make good beer better.

Most of all Have Fun! :rockin:

 

[BrewWNC]

I suggest using a primary fermentor only, adding the hops late in boil, and dry hopping it.

 

[Calder]

I don't think hopped malt extract is supposed to be boiled. I would add it right after taking the pot off the boil. That way you sanitize it and mix it in without boiling.

 

[unionrdr]

Yes! NEVER boil pre-hopped extract. Use the DME in the boil (2.5-3.5 gallons),adding the cascade hops at 15-20 minutes for good flavor. DME doesn't darken,or caramelize as easily as LME does in the boil. At flame out,take the kettle off the heat & add the Munton's can,stiring till completely dissolved & none remains on the bottom. Cover & steep for a couple minutes to pasteurize while getting the chiller/ice bath ready. Since it's stil boiling hot,& pasteurization happens in seconds @ 160F,it'll be fine.

 

[Pie_Man]

+1
I totally meant to say/type LME, not DME, in my above post. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[HAREEBROWNBEEST]

Also dry hop into your primary about 7 days after fermentation has started, 1/4 ounce should be enough. Hop pellets that is.


Sent from my iPod touch using Home Brew

 

[unionrdr]

I find it better not to dry hop till the beer has settled out clear or slightly misty for better aroma.

 

[Pattidrum]

Wowzers so many great tips! I'm glad I mentioned the Hopped LME. I def won't boil that. Looked up some methods on controlling ferm temp. Seems a little tricky without some type of refrigeration. Ive fermented my last two in my basement with no probs with off flavors or anything. However, do you guys have any tips on that possibly? Again, thanks for all the input.


Primary: Nothing
Secondary: Nothing
Bottled: California Orange Ale

 

[Pattidrum]

Im def gonna dry hop too. Im exited to see how it comes out.


Primary: Nothing
Secondary: Nothing
Bottled: California Orange Ale

 

[Pie_Man]

Wowzers so many great tips! I'm glad I mentioned the Hopped LME. I def won't boil that. Looked up some methods on controlling ferm temp. Seems a little tricky without some type of refrigeration. Ive fermented my last two in my basement with no probs with off flavors or anything. However, do you guys have any tips on that possibly? Again, thanks for all the input.

Search the forum for a swamp cooler. Basically, your carboy/bucket sits in a tub of water which helps keep the temperature stable. You can regulate the temp by adding frozen water bottles and rotating them 1-2 times per day.

 

[soccerdad]

Oh man ! That rule number 3 is harsh

 

[Temptd2]

One thing we learned very fast when using LME/DME - NEVER turn your back on the boil! It boils over VERY fast if you're not looking.

Most important advice - take your time, clean and sanitize well as already mentioned, and HAVE FUN!