Gigemags05
Well-Known Member
I've read through a lot of these threads and they have helped me out quite a bit.
I do have a few questions, though. I am brewing a malt extract called Autumn Ale from Midwest brewing supplies.
1.) How do I use the airlock? The instructions tell me to "fill it half way." What does that mean?
2.) I live in Texas. Its really hot here. When I am not home during the day, my house stays about 82 degrees. The instructions with my kit tell me that my ale needs to ferment at 60-80 degrees, with 60 being optimal. Is there any way to keep it cooler without paying a huge electric bill next month? I have a huge bucket. Could I fill that bucket with water and set the fermenter in there? Seems like the water would keep it a little cooler. Is my beer going to be messed up because of the temp?
3.) I am not real clear on how to read the Hydrometer or when I should use it. I don't have a thief with my kit.
4.) I also don't know what the gravity reading should be for the beer that I am brewing. Its Midwest's Autumn Ale.
5.) Also, not real clear on how to know if my fermentation is done. Do I pull the lid off and get a hydrometer reading on a daily basis?
6.) How do I know when its okay to move into a secondary fermenter?
7.) at what temp should the bottles be stored?
Sorry for so many questions. I just don't want to screw my first batch up if at all possible. Most of it seems pretty simple, but these are a few gray areas for me.
Thank you.
I do have a few questions, though. I am brewing a malt extract called Autumn Ale from Midwest brewing supplies.
1.) How do I use the airlock? The instructions tell me to "fill it half way." What does that mean?
2.) I live in Texas. Its really hot here. When I am not home during the day, my house stays about 82 degrees. The instructions with my kit tell me that my ale needs to ferment at 60-80 degrees, with 60 being optimal. Is there any way to keep it cooler without paying a huge electric bill next month? I have a huge bucket. Could I fill that bucket with water and set the fermenter in there? Seems like the water would keep it a little cooler. Is my beer going to be messed up because of the temp?
3.) I am not real clear on how to read the Hydrometer or when I should use it. I don't have a thief with my kit.
4.) I also don't know what the gravity reading should be for the beer that I am brewing. Its Midwest's Autumn Ale.
5.) Also, not real clear on how to know if my fermentation is done. Do I pull the lid off and get a hydrometer reading on a daily basis?
6.) How do I know when its okay to move into a secondary fermenter?
7.) at what temp should the bottles be stored?
Sorry for so many questions. I just don't want to screw my first batch up if at all possible. Most of it seems pretty simple, but these are a few gray areas for me.
Thank you.