Mr. Beer Cowboy Lager - 8 Weeks

[moviepastor]

I got waaay to busy and left a Mr. Beer Cowboy lager I got in my kit in the fermenter for at least 7 weeks. Maybe 8.

I brewed it per instructions in the kit but I did add 1/4 cup of honey to the malt when I added the booster.

It kind of still has a cider smell. Has had that since week 2. Doesn't taste bad. Not good either.

Im going to bottle it anyway. Am I wasting my time?

 

[iambeer]

Bottom line is it doesn't taste bad. It will get better. Give it a chance.

 

[moviepastor]

Thanks iambeer

Its going in now!

 

[iambeer]

Rockin! Let us know how it turns out. I'm planning to do my first lager sometime in the coming months. Maybe a few lagers while I'm at it.

 

[smooth]

moviepastor,
The extra time on the yeast trub should not cause any off flavors.
(I'm assuming you just use a primary fermentor)

The cidery smell might be from the honey or a slight infection.
It can get better though, as it conditions in the bottle.

Good Luck!

 

[Calder]

Those Mr.Beer kits don't have air-tight seals? I've not used one, so I'm not certain.

It is possible it may have gotten an infection. The good news is that if it does have a problem, it wont kill you.

I'd bottle it and see what it is like once carbed. You might be pleasantly surprised. Worst that can happen is that you pour it down the drain and all you are out of is the priming sugar.

 

[moviepastor]

Thanks Calder. You are correct the seal is not air tight. I may have gotten a bug in it. It surprised me how cidery it smelled compared to the first kit I brewed. This was just my second one.

I am going to try an IPA next. I would love to upgrade from Mr. Beer fermenting to some better gear but wanted to see if I would like this process first. Im hooked after 2 even if they dont go right.

 

[Calder]

cidery or vinegar. I would think it had the potential for acetobacter and oxygen.

Bigger equipment = better seals + better beers. Take the plunge.