Northern Brewer Block Party Amber Ale modifications

[Sajjeev]

I just started a batch of the Northern Brewer Block Party Amber Ale yesterday. While reading about the end product online, a lot of people say it is underwhelming at best and that it is watery and could use more hops. Is there anything that I could do now to make it a little better? I was thinking if I should dry hop but I have no clue if it is a good idea or what/how much hops I should add. I am a total newbie and would appreciate any inputs on this. Cheers

 

[Immocles]

Oooh, I made that one. It was my first brew! I really liked it, and thought it was a tasty, simple, and balanced amber ale.

I'd let it go as it is, but if you're dead set on adding something to it, I would toss some cascade in it. Cascade goes really well with amber ales, in my opinion. But again, I would drink it as the recipe is written.

 

[RM-MN]

While reading about the end product online, a lot of people say it is underwhelming at best and that it is watery and could use more hops. Is there anything that I could do now to make it a little better?

One thing that is pretty easy and should get you better beer is to let it have time to fully mature. Many people open the bottles a bit too early and they then get beer that tastes thin and watery. Try giving this beer 4 or 5 weeks in the bottle.

 

[Sajjeev]

Thank you so much for your input guys, I shall add the cascade (I like my beers hoppy). When do you think I should start the dry hopping? I am planning to let this go for three weeks in the primary and then keg it to force carbonate. How do I let the beer mature if I am kegging it?

 

[Immocles]

One thing that is pretty easy and should get you better beer is to let it have time to fully mature. Many people open the bottles a bit too early and they then get beer that tastes thin and watery. Try giving this beer 4 or 5 weeks in the bottle.

Good point, considering thats the kit that usually comes with the starter kit. I do recall that being the case on the last 10-12 bottles I had, at least.

Thank you so much for your input guys, I shall add the cascade (I like my beers hoppy). When do you think I should start the dry hopping? I am planning to let this go for three weeks in the primary and then keg it to force carbonate. How do I let the beer mature if I am kegging it?

3-4 days before packaging is my schedule.

 

[Sajjeev]

Great, Thank you so much Immocles.

 

[RM-MN]

How do I let the beer mature if I am kegging it?

A keg is just a big bottle. Carbonate it enough to seal the lid then let it sit in a warm location (room temp). After a period of maturing, chill and carbonate to serving pressure.

 

[Sajjeev]

Great! Thank you RM-MN

 

[Sajjeev]

Sorry to bother you guys again,
I just realized that I might risk oxidation when I dry hop the beer after active fermentation (As these are in a bucket). Is there a technique that you guys use to minimize it?
Also I am planning to add a lb of Brown sugar to increase the ABV and also to impart some flavor to it. What do you guys think about it?

 

[BrewerBrad82]

You can always add the dry hops when there is still a small amount of yeast activity. The active yeast will scavenge any oxygen introduced.

 

[Sajjeev]

Thank you BrewerBrad82.

 

[RM-MN]

I open my bucket lid just enough to get the hops in and close it immediately after.

 

[Sajjeev]

Thank you RM-MN.