pouring LME

[ebbelwoi]

My Morgans LMEs are due to arrive tomorrow, and I'm doing my best to prepare thoroughly. I'm going with a small (9L) batch to start, so I won't be using the whole can of either LME. I'm wondering about pouring and viscosity. Will I have to worry about the liquid dribbling down the side of the can as I pour, or is it generally viscous enough that it isn't really a problem?

 

[Down_Home]

In my experience, LME is too thick (like honey) to dribble anywhere. In fact, I put the can in the sink with warm water to thin it and make it more "pourable".

 

[davidabcd]

My Morgans LMEs are due to arrive tomorrow, and I'm doing my best to prepare thoroughly. I'm going with a small (9L) batch to start, so I won't be using the whole can of either LME. I'm wondering about pouring and viscosity. Will I have to worry about the liquid dribbling down the side of the can as I pour, or is it generally viscous enough that it isn't really a problem?

I wouldn't worry about it. Just weigh out what you need and keep a rubber spatula handy. Like above, "honey" gives you a pretty good idea, possibly a bit thicker.

 

[Toxxyc]

LME is thicker than honey. I place my LME tins in the sink and fill up around it with the hottest water coming out the tap. I leave it in there while I start the rest of the preparations. After about 10 minutes or so I'll replace the hot water and maybe even add a kettle of boiling water to the mix to get the LME nice and hot. It then pours easier, but it's still thick.

When done, an opened tin of LME won't last long. I would pour it out into a container that would JUST hold the volume to minimize airspace and use it within 4~8 weeks. Keep it away from light - so wrap it in a cloth if the container is see-through - otherwise the hops in the LME might go skunky if exposed to UV.

 

[ebbelwoi]

Thanks for the input. I warmed up the cans with my sous vide machine. At 45C/104F they still poured like honey, though, so next time, I'll go warmer... as warm as possible while still being able to hold the cans in my hands.

I poured each portion into a ziploc bag, then added an equal part of water, sealed the bag and squished it around until it was thoroughly mixed, then poured it into the would-be wort. Worked pretty well. No mess.

As for the unused extract, I poured it into another ziploc bag and put it in the fridge. Planning to use it in a few weeks.

 

[ncbrewer]

If you plan to have left-over in the future, it might be more practical to use DME.

 

[ebbelwoi]

If you plan to have left-over in the future, it might be more practical to use DME.

I think I'd probably prefer DME as well, not only for the sake of convenience, but it will also get me a paler lager, right? Unfortunately, where I am, DME costs 50% more than LME, even after taking into account the difference in potency. I can't really justify spending the extra money... at the moment, anyway.

 

[ncbrewer]

I think I'd probably prefer DME as well, not only for the sake of convenience, but it will also get me a paler lager, right? Unfortunately, where I am, DME costs 50% more than LME, even after taking into account the difference in potency. I can't really justify spending the extra money... at the moment, anyway.

LME darkens with age, so yes - DME is probably better for a pale lager. And probably better any time you'll be keeping it around for more than a few months. I've been using only LME for several years, but I use it within three months, and buy it from a company with a lot of turn-over.

 

[IslandLizard]

Pour out the amounts needed, using a scale to either weigh/measure a) the poured out amount or b) the amount left in the can.

• Then place a piece of 2x folded over (4 layers thick) plastic wrap right on top of the leftover gooey LME in the can
• Press down a bit and along the edges to eliminate air pockets
• Put the lid back on and seal well (e.g., with plastic wrap or in a sealed thick plastic bag), so no air can get in.
• Store in fridge

This slows down aging and darkening, and picking up other flavors and aromas from the fridge. I'd use it up within 4-8 weeks or so.

 

[bpgreen]

I wouldn't store leftover LME in the can. Store it in glass or plastic. I used to buy in bulk and freeze it. Some people pour a thin layer of vodka on top to keep mold at bay.