Priming.. Sugar or DME?? Suggestions

[hbhudy]

I was trying to get a beter idea on what the advantages or disadvantage are for using Priming Sugar or DME (or a combination of both) for bottling might be? I am hoping some of you folks might be able to give me a better idea based on your experiences..

Thanks
HB.Hudy..

 

[Yooper]

I don't see any advantage one way or the other. Some people swear that DME gives finer bubbles, but I think that's silly. Carbonation is carbonation. If you have DME on hand, and would have to buy corn sugar to use it, then use the DME. If you want to use sugar, that's fine. It's really a very small percentage of the beer and it really doesn't matter. I've done both, usually because I don't have corn sugar when I go to bottle.

One thing to be aware of is that with DME, it may take a week or two longer to carb up since the sugar is more fully fermentable. Also, you'd use me DME because of that. So, if you use DME you could use 1 1/4 cups of DME but only 3/4 cups of sugar for the same carbonation level.

 

[hbhudy]

Does DME add flavor or just FIZZ..??

 

[Yooper]

Does DME add flavor or just FIZZ..??

Just carbonation.

 

[woodstone]

I force carb in kegs now but seriously...(and of course it depends on how much you prime with) but priming sugar with bottles results in larger bubbles and a bit more carb, DME with bottles results in smaller bubbles...all preference. I used to determine what to use based on style of brew.

Plus many try to brew without sugar...water, malt, hops, yeast...the big 4 with no additives!