Just-a-Guy
Well-Known Member
OK, I am confused. I've read a lot on here, and it seems like I have read conflicting views. Any help would be appreciated.
I'm about to brew up my 9th batch, which I think I'll do a pale ale. I've been using True Brew kits, which my LHBS sells. They come with some steeping grains, and usually a couple of cans of LME. Some of the kits also have some DME (like the 2XIPA kit).
Anyway, two questions:
1. The kits typically say boil the LME for 20-30 mins after they foam up and subside. I've read that it is not necessary (or advisable) to boil LME too much, especially hopped LME. I've read that boiling the LME is really pointless, and will result of bitter off-tastes. I've also read that one needs to boil LME for a full hour to break down complex sugars into fermentables. Any help at all with this would be appreciated.
2. I would like to add some DME to the kit to increase OG and ultimate ABV. (I think I've been getting around 4% and I would like to get it up to around 6-7%.) If I have a kit/recipe that is just steeping grains, LME and some hop pellets, should I boil the extra (not in the kit, purchased separately) DME first (longer), then add the LME (for a shorter boil time on the LME)?
Thanks for any help, folks. I've read thousands of posts here and read more every day. Trying to learn!
Mark
I'm about to brew up my 9th batch, which I think I'll do a pale ale. I've been using True Brew kits, which my LHBS sells. They come with some steeping grains, and usually a couple of cans of LME. Some of the kits also have some DME (like the 2XIPA kit).
Anyway, two questions:
1. The kits typically say boil the LME for 20-30 mins after they foam up and subside. I've read that it is not necessary (or advisable) to boil LME too much, especially hopped LME. I've read that boiling the LME is really pointless, and will result of bitter off-tastes. I've also read that one needs to boil LME for a full hour to break down complex sugars into fermentables. Any help at all with this would be appreciated.
2. I would like to add some DME to the kit to increase OG and ultimate ABV. (I think I've been getting around 4% and I would like to get it up to around 6-7%.) If I have a kit/recipe that is just steeping grains, LME and some hop pellets, should I boil the extra (not in the kit, purchased separately) DME first (longer), then add the LME (for a shorter boil time on the LME)?
Thanks for any help, folks. I've read thousands of posts here and read more every day. Trying to learn!
Mark