similarities in beer

[scilost]

So I just tasted my second batch of beer and I am very, I don't know the word. The second batch was a continental light beer from a kit. The reason why I am a little ehh is because it is so similar to the first old ale batch that I made. Besides being much lighter in color then the first batch every thing else is very similar just lighter.

Which brings me to my question, I already discussed with my dad (my brewing partner) that I do not want to use any more kits based on the similarities between two beers that should not taste too similar but did.

The first recipe was with an old ale extract kit, some extra dried light extract, and some corn sugar (my dad was hesitant not to use since the can said to even though the book says try not to use any).

The "light" beer was with the kit malt extract, some rice extract, like an ounce of hops, again some corn sugar (my dad again), and a little extra dried extract.
I know the rice lightened the flavor and the sugar did not help to add character, as well as one ounce of pellets is not that much but....

Pretty much I am wondering if all of these kits are going to be so similar. If so I am going make an executive decision and say we are only working from recipes or adding extra ingredients. It is not that the beer turned out poorly, it was just too similar for me to keep trying different types until we decided to build off one that both of us like if they will be so close.

Thanks in advance for the input.

Doug

 

[SteveM]

I used a kit for my first batch or two, then took off on my own. Nothing wrong with the kits but they tend, as you noted, to be somewhat close to the norms.

My suggestion: Develop a feel for what you like in a beer and talk to the guy at your HBS (assuming you have one) about how you could make variations. Avoid the use of any sugar as a substitute for malt as these tend to leave your beer with a little less taste (you need 3/4 of a cup for bottling primer but that's different).

Rice extract, which has its uses, is also going to leave you with a blander beer. I use it when I make fruit beers because it is like a blank canvas - using some of it will allow fruit flavors to emerge a bit more strongly.

Experiment with steeping grains and stronger hops if you think your beer is a little bland, and maybe move into the use of fruits and spices to mix things up a bit.

Remember, too, that the bland beer you have is only bland by comparison to the last batch. Try a sip compared to a MGD or something like that and see if you still feel that way.

 

[flingdingo]

My advice is get away from kits. Look at those two brews as "familiarizing yourself with the process" Now step up to extract w/grains. The process isn't any more difficult, and you'll be much happier with the results.

I've brewed 5 different brown ale recipes in the last six months, and while they are all similar, each beer had its own unique taste. From there you can start tweaking the recipes, and brew beers that you can truly call your own.