Ok, so not strictly true in that I have done 2 tinned kits before but today I did my first extract brew with DME & Hops.
Recipe pack bought here;
http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/beerkits/brewextract/st-austell-proper-job.html
It all went mostly smoothly until it came to get the stuff into the fermenting bin. Lessons learnt for next time;
1) On contact with steam, DME turns to concrete (I did lose a bit through various issues).
2) Need some kind of proper strainer or bag to hold hops in the pot. This was BIG hoppy beer and my straining methods were entirely inadequate meaning I lost more wort than I would have liked.
3) Remember to smack the smack pack a little earlier, it was swelled but not quite.
4) Use block ice to bring the wort down in temp for pitching, cold water isn't enough. I pitched a degree or two hotter than I would have liked.
5) Prepare better and learn how to read a Hydrometer. It makes no sense to me
Overall I'll be happy if I get a drinkable, hoppy (possibly weak) ale out of this I desperately want to try a Porter next, I may try one next weekend.
Recipe pack bought here;
http://www.brewuk.co.uk/store/beerkits/brewextract/st-austell-proper-job.html
It all went mostly smoothly until it came to get the stuff into the fermenting bin. Lessons learnt for next time;
1) On contact with steam, DME turns to concrete (I did lose a bit through various issues).
2) Need some kind of proper strainer or bag to hold hops in the pot. This was BIG hoppy beer and my straining methods were entirely inadequate meaning I lost more wort than I would have liked.
3) Remember to smack the smack pack a little earlier, it was swelled but not quite.
4) Use block ice to bring the wort down in temp for pitching, cold water isn't enough. I pitched a degree or two hotter than I would have liked.
5) Prepare better and learn how to read a Hydrometer. It makes no sense to me
Overall I'll be happy if I get a drinkable, hoppy (possibly weak) ale out of this I desperately want to try a Porter next, I may try one next weekend.