I haven't posted anything to this forum yet, but I read it nearly everyday. I brewed my first batch about 7 weeks ago. It was an English pale ale kit from Brewer's Best. All in all, the brew day process went well. I decided to secondary my brews, even though I know it's not completely necessary. I'm finding with my limited equipment it enables me to start another brew while the first is finishing. After a week in primary and 3 weeks in the secondary I bottled. I tried a bottle at week 1...no real carbonation, no body to speak of, very hoppy finish and a lot of yeast flavor. I tried another at week 2 and still low on carbonation, body still wasn't there and the yeast flavor was still prominent. Well this weekend was week three and wow...what a difference. Tastes just as I would expect. I can tell that it still needs a bit more time, but it is now drinkable/shareable.
I've got a Scottish ale in the secondary now that will be going to bottle this weekend. And I just started a Belgian blond this weekend which I'm thinking of racking to some fruit after fermentation completes.
I owe a great big portion of my success to this group. Even though I didn't ask for specific advice I got enough information from reading others posts that I was able to produce a very drinkable beer.
And by far the best piece of advice has been...patience, patience, patience.
Happy brewing all!
Let the obsession begin....
I've got a Scottish ale in the secondary now that will be going to bottle this weekend. And I just started a Belgian blond this weekend which I'm thinking of racking to some fruit after fermentation completes.
I owe a great big portion of my success to this group. Even though I didn't ask for specific advice I got enough information from reading others posts that I was able to produce a very drinkable beer.
And by far the best piece of advice has been...patience, patience, patience.
Happy brewing all!
Let the obsession begin....