Verdict on first brew: SUCCESS!

[Improv241]

I went with a Belgian Wit with my first brewing attempt. I wasn't expecting much, but it turned out great!

Now for critique: the beer came out darker than I was expecting (more of a Octoberfest color), so I'm thinking this could be because it took forever for me to cool after the boil was over. I used LME, so it could also be that it's supposed to be that dark...but the recipe I used didn't have an expected color listed.

I didn't use a wort chiller, but does hazing change the color of the beer or just making the beer more cloudy?

Looking forward to bringing a lot of these bottles to my first tailgate of the season next weekend!

 

[Dynachrome]

How long has it been in the bottle? You want it to condition a few weeks minimum.

 

[stratslinger]

A chill haze might add to a perceived darker color... But more likely, it's down to your extract. I've seen a lot of suggestions that, if the color is something that you're concerned about, that doing late additions of extract can lead to lighter colored beers. Basically, split your extract additions into two equal halves. Add the first half at the start of your boil, the second half with 10 or 15 minutes left in the boil.

Congrats on your first brew!!!