What to brew for my 3rd batch?

[ncoutroulis]

Hello

I've only brewed 2 batches so far, and am looking for some advice on a 3rd.

First was a kit, partial mash, extract, Belgian Pale Ale—came out pretty good

Second was a recipe a local shop put together, brown ale that didn't come out too well..

So, looking for something fairly easy to practice on. Could be a kit, or recipe.

Any thoughts from experience would be great.

Thanks in advance

 

[Homercidal]

What do you like to drink?

I think most recipes are very similar in process. Things don't usually get interesting until you get a very high gravity beer or start adding fruits and things.

You could go light and try something like a Blonde Ale or go dark and brew up an oatmeal stout or something. The stout might turn out better because extract recipes often turn out darker than their AG counterparts due to the processing of the extract. In a light recipe you should consider using Dry Extract, which doesn't turn as dark.

 

[ncoutroulis]

thanks

I was looking for something along the lines of an IPA or similar. Something hoppy but not crazy, and that will be fairly simple, since this is my 3rd attempt.

Curious if there are any kits that anyone would recommend, and where to get them.

Thanks

 

[dragonfyre]

Hmmmmm, if you want something hoppy but not too over the top, maybe look into a SMaSH (Single malt and single hop) brew. Your local store should have them.

 

[m00ps]

id do a saison. requires no fermentation management and they are great hopped up

 

[ncoutroulis]

id do a saison. requires no fermentation management and they are great hopped up

that sounds good, are there any kits/recipes you'd recommend? I don't really have a local shop, so i'd like to order a kit or whatever online.

thanks

 

[m00ps]

hmm ive never bought a kit, but I the saison recipes are usually very simple if you are comfortable just ordering the malts individually. But from browsing Northern Brewer and looking at the recipe ingredients, this looks promising. If not, Id be happy to give you some of mine, ive got a ton of saisons
http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/petite-saison-d-ete-extract-kit
http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/synchronicity-extraordinaire-wheaten-saison-extract-kit
Theres also all-grain versions

are you using liquid yeasts yet? There are 2 dry saison yeasts that are both good choices - Belle Saison & Mangrove Jacks Belgian Ale. If you want liquid, theres an awesome variety to choose from

 

[ncoutroulis]

hmm ive never bought a kit, but I the saison recipes are usually very simple if you are comfortable just ordering the malts individually. But from browsing Northern Brewer and looking at the recipe ingredients, this looks promising. If not, Id be happy to give you some of mine, ive got a ton of saisons
http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/petite-saison-d-ete-extract-kit
http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/synchronicity-extraordinaire-wheaten-saison-extract-kit
Theres also all-grain versions

are you using liquid yeasts yet? There are 2 dry saison yeasts that are both good choices - Belle Saison & Mangrove Jacks Belgian Ale. If you want liquid, theres an awesome variety to choose from

Thanks so much

I've only used Wyeast smack packs for both brews i've done. Are dry yeasts better? I'm very new so don't really know the differences between dry/wet yeasts.

both those look good, maybe ill try one, unless your recipes are better??

thanks again

 

[m00ps]

there really isnt a "better" its just there is so much more variety with liquid yeasts.
Just look at this thread Ive got trying to track my experiments:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=542346

All of my recipes are all-grain, not sure if you have the equipment needed. But you cant go wrong with saisons. Itll turn out good either way, tis the fermentation management that gets the yeast character to pop.

 

[ncoutroulis]

there really isnt a "better" its just there is so much more variety with liquid yeasts.
Just look at this thread Ive got trying to track my experiments:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=542346

All of my recipes are all-grain, not sure if you have the equipment needed. But you cant go wrong with saisons. Itll turn out good either way, tis the fermentation management that gets the yeast character to pop.

Very interesting.

I saw a Saison de Noel that looks nice,
http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/saison-de-noel-limited-edition-extract-kit

wondering if you had a similar recipe you would recommend.

thanks

 

[FloppyKnockers]

Ooh, ooh! I vote beer...You should definitely make beer.