When to Brew

[Tim-boSlice]

I got the Lemongrass Ginger Ale Extract Kit for Christmas from Austin Homebrew Supply. Specialty ingredients are dried lemongrass and ginger root. The specialty grains are honey malt and rye and there is one oz. of Kent Golding.

Looking at the ingredients it seems like it would be a good summer beer. Do you think the kit will last if I wait to brew it? If so, how long can I wait and how should I store the ingredients?

If I do brew it now, will it keep its flavor after bottling? If so, for how long?

I've brewed about 10 beers so far but usually I brew the kit within a week of getting it so I'm not sure how to proceed this time.
Thanks for your help. Happy New Year.

 

[causeimthesquid]

Just brew it. If you like the way it turns out and want it in the summer, brew it again. Besides, repeatable brewing is a sure sign that you have your process down

 

[skitter]

I got the Lemongrass Ginger Ale Extract Kit for Christmas from Austin Homebrew Supply. Specialty ingredients are dried lemongrass and ginger root. The specialty grains are honey malt and rye and there is one oz. of Kent Golding.

Looking at the ingredients it seems like it would be a good summer beer. Do you think the kit will last if I wait to brew it? If so, how long can I wait and how should I store the ingredients?

If I do brew it now, will it keep its flavor after bottling? If so, for how long?

I've brewed about 10 beers so far but usually I brew the kit within a week of getting it so I'm not sure how to proceed this time.
Thanks for your help. Happy New Year.

Brew it, let it sit in the Fermenter for a little bit longer, then bottle it, should be a good 3 months aged by the time summer hits Sounds about right

 

[andhou27]

I'd look at the yeast temps and determine whether or not you're in the sweet spot. If so, you're good to go! My brew spot is keeping the wort around 64 F, which is great for most ales. However, I'm fermenting a Saison that is best around 70 F, so I had to make adjustments. All beer is good at ANY time! Enjoy!

 

[causeimthesquid]

However, I'm fermenting a Saison that is best around 70 F, so I had to make adjustments. All beer is good at ANY time! Enjoy!

70 for a saison is way too low. I usually do 80F for 2 - 3 days and then bump it up to 90 - 95F for a day to finish out. You aren't going to get the esters you want at 70.

 

[andhou27]

70 for a saison is way too low. I usually do 80F for 2 - 3 days and then bump it up to 90 - 95F for a day to finish out. You aren't going to get the esters you want at 70.

70 F is not TOO low. The recommended range ends at 77 F. Unfortunately I can't increase the temperature any more due to the weather. Either way, the yeast will still produce the esters, they just won't be as pronounced.

 

[skitter]

70 F is not TOO low. The recommended range ends at 77 F. Unfortunately I can't increase the temperature any more due to the weather. Either way, the yeast will still produce the esters, they just won't be as pronounced.

What about using a heating blanket?

 

[andhou27]

What about using a heating blanket?

Very possible, however it is already past the point this time. That's a good idea though.