Carapils

[DanBarnes]

Anyone use them?

Just got myself a 3KG bag, as i heard it helps aid head retention and formation?

I plan to use them with my beer kits (Still learning)...is this possible?

:thumb: :

 

[markpeace]

Hiya Dan,

Yep, I use them, though more for body than head. A 3kg bag will last you a bit, I typically only use 200g in a 5 gallon brew. Not sure if your 'kits' are all grain or extract, but if its the latter, steeping special grains in a base extract malt is a good way to start to play with grain.

Have fun,
Mark.

 

[DanBarnes]

Hi Mark.

I'm using Coopers kits at the moment...take it they're extract..? :wha:

On the subject of heads...

I really love the sort of creamy head you get on Guinness, John Smiths etc.. do you achieve this sort of result from force carbing in kegs?

 

[markpeace]

Guinness, in particular, is carbed with nitrogen, which forms much smaller bubbles than co2, and the characteristic creamy head. Crudely, I've found that bottle conditioning is better for bubbles, and kegs better for head - though by no means exclusively. M

 

[RobWalker]

With "Cara" malts they are already converted, so you just need to steep them in a few litres of water at about 66 degrees for half an hour or so. They will have the same effect as if they had been mashed that way!

CaraPils is one my favourites, use lots of it in honey beer as with higher quantities (400g in 5 gal) it adds a little sweetness too. a little in speciality beers for extra head and body...but use it as you wish :)

 

[markpeace]

Just spotted my non-sequitur: carbed with nitrogen. Doh.

 

[DanBarnes]

So i can use it in my beer kit when adding the malt extract, but i just need to steep them first and that will be ok?

:thumb:

 

[RobWalker]

yup, that's fine! do it in a grain/muslin bag, or run it through a sieve after - you want the grains out before you boil or ferment.