Extract help.

[KeiranM]

I'm going to brew a pale ale, I have a can of malt extract for it and a bag of Columbus hops.

I'm wondering if I should bother with steeping grains, and also what kind of sugar I should use, last time I brewed with a malt extract I used a kilo of brewing sugar (?) so can I use a normal type of sugar for a different taste, or should I just get brewing sugar again?

 

[dennisking]

Many years since I brewed an extract beer, but steeping grains and using beer enhancer can only help.

 

[azzothegreek]

my opinion is have a go and see what happens. Its the best way to learn and develop your craft.

 

[Sandimas]

If you want to make a really good beer you'll need 2 tins of malt extract for 40 pints. As you say, you could just use one with sugar but that will detract from the flavour, as sugar adds nothing other than something for the yeast to eat to turn into alchohol.

Regarding grains, yes you could steep some grains if it's a dark beer you're after. Are you following a recipe?

 

[KeiranM]

If you want to make a really good beer you'll need 2 tins of malt extract for 40 pints. As you say, you could just use one with sugar but that will detract from the flavour, as sugar adds nothing other than something for the yeast to eat to turn into alchohol.

Regarding grains, yes you could steep some grains if it's a dark beer you're after. Are you following a recipe?

Not following a recipe, as much as I look I can't seem to find one, so I'm going to try this (unless someone here says otherwise);
Heat 15L of water to about 60C add malt extract, heat further to 80C and add 5g hops (I'm using Columbus hops),
Simmer for 10mins,
Add a further 5g hops with my flavourings which are black pepper corns and parsley,
Simmer for another 5mins, strain, allow to cool down to room temp and add my yeast.

That's my plan, but it's mainly guesswork. Really need some more guidance please.

 

[jkp]

If you have some steeping grains then you could make something like the pale ale "MooCade" from the recipe list but with your Columbus instead of the Cascade (but you'd need to adjust the bittering hops by something like 1/2) and call it "Moombus"??? Maybe not

 

[KeiranM]

Lol I quite like Moombus!