First Brewing Query

[rockford]

Hi All,
This is my first post. Got a brewing kit for Christmas, Muntons Export Pilsner,Connoisseurs Range, and started it on Boxing Day. Due to some confusion about the hydrometer readings I didn't put it in the keg until 3 weeks later after contacting Muntons (the makers of the beer kit) who assured me all was ok. I added the 3 ozs of sugar to the pressure barrel and have waited for the recommended 2 weeks. I tried it last night. Firstly the beer still had a hint of cloudiness.Secondly a heavy froth/head was produced if you were not careful with the pouring. This was controlled on the second pint. Thirdly the beer tasted flat even though the head was maintained to the last drop in the glass! Finally it tasted OK.
Being used to drinking lagers like Carlsberg, Stella etc I would like to know if the perceived "flatness" of the above is a characteristic of the Export Pilsner? If not can I redress the situation and ,if so, how?.
Regards

Rockford

 

[prolix]

you will need to bottle to get high levels of carbonation for lagers or get cornies that can be pressurises high enough for lagers.

A plastic barrel will expand or release the extra co2 needed via the relief valve. Chilling the beer will help as more co2 will be absorbed

 

[rockford]

Waterboy,
Thanks for your help. The beer is in a plastic barrel with a screw attachment for a CO2 cannister.Are you saying that I should get a CO2 cannister and that the barrel will self regulate the pressure or would this be a waste of time as the barrel would not hold the pressure required to carbonate the beer?

Rockford

 

[Dunfie]

Hi Rockford, you will find that you are unlikely to attain the amount of carbonation you want with a plastic barrel - they aren't designed for that amount of pressure. What you appear to have sounds perfect for an ale but not for a pilsner.

As prolix mentioned, if you are going to brew pilsners you would be better to consider bottling or moving over to cornie kegs.

Good luck. :

 

[rockford]

Bitter lover, Thanks, as beginner I need all the help I can get. As ale seems to be the way to go have you any advice on what should be my next brew?

Rockford

 

[Wez]

Hi Rockford

If you like a darker coloured bitter give Muntons "Smugglers Special Ale" a go or if you like something a bit paler try Woodfordes "Wherry", I had very good results with Wherry, you could even have a go at dry hopping it with some Goldings in the keg - that works really well - we'll talk you through that :thumb:

 

[prolix]

Rockford if you don't normally drink ale then get the lowest IBU (bitterness) you can to start something like this

if you like your ales then fill your boots, as long as it is a 3kg kit you can't really go wrong ( read the wherry post mind)

HOPE THIS HELPS

 

[Wez]

Great link Prolix - that kits a good one :thumb:

 

[crasher600]

I got one of these pilsners for xmas too and transferred it to a keg four days ago. after reading the advice in this post i am considering moving it to a mixture of glass and pet bottles, Is this ok to do at this stage and will i need to prime the bottles or will the sugar i put into the keg be enough to carry over ?

 

[Wez]

I think that I would re-prime but use slightly less primings than you would normally if you're going to move it from keg to bottles,.

 

[crasher600]

Thanks for that. Do you agree its worth doing or should i just stick with the keg ?

 

[tubby_shaw]

It will taste much more "lagerish" out of a bottle with higher carbonation levels :thumb:
It's also easier to slap a couple of bottles in the fridge to chill :thumb:
So if you are normally a lager drinker and trying to replicate your favourite drink yes it's worth it :