First kit underway. To dry hop or not...?

[tomska]

Hi all,

New to this, so after a bit of advice...

I've had my Woodforde's Wherry kit going in my fermenting bin for 5 days. I'm about to check it's ready and if so, transfer to the pressure barrel where it'll condition till the new year or so. I've seen a few posts about dry-hopping and I like my beer heavily hopped, so I've thought about slinging some into the barrel. I have muslin bags and some dried Fuggles.

So could someone explain a couple of things for me? Firstly, I've heard mention of putting the hop bag into the second fermentation and then removing it again (on a bit of thread), but presumably that's if you're bottling the beer? If my second fermentation is in the keg, I don't want to open the lid in a couple of weeks, letting out all the CO2, do I? And if not, presumably I leave the bag in the keg?

Finally, I've heard people say it's worth adding a bit more sugar than specified for the 2nd fermentation (the kit said half a teaspoon for every pint. Anyone know off the top of their heads what that works out at?), especially if you're dry hopping. Anyone agree? Any particular type of sugar?

Sorry for all the questions, but Amazon have been slack in getting my home-brewing book to me, so I'm at kegging day without the info I need.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[prolix]

I've seen a few posts about dry-hopping and I like my beer heavily hopped, so I've thought about slinging some into the barrel. I have muslin bags and some dried Fuggles..

dry hopping is more for aroma than flavour or bitterness. For bittering you could make a hop tea with some of the beer and after cooling return it. Best done before the ferment obviously.

I wouldn't dry hop wherry with fuggles. Anyways probably best to taste it as is first time then you will be able to taste any differences you make.

So could someone explain a couple of things for me? Firstly, I've heard mention of putting the hop bag into the second fermentation and then removing it again (on a bit of thread), but presumably that's if you're bottling the beer? If my second fermentation is in the keg, I don't want to open the lid in a couple of weeks, letting out all the CO2, do I? And if not, presumably I leave the bag in the keg?..

you can dry hop in the fermenter or the keg I would remove it after a week as I don't like the extra grassy flavours I got when I left it in for 4 weeks +

Finally, I've heard people say it's worth adding a bit more sugar than specified for the 2nd fermentation (the kit said half a teaspoon for every pint. Anyone know off the top of their heads what that works out at?), especially if you're dry hopping. Anyone agree? Any particular type of sugar?

About 80g per keg is enough. In fact I don't bother as there is enough wort left to prime the beer usually.


hope that was some help

 

[jonewer]

I'd rather wait until you have your first brew succesfully under your belt before you start faffing about dry hopping and making hop tea. There'll be fewer things to trouble-shoot if it goes wrong and you'll have a base-line to compare it to also.

The wherry is a good kit, shame it takes so long to clear though, but its worth the wait.

 

[hopin mad]

norfolk wherry is a fantastic kit, well worth the money, i wouldnt start experimenting until you have done a few kits, you are still perfecting the art of kit brewing, there are a few web sites with recipes for malt extract brewing, try some of those.

 

[prolix]

Jon I fin with gelatine and it clears everything superbly.

fining

 

[timbowden]

I'd rather wait until you have your first brew succesfully under your belt before you start faffing about dry hopping and making hop tea. There'll be fewer things to trouble-shoot if it goes wrong and you'll have a base-line to compare it to also.

The wherry is a good kit, shame it takes so long to clear though, but its worth the wait.

i agree, get your first kit sorted and it will give you something to move on from. You cant move on or improve on something that you don't know yet! :grin:
i dont have a problem with the wherry clearing, when i get to the last pint its crystal clear :rofl:

 

[tomska]

Thanks all. Took your advice and kegged the Wherry unmolested. OG was good, tasted OK from the syphon. Have slung the heat belt on for a couple of days then will let it condition in the cool till Xmas.

Definitely looking forward to experimenting but you're right - learn to toddle first.

cheers.