First one is in the FV

[Mattyjc]

The kit arrived this morning, so unable to sleep after a nightshift, I cracked on and made it up this afternoon.
Got the "Better-brew Yorkshire Bitter" kit, made it up as instructions say, for this first time. Looking forward to experimenting as I progress. Everything seemed quite easy, so its the waiting game now!

The gravity reading at the start was 1.031

 

[pittsy]

Hi , a couple of tips for you , leave the lid alone , leave brew in FV for around 10 days and not 4 to 6 like instructions might say , brew at around 18/20c and not 24/26c like instruction also may say . 1031 is low so most likely you hadn't mixed it enough and some of the sugars etc are at the bottom or you misread hydrometer as in the reading is below the visable water level because the water around the hydrometer raises a little . My best guess it was more like 1036/8. Don't worry though and good luck with it .

 

[Baldbrewer]

Well done Matty, welcome aboard !

If you make a kit next time round try reducing the kit by 5 pints ,This will enhance the flavours and increase the abv

You can also dry hop in the FV, put 20g of golding hops in a small sterilised muslin sack for 10 days.

Despite what recipe on kit says leave brew in FV for a minimum 14 days.
Most importantly enjoy it! It's a great hobby that will draw you in. :

 

[Baldbrewer]

+1 what Pitsy says, only just sent what I wrote early due to making tea!

 

[Mattyjc]

Thanks for your tips :)

Will be trying the dry hop thing on the next brew.

It appears to be bubbing away well, not much of a "head" on the FV but looks ok I think, temp has settled out at about 20 degrees. its murder not taking the lid off to have a look !