First time brewer

[pjf1985]

Yes good advice, I think I’ll put a tray underneath next time!

Got it in the bedroom as thought it’s a bit cold in the shed this time of year. Needs to be around 20C doesn’t it.

 

[Deadhead]

Yeah, yeast from a kit is good at around 18-22C , though up or down will probably be just fine. Enjoy the process! Many years ago when I started, the only space we had in our old house was in the bedroom on the very light carpet too. We just put the fermenters on towels and were using kits. Luckily the kits were straightforward enough that we never had the beer go crazy and seep out everywhere!

 

[pjf1985]

Just thought of another question…once it’s brewed how long can I expect the beer to keep for? Then I know how to pace myself lol.

 

[The Baron]

Beer will keep for a long time even years if stored correctly, the higher the ABV the better it keeps as alcohol is a preservative. I do not think you will have a problem in storage time as it will get drunk but you can put a bottle away to from each batch to see how it goes for you

 

[Yellow Car]

Just thought of another question…once it’s brewed how long can I expect the beer to keep for? Then I know how to pace myself lol.

How are you planning to store it?
Bottled - it will last a long time.
In a pressure barrel - several months if you keep the air out (which in practice means you need some way of adding CO2).
In a pressure barrel without CO2 it will keep for months until you use enough beer to drop the gas pressure to zero (atmospheric) but then air will get into the barrel as you pour, then you've only got a few days to finish it.

 

[dad_of_jon]

Exactly what I was thinking! My wife would divorce me if I had a fermenting batch in the bedroom. I have had a few batches where the yeast decided to escape too.

I put mine in a builders trug for when the beer wants to go walkabout from the airlock

 

[dad_of_jon]

Just thought of another question…once it’s brewed how long can I expect the beer to keep for? Then I know how to pace myself lol.

If bottled then anywhere from a couple of months to years depending on what style of beer you brew. I kept a wherry style beer for 6 months and the best ones were the last ones

 

[pjf1985]

I’m keeping it in a pressure barrel and probably without adding CO2. So that’s still a decent amount of time.

 

[pjf1985]

If bottled then anywhere from a couple of months to years depending on what style of beer you brew. I kept a wherry style beer for 6 months and the best ones were the last ones

That’s good to know! :)

 

[NormanHurst]

I'd agree with the above on ageing bottled beers but would add the stronger the better.

Of the styles I brew regularly, my traditional English IPA and my Porter both age well. My hoppy American-style Pale Ales don't.

The fruity, expressive hoppy character of the APAs fade over a few months. The beer will still be fine but it won't be as exciting as it was when fresh.

 

[Yellow Car]

I’m keeping it in a pressure barrel and probably without adding CO2. So that’s still a decent amount of time.

There's a very comprehensive thread on here about using pressure barrels. I'd suggest cracking the tap open a fraction 24 hours after filling to check that it's well pressurised. If it is, then great. If not then you still have time to tighten the lid or whatever else needs fixing while the priming sugar is still fermenting and creating CO2.

 

[Hazelwood Brewery]

It’s worth knowing what can happen when the yeast has a bit of a feeding frenzy. These two 30 litre fermenters were filled to the 12 litre mark.

Two days later…

This was a strong beer so with most beers you wouldn’t expect this degree of krausen (the foam on top of the beer) but it can still happen with average strength beers if there isn’t enough head room.

 

[pjf1985]

Thank you everyone! Putting into the pressure barrel this evening! Which valve should I use? It came with both.

 

[starseeker]

I find a garden trub works brilliantly,also handy for other brewing activities

 

[Yellow Car]

The bigger brass valve is an S30 valve, which has a pressure relief valve and a way of adding CO2. The other one has just a pressure relief.

So if you're definitely not going to be adding CO2 then I'd personally just use the simple pressure relief one as it has fewer potential places to leak. If you think you might get a CO2 cylinder (Sodastream + S30 adapter or bulbs plus adapter) then use the other.

I'm sure you'll soon see the benefits of adding gas (longer life and better carbonation) and add that to your brew kit...

 

[pjf1985]

The bigger brass valve is an S30 valve, which has a pressure relief valve and a way of adding CO2. The other one has just a pressure relief.

So if you're definitely not going to be adding CO2 then I'd personally just use the simple pressure relief one as it has fewer potential places to leak. If you think you might get a CO2 cylinder (Sodastream + S30 adapter or bulbs plus adapter) then use the other.

I'm sure you'll soon see the benefits of adding gas (longer life and better carbonation) and add that to your brew kit...

Thanks I’ve gone with the standard one.

All went well transferring except I have a slight leak around the tap. Going to try secure it with PTFE tape I think.

 

[Stevieboy]

Vaseline on both side of the rubber will sort it.

 

[pjf1985]

Vaseline on both side of the rubber will sort it.

Oh wow think that’ll be enough?

 

[Stevieboy]

Should do. - it's not the threads that provide the seal, it's the mating of the flat surfaces imo. Same as the cap.

 

[pjf1985]

We’re all ready to drink!! I’m very happy with the outcome, it’s nice and clear, just a very small amount of “debris” in it? Is this normal? Very nice taste, just as good as from the pub!