General advice needed.

[Chickpeanut]

Hi everyone.

I'm a complete beginner and I've just bottled my first kit, a Cooper's I.P.A. and I'm getting impatient to start another one. I'm thinking of a Woodforde's Wherry as it seems to get decent reviews on this forum. With the Coopers kit I just followed the basic instructions, and this time I'd like to 'woomph' it up, just a wee bit. I just have a couple of general questions that more experienced brewers than me will maybe be able to help me with...

1. I'm thinking of reducing the wort down to around 18 or 19 litres to increase alcohol content and flavour. Is there any reason not to do this?

2. I've read her that yeast is very important to final flavour. Should I use a more alcohol tolerant yeast or is the yeast with the kit good enough?

3. I'm thinking of using some additional hopping. Anyone done this with this kit? Anything else I could do to this kit?

Any general advice or direction ideas would be much appreciated.


Tom

 

[calumscott]

Impatient to start another and you've ALREADY bottled?!?!? :lol:

Wherry is lovely beer. Really good. I think loads of people have brewed it short with great results.

The yeast that comes with it is capable and well suited to the beer IMO.

I'd recommend just brewing it "as is" or as you suggest, a bit short. It is such a good kit that you'll likely do it again - that's the point to try a bit of extra hoppiness if you fancy it. :thumb:

 

[Duncs]

1. I'm thinking of reducing the wort down to around 18 or 19 litres to increase alcohol content and flavour. Is there any reason not to do this?

No reason not to, in fact it's probably a good idea

2. I've read her that yeast is very important to final flavour. Should I use a more alcohol tolerant yeast or is the yeast with the kit good enough?

Replacing the kit yeast is also a good idea. A good ale yeast will improve kits no end. Not one that's more alcohol tolerant though.

3. I'm thinking of using some additional hopping. Anyone done this with this kit? Anything else I could do to this kit?

Never done that kit but lots of people dry hop their beers, it's worth giving it a go

If you do any of these, keep us posted of what it comes out like

 

[LeedsBrewer]

I'd say brew to 20L and leave as it is. I did mine to 23L and it's great. I've read of others adding hop teas or dry hopping the kit and they didn't like it. The wherry IMHO is a good stand alone kit. You dont need to modify it. Coopers kits on the other hand are great for modifications and experimenting.

But as has been said, if you do modify then let us know how it turns out. :thumb:

 

[Chickpeanut]

Thanks guys.

I'll probably not add anything to it then, maybe take the volume down slightly. I'll see what my local brewshop have by way of yeast alternatives.

Tom