Hi from Gloucester

[1eyedjack]

Just started out with some beer brewing (I think this is going to get a lot more popular in the economic climate over the next couple of years). Decided to go with 2 x 25 litre barrels, so that hopefully I should never be in the unfortunate position of not having something on tap at any given instant (hmm, have to wait and see if a third one is required!).

Anyway, for the time being sticking to buying wort in kits, so I guess that makes me an official forum pariah.

First kit bought off the internet (from Ballihoo). 25 litres of pure TCP. I knew it wasn't going to plan when it never generated any froth on the top during the fermentation. Bubbled away a bit for a few days, but it was never the way I remembered my Dad's stuff behaving.

Second kit I bought from a specialist shop in Stroud. Woodforde's Wherry. That nearly escaped the fermentation tub, which was more encouraging. Now it is stewing away in the barrel. Couldn't resist trying a half a glass even though I knew it wasn't ready. Superb it is too, although mighty cloudy at present. Don't know how I am going to last the next month while it settles. Perhaps I should add finings next time to hurry it along. Kit says not necessary, but what's to lose?

Just starting off a Brupaks "Pride of Yorkshire" to replace the TCP. That was exciting, as it came with some hops for boiling up. Who knows, I shall be mixing up my own wort next.

 

[prolix]

Pariah? No that is for heine...hi...hei... nope can't say it, drinkers.

I feel you pain about the TCP that will be chlorine, you can't leave any in the water or in the vessels after cleaning.

try some nor chlorine based sanitisers like Videne, (get it from the chemist) and treat the water with a campden tablet or similar.

Get some good yeast as the kit ones can be rubbish and always two can kits, wherry is not bad at all and the pride of yorkshire is smashing.

you might want to fine the beer as you barrel it will clear faster, I use gelatine with great results (do a search loads on it)


Oh and welcome.

 

[1eyedjack]

I have to say that after a bit of maturing I did find that I preferred the taste of Pride of Yorkshire over the Wherry (although I have no complaints about Wherry - still very very nice).

My only problem with the Pride of Yorkshire is getting it to clear. I did put finings in, and left it for several weeks in a cool place, but it still looks like mud.

Sure, I realise that commercial beers are generally always going to be clearer than home brew, and perhaps as long as it tastes great that is the only real criterion. Just makes me wonder if I have done something not quite right.

On the matter of adding finings at the point of barrelling, I did wonder whether they could have a detrimental effect. Clearly there is some fermentation going on during the priming process, and I wonder whether that process might do better if the various particulates were suspended throughout the solution instead of accelerated settling on the bottom. Not losing any sleep over it, but nevertheless interested in thoughts of others.

 

[31bb3]

Welcome to the forum :

 

[broadfordbrewer]

Welcome to the forum :thumb:

 

[Red Devil]

Welcome to the forum...(I am new brewer - started few months ago) I did a Woodfords Wherry Bitter a few months ago, after 3 weeks it was clear but I wasn't that impressed but by the time 6 weeks had passed by it was fantastic, unfortunatly by then I only had 3 bottles left!!!! I would like to recommend to you Tom Caxton Real Ale, It was my first bew and I have done a few since every time they are fantastic, well worth the money (can even get em at wilkinson).. try it you wont be disappointed mate :

 

[evanvine]

Welcome to the Forum, it is the exception rather than the rule for HB not to clear :nono:

 

[Tony]

Nice to meet you!
: