Intro / First Brew

[Bob-nut]

Hello!

I've only just started down the home brew road. I had a quick go in New Zealand 5 years ago with a Guinness style and it ended up tasting pretty awful. Main problems were lack of equipment (I used a bucket and damp tea towel...) and cold temperature so it ended up down the drain.

Now back in the UK I've started out with the Coopers Wheat Beer starter kit. I'm wishing I read the basics on here before starting as they are vastly different to the instructions!

So far it's been fermenting with the beer enhancer at ~27C for 4 days (recommends 22-28C compared to 18-21C on here). The OG was 1040 and has been 1015 for the last 3 days. It smells a bit sour but looks a good colour - when poured for measuring the gravity it is a bit lively! According to the instructions I should be bottling it now although FG should be closer to 1008 really...

Any tips?

I'll be better prepared for the next batch (An IPA)!

Cheers,

Tim

 

[bobsbeer]

Welcome. : I would say temp is on the high side. Try to get it below 25c if you can.

 

[Bob-nut]

Thanks Bob.

I've taken the heated belt off and it's 22C now, it'll drop to about 19C. Originally I thought this was too low from the suggested 22-28C!

Cheers,
Tim

 

[prolix]

it gets it done faster for the impatient masses, 18 to 20, slow and steady wins the race as long as good beer is the finish line :

 

[dennisking]

Hi and welcome.

 

[joe1002]

Welcome to the forum :

 

[LeedsBrewer]

welcome to the forum. read the OMG thread in my signature. It'll answer most of your questions :thumb:

 

[Bob-nut]

Thanks Leedsbrewer - I read it before I signed up! Very useful and completely different to the manufacturers instructions!

And thanks for all the welcomes :

 

[Kyle_T]

Hello and Welcome :

 

[Wendy1971]

Hi and welcome to a great forum :thumb: