Mangrove Jacks kit newbie question

[thrums1]

I am thinking of brewing Mangrove Helle craft beer kit. It is supplied with Californian yeast and NZ hops. It needs sugar added too. So I am thinking of adding 1.2kg of Mangrove Jacks Malt enhancer in place of this and that is straightforward. What I need advice on is can I:

1. Substitute the Californian yeast with Mangrove Jacks Bohemian Läger yeast?

2. Substitute the NZ hop variety with the same amount of Youngs Halletau Hops?

Or, am I mad?

Cheers
Ken

 

[LarryF]

Certainly use the MGJ Enhancer over sugar. The Mangrove Jacks Bohemian yeast has a temperature range of 10-15c so you will need temperature control to get the best out of it. As for the hops, you pays your money and you takes your chances, if they're about the same AA percentage then it's down to what flavour you prefer.

 

[thrums1]

What is AA percentage?

I thought the Helletau hops would be more authentic?

Again, happy to take advice.

Has anyone tried this kit? I find it hard to find reviews.

 

[Pirate_Pete]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_acid

https://mangrovejacks.com/products/helles-pouch-with-hops

If I were spending all that money on a kit, I'd brew it with the hops and yeast provided.
But yes add the malt rather than the dextrose.

If I wanted to experiment with different hops & yeast I'd buy a can of Mangrove Jack's Pilsner or similar.

 

[thrums1]

Thanks PP, that is a fair point. Aren't the kits in cans poorer quality and tend to have a "home brew" flavour.

 

[Pirate_Pete]

Thanks PP, that is a fair point. Aren't the kits in cans poorer quality and tend to have a "home brew" flavour.

I don't think the cans are poorer quality. But now you mention it I think Mangrove Jack's do say the pouches are fresher or some such? The link below suggests the pouches are better.
https://mangrovejacks.com/pages/about-us
I've only used a pouche once and the beer went off and I had to chuck it. I've always been happy with the cans.
If I were you and you want to do the beer, just do as they suggest. I'm sure it'll be good.
Then next time try something different. I'm sure you can get the pouches with just yeast, then add your own hops.
I've got a few cans I need to use, but then I might look at a MJ pouche. They are more expensive than cans though.
And I'll probably have to get the local bloke to order one in for me as he doesn't stock them.

 

[Batlugs]

I am thinking of brewing Mangrove Helle craft beer kit. It is supplied with Californian yeast and NZ hops. It needs sugar added too. So I am thinking of adding 1.2kg of Mangrove Jacks Malt enhancer in place of this and that is straightforward. What I need advice on is can I:

1. Substitute the Californian yeast with Mangrove Jacks Bohemian Läger yeast?

2. Substitute the NZ hop variety with the same amount of Youngs Halletau Hops?

Or, am I mad?

Cheers
Ken

I’ve got one in the FV just now, dry hops are included so why change?

I bought several MJ kits during an AG hiatus, just stared supping the Simcoe APA which is very drinkable. These came on offer with the LME enhancer for free, you can still find some stock offers if you hunt.

Here’s one

http://www.home-brew-online.com/bee...ies-beer-kit-helles-lager-special-offer-p3305





Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[thrums1]

Looks like that offer is finished. if it is on I will buy one but they are out of stock of Helles

Just about to start an Ultimate Brewery Pilsner, just arrived from www.home-brew-online.com, great service!

Boy, do the Ultimate Brewery need help with their packaging or what!?

 

[LarryF]

The hops provided: Wakatu and Pacific Jade do sound very nice.

 

[ExpatBrewer]

I understood the pouches were cold-filled with nitrogen as opposed to the heat-pasturised canned extracts. This is apparently what's supposed to give them the edge as far as quality goes. Whether you can taste the difference at the glass I wouldn't know.

I'd use the hops supplied. Wakatu is a hallertau descendant and one I am enjoying in an NZPA at the moment.
When you say 'Californian yeast' I assume you mean the MJ M54 Californian Lager yeast? It does it thing at 18-20º and is ideal for California Common's and any lagers fermented at ale temperatures.

 

[thrums1]

I will give it a go later in May perhaps. I will just stick to the kit instruction as suggested. Many thanks.