Trial invented brew using Hukins farm (local to me) purchased Challenger and Ernest hops English hoppy pale ale (mashed yesterday, now fermenting).
I recommenced brewing last year by using saved 'Bag in a box' polypins (p/p) for fermenting, as I had lost my brew bucket in a move. Found it went well, so I continue doing it.
Hob-top batch sizes only.
This brew was my 2nd from the new to me 30L Hopcat all-in-one.
Bitter was first, that was 16L but I had wasted headroom in the 20L p/p. I used a piece of kitchen roll on the open tap spout held on by a rubber band to keep out the bugs.
So this I made aiming at 20L. OG came in at SG1046, no adjustment needed so just right.
The lack of headspace this time concerned me, in case of krausen coming out the top tap.
So I made up this 'Heath Robinson' washing up bowl krausen catcher and airlock combo.
Yeast pitched last night at 2100hrs, now 1300hrs. Nice vigorous small-bubble krausen with regular bubbling in the glass.
The yeast was saved from a pale ale previously made with Wilko Danstar (Nottingham).
Must say I'm quite pleased with my creative effort.
Hop aroma in the glass is elegant. Early days yet!