Wilko Light Delicate Pilsner

[robro123]

Hi All,

First post on the forum so have to start saying thanks everyone for all the great info here!!
This is my first brew in 5 years, and only managed a few back then so still a beginner and the forum was really helpful already so I'm adding some details and photos in case anyone has more advice or comments

Wilko Light Delicate Pilsner 1 can kit plus 1kg Wilko Brewing Sugar
OG: 1040
FG: 1008

3 weeks in FV at 20 C
Dispensed into 2 Mini Kegs and about 25 bottles

4 weeks after bottling it tastes much better than my previous attempts
Will try to leave some to condition the full term, but it's drinkable now


I just discovered LCD temperature strips in time for this brew, makes it so easy and just £1, and I use a fish tank heater inside my FV (£7 amazon/ebay etc) to prevent drops in temp which works great. In case it starts getting too hot, I reduce temp in the room, so the FV cools slowly and let the fish tank heater do it's thing.

For the yeast, I just sprinkle on top of the bubbles and then seal the lid. I saw this on a youtube video and seems to work but I read that people activate the yeast for a while before adding, and some stir in properly... would appreciate some advice here please?

The day before bottling I move the FV onto a chair on a table and leave to settle for a day.

I used to sanitise bottles in the bath, which took ages and really put me off. Now I use a bottle tree and squirter with Starsan no rinse sanitiser plus I put half the beer into Mini Kegs. Cost quite a bit to buy all of that but well worth it for the time saving

To stick labels on bottles I use milk, this is a great tip. just spray onto backs using old perfume bottle. They stick well to glass but wash off easily. for the mini kegs i use tape... milk doesn't work at all

 

[Slid]

"For the yeast, I just sprinkle on top of the bubbles and then seal the lid. I saw this on a youtube video and seems to work but I read that people activate the yeast for a while before adding, and some stir in properly... would appreciate some advice here please?"

For most homebrewing purposes, sprinkling the yeast is fine. Adding a more active yeast is more valuable to a commercial brewery, where time really is money. Stirring the yeast in is more about interfering than helping, I think. Does not stop me doing it, though.

 

[DoctorMick]

I'm a fan of the Wilko Delicate Pilsner, a really nice drinkable brew. Makes a bloody awful shandy tho.

Be a bit careful with the thermometer strings, they're not particularly accurate.

 

[robro123]

Thanks guys, good to know

I'll give the yeast a stir in future, and will test the stri p s to make sure they're reading correctly

 

[Tay80]

I agree about the thermometer strips as I found they are always at least a couple degrees out room temperature is usually around 20c in my house which is perfect for brewing I've never had any problems with off flavours etc