Youngs bitter kits?

[samnorfolk]

Am thinking of purchasing a youngs bitter kit as i can get it for 5.99 from ebay as they have kindly given me a 5quid voucher! Is the youngs any good and what else do i need to buy to add to it

 

[31bb3]

Have you got any equipment already ? I did a youngs kit years ago so long ago I can't remember what it's like

 

[samnorfolk]

got all the equipment i was just wondering if i have to get beer enhancer and malt extract etc??

 

[31bb3]

No need you could get sme dme to give it a bit more body but you can just do the kit as it is

 

[samnorfolk]

sorry this is my first kit what is dme?

 

[fbsf]

Dry Malt Extract or Spraymalt - it's basically spray-dried malt extract, so you get a far better pint with more body and flavour than if you used sugar. It's generally used as a direct replacement.

BKE or Beer Kit Enhancer is generally a 50/50 mix of DME and brewing sugar.

 

[LeithR]

Hi there,
Dried malt extract. You'll get it from either the Malt Miller (link at top of page) or from your local HB shop.

 

[samnorfolk]

so im guessing its best to use DME or BKE? whats it like if you don't?

 

[fbsf]

In order of preference, DME then BKE then Brewing Sugar then normal sugar. You'll get the best flavour, mouthfeel and head from DME. Brews done with sugar tend to taste a bit thin and watery.

Unfortunately, it's also the opposite cost-wise!

 

[critch]

ive never had a satisfactory result from a youngs kit, im afraid the old adage you get what you pay for comes to mind......

its been a very long time since ive done one though, they may have improved.....

 

[Kinleycat]

ive never had a satisfactory result from a youngs kit, im afraid the old adage you get what you pay for comes to mind......

its been a very long time since ive done one though, they may have improved.....

Youngs more expensive than Coopers at Tesco online - i get what you are suggesting though.
That said if you prefer Coopers Tesco online is the place to go - i really ought to be on commision!!!!!!!!

 

[samnorfolk]

so the youngs definitve bitter kit is under way...put it on yesterday and it seems to be frothing away nicely so far..its around 20c and has little sort of mountains popping up on the froth at the top is this normal??