New to it

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Permalink Reply by James P on June 8, 2009 at 9:31pm

G'day Hamish

Drop the kit yeast and replace with either US05 or S04 from fermentis.... better beer straight away!

Than steep some speciality grains, and extra hops... even better beer!

Take your time, and learn the ropes on www.howtobrew.com, and check out the "library" here!

Not sure about home brew shops in napier....

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Permalink Reply by jt on June 8, 2009 at 9:43pm

I'll second the yeast and www.howtobrew suggestions.

I was never overhappy with my modified kits, you can put a lot of effort into a kit with a bit of this and a bit of that, steep this and boil. For a little more effort you can do an extract (and grains) boil and get way, way better results.

I only know of two places in napier / hastings, Richardsons Pharmacy in Hastings had a fair selection last time I was by. And then there's the shop in napier, one block back from the parade - to be avoided at all costs ...

There's a few Bay brewers around though I haven't seen much of them lately - Sparky, Richee and Fairlane - could be one or two more. I'm pretty sure that they buy in from Brewers Coop in Auckland etc. Try giving them a nudge for some local knowledge

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Permalink Reply by Tony on June 8, 2009 at 11:23pm

3rd that. Also, instead of using sugar, use liquid malt extract. Where it says on the can, add 1kg of sugar, buy a can of muntons or cascade liquid malt (LME). Just exchange 1 for 1. That'll improve your beer 100%.

Download and listen to some pod casts on Brewers network (look in the library). That will give you some good tips.

Talk to as many people as you can and don't be affraid to ask questions.

Cheers and happy brewing

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Permalink Reply by denimglen on June 9, 2009 at 5:18am

Brewer's Coop and Liberty Brewing are good as for mail order.

What's your favourite beer style? I'm sure one of us could give you a good extract and grain recipe to point you in the right direction.

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Permalink Reply by Hamish on June 9, 2009 at 9:09pm

Cheers gyes

will do some reading and ask a few Questions before i but my next brew down.
Gust been to a tasting evening and I REALY dont like english ales and stouts Had a 2004 and a 2008 Thomas hardy's ale didnt like that eather

I'd like to make a good pilsener
Iv done a east india pale ale it has a good full flavour but its Quite "Gasy"

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Permalink Reply by Dai on June 9, 2009 at 9:39pm

Ouch, don't like English ales- they are what makes life worth living!

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Permalink Reply by jt on June 9, 2009 at 9:59pm

Don't get too hung up on styles - look for flavour and taste that you can replicate

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Permalink Reply by Mike Neilson on June 10, 2009 at 6:57am

I would do an golden ale and ferment with S05 at around 15 degrees they can be quite largery without the sulphur!

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Permalink Reply by jt on June 10, 2009 at 10:00pm

I guess for now concentrate on
Good ingredients - including good yeast
Good sanitation
Temperature control to suit the yeast and beer you're brewing
And patience - invaluable

Then read up and go forward

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Permalink Reply by Hamish on July 7, 2009 at 7:36pm

Hey All
I put a Standard lager brew down last week and had my "hot box" set at 20 degrees the temp sticker on the fermenter was reading 22-24 after the first day the air lock had bubbled dry is this a major?

Have a plan for my next brew just trying to track down some yeast.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Neilson on July 7, 2009 at 7:45pm

Hi Hamish what yeast did you use?

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Permalink Reply by Hamish on July 8, 2009 at 7:52pm

gust the one from the kit.

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