Noob on second batch with a question (or 2)

Denis7

I did alrite with a batch of Canadian Blonde which is coming along nicely. Having a pot of it right now, its been in the bottle for five weeks now and is really tasting good if a little flat, but that has improved since I last opened a bottle 4 days ago. I've just finished mixing a batch of Coopers IPA and did as instructed using 500g of Muntons extra light spray malt and 300g of dextrose. Can I always use spray malt instead of brewing sugar? Is it better only for some beers? and is dextrose better for others? and then there's brew enhancer 1 and 2.... I'm a little confused about this and would appreciate some veterans advice!! Thanks
Denis

BeerNut

Denis7 wrote: »

Can I always use spray malt instead of brewing sugar?

Yes.

Denis7 wrote: »

Is it better only for some beers? and is dextrose better for others?

Dextrose is more fermentable, so you'll get a cleaner, lighter beer. Spraymalt will give you a fuller body and a more aley character. It depends what you're after.

Denis7 wrote: »

and then there's brew enhancer 1 and 2

I wouldn't bother with them. If you can't figure what they're doing, leave them out. The best kits I've done has turned out fine with just 1kg of spraymalt added and nothing else.

Denis7

Thanks BeerNut, so am I right when I say that for a light lager or ale - use brewing sugar, but stout, ale or porter use only spray malt?

BeerNut

If that's what's working best for you, yes. There is no lager when it comes to kits, just blonde ales, and it depends what sort of blonde ale you want. Personally speaking, I'd go spraymalt all the way, but if sugar is working out best for you go with that. It's all about experimenting, and it'll all be beer in the end, whichever you use.

Denis7

OK, I used 500g of spray malt and 300g of dextrose for the India Pale Ale so I'll wait and see how that goes then try it again with spray malt only. Dont s'pose you could recommend a good brewing book?
Thanks

BeerNut

Denis7 wrote: »

Dont s'pose you could recommend a good brewing book?

None that really explain things for the beginner in a way that makes things less confusing. If you're sticking with kits, most of what you need to know is in this article. If you're planning to move on to extract see here.

Really, discussion groups like this are far better than books for learning brewing: keep asking plenty of questions. Even better is to meet other brewers, taste their beers, and get feedback from them on yours. The Cork contingent of Beoir hold occasional tasting sessions in the Bierhaus and it'd be well worth going along.

Mashtun

BeerNut wrote: »

. The Cork contingent of Beoir hold occasional tasting sessions in the Bierhaus and it'd be well worth going along.

Can you give us a heads up when such an event is coming up beernut, i would be very interested!

BeerNut

Mashtun wrote: »

i would be very interested!

It'll be posted on the board here. There's also the Lee Brewing Club which meets for brewing and the like at the Franciscan Well. You'll find contact details in that link.

oblivious

Mashtun wrote: »

Can you give us a heads up when such an event is coming up beernut, i would be very interested!

pop over to here, they post the dates for members regularly

Denis7

Thanks, and your right, this home brew board is a good resource for info.

Mashtun

BeerNut wrote: »

It'll be posted on the board here. There's also the Lee Brewing Club which meets for brewing and the like at the Franciscan Well. You'll find contact details in that link.

So where is this beerhall you speak off

BeerNut

Mashtun wrote: »

So where is this beerhall you speak of

Upstairs, The Bull & Castle, Christchurch Place, Dublin 2.

Mashtun

BeerNut wrote: »

Upstairs, The Bull & Castle, Christchurch Place, Dublin 2.

Well i have two batches that are just about up to lagering at the mo which will take two months:( Then i have to bottle condition it for about a month thereafter so i guess i wont be at the next one. Someday tho!

BeerNut

You're very welcome to sign up for this one, or any one, whether you have beer to bring or not. A proper lager would be very impressive. I'm not even sure we've ever had one at a meeting.