The Brewing Bug has it's own facebook page, we also manage a popular whiskey or whisky page. Over the next few weeks we are going to be posting firstly funny advertising relating to brewing and whiskey on these pages so please check them out and like if you like etc.
The main reason for doing this is to increase page likes on the facebook pages and hopefully get more engagement, which will encourage more content, but we want to be getting the content right so you keep coming back.
Recently, tidying up my computer I came across some videos of me making the Red Wine Kit from Wilkos.
I had already posted what was included in the Wilko Wine Kit:
But having found the other videos I thought it only fair to post them as they could help others when starting out on such a great hobby.
Now if you hold on, or skip through to the end of the vid you'll see that I would recommend this kit, the demijohn and wine alone are well worth the money, and for the next brew you'd only have to but the actual wine refill as you had everything else, the cost of a 're-fill' and sugar comes in around a tenner, for 6 bottles of wine.....sorry tasty, drink me wine is an absolute no brainer. It's cheap, easy to do and gives great results, give it a go, and if you get stuck watch my video........or send me a message etc.
Here's a quick way to make Raisin Yeast Nutrient for your home brews. Now generally these aren't use in beer brewing, but can be. Mainly raisin yeast nutrients are used with cider, mead and wine making. Some brewers enjoy the added depth of flavor raisins bring to the party, but as well as giving the yeast more to work with, a raisin yeast nutrient is often felt to improve the bouquet/smell of the finished product. I have tried raisin yeast nutrients on several differing home brews and to be totally honest I don't find much difference with yeast cultivation of flavor changes. Maybe I just don't have the pallet other brewers do, but by all means give it a try and let me know how you get on. :)
To make the raisin nutrient get about 100g of raisins in a saucepan with water that covers them by an inch or so.
Bring them to the boil and simmer till they are plump and easy to mash, mash to a paste and make a raisin tea, depending on the wort/brew it is being added to you may wish to remove excess raisins.
Hi all,
Okay here is just a quick post about degassing your wort/brew hydrometer sample. I have made a quick video about it but basically if you gently knock the top of the hydrometer it will not only clear any froth on the top of the sample but also help remove any bubbles attached to the hydrometer. Thus giving a better, more legible read of the hydrometer. :)
I know this might seem quite basic to some but if your starting out it night be a handy bit of info.
This was my first attempt at beer making, and it was very successful. I bought the Coopers DIY beer kit that came with an Australian Lager malt extract.
I made it up as per instructions and sampled a little when bottling. It says that it makes 40pints, but I got 37 pints out of it, but I stopped bottling when the sediment was being picked up by the siphon.
After 2 weeks in the bottle I started drinking and sharing with friend and family and to my surprise everyone seemed to enjoy it. In fact if anything it was me that was more critical on it's taste, I found it a little too yeasty in flavor, but as the weeks past and the more I sampled, the less this was noticeable and it matured into a very, very enjoyable drink.
Two months after bottling, needless to say, they had all gone and they were most enjoyable. I probably wouldn't do anything different apart from maybe leaving it longer before drinking. I would highly recommend and will be making again in the future.
I hope you like the review and video, please feel free to like and comment etc
One of the great things about home brewing is that much of the equipment can be re-used. But it is important that you do not re-use equipment that does not have germs on them, as this may ruin your next batch of home-brew.
Basically I have found there are 2 main trends of thought on how keeping germs off your equipment can be done, these are either by Sanitizing or Sterilizing. (even though British I have gone with the American spelling!).
When I first started with this hobby I didn't know there was a difference, but there is, not only in the results but the processes involved, but ultimately both seem to achieve the desired results!
Sterilizing is my favored method, when you sterilize you remove all germs, so no risk of germs remain on the equipment. This does not mean the equipment can't become contaminated but for me I like to know things are as clean as they can be. I use VWP, (other brands are available), and I clean the equipment with the solution, leave 10mins and rinse. Once dried the next batch can be made and ready to go.
Alternatively you can sanitize, now this also gets rid of the majority of germs, and will leave your equipment in great condition to use. Most mums sanitize milk bottles for their babies so it's all good and works well. Some sanitizing brands can be made up, or sprayed on then wiped clean and used to brew with straight away. So I can see the appeal and as it takes less time to do and works well.
As previously mentioned I sterilize my things, but I do this immediately after use, then before my next use I wipe them with a soft cloth and warm water. It may be seen as overkill but I like to know my equipment is in good shape for my concoctions!
Which ever one you do it doesn;t really matter, just keep it clean! I hope this has helped any new brewers out there and keep brewing people! ;)
As my previous posts have shown, the Coopers DIY beer kit is a great kit to get to start your beer, cider or ale brewing adventure.
So, I have put together a little video that shows the process from beginning to bottling, at which point after bottling and conditioning for a couple of weeks is ready to drink.
The reason I did this is to show how easy it is, and at this point of writing this I have actually sampled it and would recommend the Australian lager kit all day long!
So if you're new to brewing, or thinking of starting a new hobby, then check it out and see how easy it is!
Thanks for reading and or watching and please comment etc.
The Brewing Bug has it's own facebook page, we also manage a popular whiskey or whisky page. Over the next few weeks we are going to be posting firstly funny advertising relating to brewing and whiskey on these pages so please check them out and like if you like etc.
