A number of years ago we bought our son a Home Brew kit for his birthday. Since then I've produced forty batches of beer which both of us have consumed. A few friends have also assisted with reducing the stocks.
The only problems I have experienced over the years was with the airlock. I solved this by replacing it and the lid with "Cling Wrap" plastic kitchen film to which I insert a couple of pin holes. I have never experienced any problems with this method until recently when a wheat beer foamed up so high that it blocked the holes.
The benefit of the Cling Wrap, apart from replacing the airlock, is that I can always see what is going on with the brew. This means I can more closely monitor the fermentation process. When fermentation has finished I just cover the pin holes with adhesive tap until I bottle. If I'm using Cooper's yeast I may need up to five holes but this can be noticed by the ballooning of the wrap.
Some folk have expressed concern at the risk of contamination but as carbon dioxide is heavier than oxygen it will lay over the brew like a protective blanket. The only major problem I've heard with this method was from a friend who had a batch brewing in his laundry. A mate, who flatted with him, dropped a bundle of dirty washing (mainly socks) that burst the wrap and was seen floating on top of the brew. For some reason he discarded the brew!
We have tried many different recipes but currently our range is becoming fairly standard. But this will no doubt vary in the future. I have detailed our range below. You will notice that many of them are very simple.
| Description | Ingredients | Comments |
| Lager |
Black Rock Lager
1 kg Brew Booster
|
|
| Pilsner |
Morgan's Golden Saaz Pilsner
1 kg Brew Booster
|
|
| Dark - Bock |
Muntons Connoisseurs Bock
500g Dextrose
500g Powdered Dark Malt
250g Powdered Corn Syrup
|
The yeast in this kit ferments at 18 deg C so its a good beer to make in winter. |
| Sparkling Ale |
Cooper's Sparkling Ale
1.7 kg Light Liquid Malt
300g Dextrose
|
This is the first time I've made this. It should be like commercial Cooper's Sparkling Ale. Hope so. |
| Wheat Beer |
Morgan's Golden Sheaf Wheat
1 kg Master Blend Wheat Malt
600g Dextrose
12g Hallertau hops (Std method.)
|
This was the brew that foamed up onto the top of the cling wrap. Also had quite an amount of gas when I bottled. |
One final comment, I always make sure everything is totally clean. I wash my bottles in washing and sterilizing powder and then sterilize in SO2 just prior to bottling.
Should you wish to contact me you can email to: logelida2@aanet.com.au
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