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Beer/Coopers tins

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Expert: - 9/10/2008


Question
Hi

I'm fairly new to brewing my own beer and have been brewing the brew house kits and the coopers concentrated tins. I've had more success with the brew house kits so I wondered if you have any tips to help with the tinned brewing? Basically they don't seem to go off as well as the brew house kits.

Also a final question the brew house kits come with the bicarbonate of soda to set the kit off and the tins don't so this time I've just started one off with a few table spoons of baking soda, do you think it is likely to help at all or have I just wasted a batch?

Thanks in advance for your help
Paul


Answer
Paul,

Sorry to take so long to reply. We had a visit from hurricane IKE and we are still digging our way out.

If your having an issue with the tins I would suggest adding some brew vigor (a yeast neutriant)and make a starter.  Most likely the yeast is old and the starter will help.

Bicarbonate of soda is used to lower the ph of a brew.  You can use baking soda which is the same thing.  It may be that your water ph is a bit high and by adding the bicarbonate of soda you lower the ph and the yeast find it easier to start off.  I would try adding baking soda to your coopers concentrated tins.  You may find that the start off quicker.

I hope this helps.  If not let me know.

Alan

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Alan Ward

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I am a home brewer who has been brewing since 2000. For us brewing is a family activity with everyone helping in some small way. We brew mostly all grain batches, but we do some kits. I have built all of our equipment. We bottle and keg. Drop us an line, we will be glad to assist with answer or help you find where the answer is. In October 2008 we opened the Brigadoon Brewery & Brew School at the Texas Renaisance Festival. This is a unique brewpub and teaching facility located on the grounds of the Texas Renaissance Festival in Plantersville, Texas. To our knowledge we are the only functioning brewpub located on the grounds of a renaissance festival brewing using both period specific equipment and modern equipment to brew hand crafted ale and then serving it back to the public. Where we offer hands on training and live period appropriate all grain brewing through out the day. Drop by and we will be glad to answer any question you have. You can checkout the brewery at www.brigadoonbrewery.com or follow on twitter@brewschool.

Experience

Home brewing since 2000. Started with a Mr. Beer kit and worked our way up to all grain.

Former chemistry and physics teacher.

Education:
Bachelors Arts Teaching; Master Instructional Technology
Currently the Managing Member and Brewmaster for Brigadoon Brewery & Brew School.

Organizations
Master Brewers Associaiton of America Texas Craft Brewers Guild American Home Brewers Association Brewers Association

Education/Credentials
Bachelors in Sports Medine from Sam Houston State University Masters in Instructional Technology from American Intercontinental University

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