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First time I've brewed this, the recent warm weather has really helped. I popped the hops in two days before bottling which I did on Sat after 10 days fermenting. OG 1.040, FG 0.990 so approx 6.5%. I have to agree with another poster that this brew tasted a bit odd, like a lack lustre...

I did a batch of this ORA back in July and agree it was the best smelling beer I've brewed. Tried it at three weeks after bottling and it tasted rough. I was a bit worried but stayed patient and when I tried another bottle a few weeks ago and it was lush. Much smoother, bit sweet, but full of...

Snoot, my lesson as a noob to the sodastream method of gassing was to undo the canister without relieving the pressure in the regulator. You will never see another nylon washer explode so spectacularly! Since then, I've learned to use a spanner and gloves to turn the canister VERY slowly until...

I do the same as what YeastFace has suggested. More cost effective to let the sugar source the carbing than pure gas. Also, Argos often do discounts, so my last soda stream cylinder swap only cost £7 :)

+1 for using corks in screwtop wine bottles, which is approximately 40% of my HB wines. I haven't found any problems so far using a hand push corker with waxed corks. TBH I haven't noticed these bottles having thinner necks because both need almost the same amount of push effort to cork.

I use a combination of swing-tops and empties and drink from the swing-tops first so they can be reused quickly. The filled empties are handy for giveaways. I'm very happy with the brown swing-tops from the Range. I have also bought some clear ones from Wilko and while they are more expensive...

I found mine got stuck like a few other brewers. I gave it a bit of a lively stir and it was away again and reached the required FG. Really nice stuff after a month+ conditioning, though mine was a bit flat after having to rebottle following a leaky pressure barrel. >:( Pouring out at a height...

Superb guide, thanks Chippy! Think I'll moved to using Star San with a bottle rinser for its highly reported convenience.

Well done Red. Agree with the no pain no gain principle. Mines still fernenting beautifully as wine which I'll be enjoying for Xmas, and probably beyond. For the short term, I've steeped some of the flowers in white rum for mixers. Very interesting coconut/floral/pea flavour!

I'm assuming it's hard plastic, unless I manage to smash one.

Mwahahahaha!

I like the use of colour coded stickers on the caps James. I may adopt that rather than use 'lassy bands and bits of paper!

I tried picking some of these with the family last weekend to try and make some wine. They were an absolute bar-steward to get enough though. If anyone's got any tips for mass gathering, I've love to hear about it!

+1 for enjoying the popping ceremony before each bottle. Feels like a celebration each time :D

Just thought I'd share with you a fairly sweet price for these. The Range are selling a box of 12 for £9.99. They are only available in brown and are the standard 500ml size. Of course, not as cheap or enjoyable as making your own empties :) but for cap-free bottling, these are hard to...

Same here, a much earlier than expected delivery. I'm most pleased. Looking forward to my batch of Youngs APA completing its fermentation. Should give me enough time to get my other kegging bits ready! :)

Mick, Jonny, Thanks for your replies. It's useful to know in future I can install these myself, but glad these come with them. Simon, If you're asking about Pressure Release Valves, they are normally used to prevent the excess build of gas pressure. However, they are useful for purging...

I'd like to be dropped into the hat for this too please.

I've been looking for some of these to buy so this is extremely timely thanks! Just placed an order for a couple, but I'm hoping these are the ones with the Pressure Release Valves. If not, I may need to cancel.

I thought I'd share my method which is a little unconventional. I'm new to home brewing and have recently invested in the various bits and bobs to get started. The only problem was the shop didn't have any thermometers left so I was stuck in this area. I then realised I still had a...