New

[Greenland Stinger]

Hello, first post on this forum !

I tried my hand at beer kits some 20 years ago with varying results. Just had a landmark birthday and was given a Coopers Lager kit. Going to get it going next week so any hints and tips would be welcome. Is it best just to use the kit as instructed or can I tweak it a bit?

regards

GS :drink:

 

[andyakameatloaf]

Welcome to the forum! :
Coopers kit instructions are stock instructions - they are the same for every beer in their range and as such might not be specifically suited to the exact beer you are brewing.
one good tip is that patience is key - it may tell you that after 4 days in primary you can bottle, or to wait until you get a hydro reading consecutive on 2 days. Most kit instructions are geared towards the impatient.
It's generally accepted that it is better to leave your beer fermenting in primary for 10-14 without disturbing it before you take your hydro readings.

Also, try to use some fermentable material that will add something to your beer other than just alcohol.
Liquid Malt Extract and Dried Malt Extract are good, followed by Brewing sugar, and last and least favourable is table sugar.

I've never made a lager kit, so someone will probably along shortly that knows better than i do to confirm this; but apparently golden syrup is a good flavourful fermentable to add to a lager kit.

Any more questions, ask away.
Happy brewing and Welcome again! :

 

[andyakameatloaf]

Also i have just thought:
This "how-to" guide is a great starting point by Calum: http://thehomebrewforum.co.uk/viewtopic ... 30&t=24822
In general a good read around the forum, specifically the how-to guides will get you all the info you need! :thumb:
Again though, don't be afraid to ask questions either :)

 

[joe1002]

Welcome to the forum :

 

[dennisking]

Hi and welcome.