2. Brewing Kits
2.1 What is the difference between a kit rated beginner and one rated intermediate?
2.2 My kit says I should use a single fermenter. Can I use a primary and secondary fermenter instead?
2.3 My Brewing Kit instructions say to wait 12 days. Can I bottle sooner?
2.4 How long will Brewing Kits last before I make them?
2.5 Can I get the formulation for a Brewing Kit?
2. Brewing Kits
2.1 What is the difference between a kit rated beginner and one rated intermediate?
A Brewing Kit rated beginner is designed for the first time brewer, and does not require strict temperature control, two step fermentation, or other steps. Keep in mind that a kit rated beginner can produce just as good a beer as a kit rated intermediate, the only difference is that the kit rated intermediate is a more difficult style of beer to brew.
2.2 My kit says to use a single fermenter. Can I use a primary and secondary fermenter instead?
Although you can use a two stage fermentation method with any of our kits, we specify a simple one step fermentation because it is easier for the first time brewer. If you are just starting out, brew the kit with the specified one step fermentation, as there is less chance of bacterial infection because the beer is handled less. If you've brewed a few batches, go ahead and use your usual two-stage method.
2.3 My Brewing Kit says to wait 14 days before I can bottle. Can I bottle sooner?
It is best to wait the full 14 days before bottling, even if the finishing gravity has dropped to or below the recommended level. This is because there is still yeast in suspension, which would lead to a heavy yeast sediment in the bottles if bottled too soon. There is also the danger that the beer may still be fermenting, and if bottled too soon, even if the recommended finishing gravity has been reached, it may continue to ferment and lead to dangerously over carbonated bottled beer.
If you are concerned that the yeast sediment in the fermenter may taint the beer (more of a concern in 75° F. + conditions and with light flavored beers), transfer the beer to a secondary fermenter and wait until the 14 day fermentation period is over. Keep in mind that you still need to take two hydrometer readings before bottling: the first after 12 days or so to determine if the finishing gravity has been reached, and the second a couple of days later to make sure the gravity has stopped dropping and the beer is safe to bottle.
2.4 How long will Brewing Kits last before I make them?
Typically figure 6-12 months as the normal shelf life. The yeast is the most perishable part of the kit, and should be refrigerated for long term storage.
2.5 Can I get the formulation for a Brewing Kit?
Kit recipes are proprietary and are not released. Released details are limited to the paper and web catalog kit descriptions. If you are looking to formulate a specific recipe, additional help can be found from our Customer Support Department. Customer Support is available to all current customers. For information on formulating your own recipes, we suggest a good recipe book, as listed in web catalog in the book section.
2.6 What are the hops in my Brewing Kit?
Like all formulated products, kit recipes are proprietary and are not released. Released details are limited to the web catalog kit descriptions. If you are looking to formulate a specific recipe, additional help can be found from our Customer Support Department. Customer Support is available to all current customers. For information on formulating your own recipes, we suggest a good recipe book, as listed in our paper and web catalog in the book section.
