This was the first True Brew product that I have tried. I prefer to buy my own ingrediants and create my own extract recipes, but in a pinch I would try True Brew products again. The fermentation was really quick on this kit. Started after about 8 to 10 hours and finished up at about 72 hours. SG was 1.044 and FG was 1.012 so slightly over 4% ABV. I fermented in my primary for one week, then moved to a glass carboy to let everything settle for two weeks, and then to the bottles which I will let condition for three weeks. Sample taste at bottling produced a slightly bitter hoppiness which reminds me of an English Bitter rather than a Sam Adams or a Dos Equis which are the commercial brews that the manufacture compares this product to. Reason for only 4 stars, in my opinnion, nothing like either of the commercial comparisons. However, a great Amber Ale in it’s own right. After a full three weeks of conditioning if there are any changes worth mentioning I will be back to update.
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I read the instructions several times and followed them exactly. This was my first homebrew so I was a little nervous. I finished the brewing at 8:00 AM on 6-11 it was in the fermenter. By 7:00 PM the air lock was bubbling about every second. I was a happy camper! By Monday 6-13 it was no longer bubbling. Is it done? I don’t know for sure. I’m going to read the instructions again to make sure. I will update review when I find out more info. Update: After confirming instructions, it appears to be working just as stated in the instructions. I will let it continue to ferment for 3-4 days and then bottle. Stay tuned! 6/18/11 Update: Took final gravity readings (for 3 days) and with no more fermenting, I bottled everything up. Made 46 bottles. So far everything has been working to plan. I can’t wait to taste test in a few more weeks. 7/11/11 Update: I tasted Amber Ale for the first time last night. It was pretty good but a little hoppy but I think in 2 more weeks this will be a nice tasting beer.
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I should wait till I try the final product first, but I am giving it a good rating based on ease of use for a first timer. I did a primary fermentation for a couple weeks, then secondary for 4 weeks maybe and now it is in bottles and looks clear and perfect. The kit included nice instructions.
I recommend an auto siphon, a bottle brush, and a carboy brush for cleaning. Also, it would make things easier to have two pieces of clear tubing on hand. All these things are relatively inexpensive and make things easier.
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First True Brew Kit,
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|Easy to follow instructions….,
Update: After confirming instructions, it appears to be working just as stated in the instructions. I will let it continue to ferment for 3-4 days and then bottle. Stay tuned!
6/18/11 Update:
Took final gravity readings (for 3 days) and with no more fermenting, I bottled everything up. Made 46 bottles. So far everything has been working to plan. I can’t wait to taste test in a few more weeks.
7/11/11 Update:
I tasted Amber Ale for the first time last night. It was pretty good but a little hoppy but I think in 2 more weeks this will be a nice tasting beer.
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|easy to use – my first batch,
I recommend an auto siphon, a bottle brush, and a carboy brush for cleaning. Also, it would make things easier to have two pieces of clear tubing on hand. All these things are relatively inexpensive and make things easier.
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