I’ve documented the process of making my beers here but haven’t yet reported on how they all turned out so it’s high time for a bit of a review.
Batch 1 – Kit Brew – Mangrove Jacks Munich Lager
A special one because it was my first, but actually I think it was one of the best, if not the best, of the 4 kit brews that I’ve done. As with most kit lagers this is a ‘pseudo-lager’ as it’s brewed with an ale yeast, so, although not true to style, it is still a good beer and got very good reviews from friends who tasted it. Being a kit brew it is lightly hopped but none-the-less very tasty.
see also: process writeup, tasting writeup
Batch 2 – Kit Brew – Blackrock East India Pale Ale
This kit would disappoint anyone looking for an IPA because it is most definitely not an IPA in style. It is more like a lightly hopped kit pseudo-lager than an IPA. I brewed it with beer enhancer and made it up to 18 litres instead of the usual 23 litres to make it more concentrated. I would describe it as more malty than hoppy and none of the bitterness you would expect from an IPA. That said, it still was a good tasty beer, just a bit daft that they call it an IPA.
see also: brew night writeup, mishap writeup
Batch 3 – Extract Brew with Speciality Grains – All Cascade APA
My first attempt at extract brewing was a real winner. It tasted like a good beer that you would get from a micro-brewery. I think this might just be my favorite one to-date.
see also: recipe writeup, brew night writeup