In some ways that first homebrew is its own sort of whale – oh to go back in a time machine and recreate the excitement of that first brew. Keepin’ it fun is important!
Yeah my first batch was one of those dusty old True Brew kits that used to sit in the corner of LHBS. In my case it was “Belgian Ale” which is kind of a 5% take on Duvel. It was drinkable but not great. I’m still trying to perfect that beer off and on and it’s been fifteen years.
What a great summary of this process!
I brew smaller batches - my Best Bitter will clock in ca. 2.75 gallons into the fermenter. So if it’s 1/4 - 1/3 cup of sugar for five gallons… that would be a little over a tablespoon per gallon at the high end, so about… three tablespoons? I could not find a priming calculator for sugar in a keg.
still trying to perfect the simple Pale Ale, have been for 20 years
What would make it more perfect for you, sensory wise?
Thanks for asking Julia. For me, its all in the balance of the flavors Where I seek the perfection. not too much malty, not too much hoppy. I have brewed this style more than any over the past two decades. I want my lager lovers to say they like it a lot, and I want the IPA lovers to say they like it a lot too.
I love the pursuit. It’s like mine for the perfect English Bitter.