dme or priming sugar

[copper118]

i've got a batch of cloned Oberon thats ready to bottle.....would you guys use priming sugar, or light dme....i've got some surplus dme and figure i'd use that if appropriate....thx!

[Jeff Lockhart]

I'd use the DME. But then again, I'm not fond of putting anything but malt in my beer.:)

Slainte
Jeff

[guildofevil]

We're talking about ~4oz. of sugar/DME in a 5 gallon batch. I can't see it making any discernible difference to the flavour/body of the beer.

Am I right here or do people think it makes a difference?

Séan

[Jeff Lockhart]

Can't say if it would make a difference (probably not) but it is just my preference. I keg now anyway 'cause I'm just plain lazy and want instant gratification .

Slainte
Jeff

[fuji6100]

I've mainly used corn sugar, but the one time I used DME (ran out of corn sugar by accident) instead the beer had slightly more mouthfeel than I anticipated. Whether this was due to the brewing process itself, or the priming agent, I can't say for sure.

Perhaps some of the other members can chime in, but my thought is that on darker, fuller bodied beers, it shouldn't make a huge difference, but lighter and more delicate beers could let the difference shine through a bit more.

[danno]

Originally posted by guildofevil
We're talking about ~4oz. of sugar/DME in a 5 gallon batch. I can't see it making any discernible difference to the flavour/body of the beer.

Am I right here or do people think it makes a difference?

Séan you're right. I bet 90% of the homebrew made is primed with corn sugar, because that's what comes with every prepackaged kit.... (and you need more DME if you use it... don't remember how much, because I haven't primed a batch in 2+ years...)

[Restin]

The only difference I've read is corn sugar may give a larger, "pop-like" bubble and DME may be a finer bubble.

My next brew will be the same as my previous and I plan on using DME instead of corn surgar to see the difference myself.

[ray m]

I know I've stated this in other past threads, but I have never really noticed any difference in the quality/flavor of my finished beers when using corn sugar vs. DME for priming. However, the only thing I did notice, in my personal experience only, is that my beers seemed to take longer to carbonate using DME (like 5-6 weeks). I do know, though, that there are others on this boarsd that have noticed absolutely no difference at all in carbonation times between the two.

Ultimately, I think it's either a matter of preference or convenience.

[danno]

Originally posted by Restin
The only difference I've read is corn sugar may give a larger, "pop-like" bubble and DME may be a finer bubble.

My next brew will be the same as my previous and I plan on using DME instead of corn surgar to see the difference myself. I love this...:rolleyes: yeast eats sugar and the byproduct is alcohol and co2. we can all agree on that, right? this happens at a cellular level, I would like to see one coherent scientific explanation that tells me how that resulatant co2 will differ depending on what kind of sugar is used...

I think this story has it's origins in overcarbonated beers, if an equal weight of corn sugar and DME were used, the corn sugar would have more carbonation than the DME, so it will appear to have "bigger" bubbles, only because more co2 is coming out of solution...

[HogieWan]

I don't use either, I use my beer (gyle actually). It's too late for you on this batch, but before I pitch my yeast I set a measured amount (based on OG) in an airtight, sanitised container in my fridge. When it's time to bottle, I add it back just as you would with priming sugar and bottle it up. I've done it for two batches. Can't say I've noticed a difference in flavor/mouthfeel or anything, but it makes me happy.

[wortchillergoal]

I think DME gives a bwetter mout feel to the beer. Notice I employed the word "think". I don't know if this can be proved or not. In any case, I have made good beers with both.

[copper118]

thanks for the quick response guys......i'm gonna use the dme since i've got that handy...i appreciate all the input

[BluesHarp]

I only use DME; mostly because a relative who loves good beer has a severe corn allergy.

[EBW]

I have some dark DME and was wondering if it would make any difference in the stout I'm brewing. Is it a good idea to use dark? Or would I be better off using corn sugar. I intend on conditioning 4+ weeks.
Thanks,


EBW

[EBW]

In addition, how much DME should I use to prime with? I intend on bottling in 1 litre glass grolsh style bottles.

[BluesHarp]

Rule of thumb...1-1/4 cups DME or 3/4 cup corn sugar for a five gallon batch.

[EBW]

Thanks!

[BluesHarp]

Remember, that is a safe amount. If you want to be very authentic, different beer styles have different levels of carbonation; this is achieved by varying the amount of primer, or the pressure, if cabonating with CO2.

[rogue]

Originally posted by HogieWan
I don't use either, I use my beer (gyle actually). It's too late for you on this batch, but before I pitch my yeast I set a measured amount (based on OG) in an airtight, sanitised container in my fridge. When it's time to bottle, I add it back just as you would with priming sugar and bottle it up. I've done it for two batches. Can't say I've noticed a difference in flavor/mouthfeel or anything, but it makes me happy.


I also very often prime this way. Occassionally I will prime with dme, never corn sugar. I've even primed a few stouts with mollasses that turned out quite well.

[barleypopmaker]

I have just bottled a batch using Coopers Carbonation drops. It is more expensive than using corn sugar, but is supposed to give you the perfect amount of carbonation. I guess we'll find out. If you give these a try keep in mind that they are not packaged here in the US, so the directions say 1 drop per "stubby" or 2 drops for a Long Neck bottle. In England a long neck is a 750ml bottle, not the 12oz (350ml) that some here refer to as longneck bottles. It is 1 drop for a 12oz bottle, 2 for the large bottles.

[wortchillergoal]

I just opened a bottle that was carbonated in 11 days using DME.

[EBW]

My stout came out better than it ever has, I used dark DME. The carbonation is perfect and it is the best tasting homebrew I have made as of yet. Thanks for all of the advice and tips everyone!

[Magnew]

I have used both. I noticed no difference either way. I use DME if I happen to have some left over from brewing. Otherwise I use corn sugar.