Starter - how to?

[croc4]

Hi All,

I have read a few threads on this and it seems to be the way to go. I will be starting with a kit for my first few batches and was wondering how do I create the starter?

The kit (brewers best - English brown ale) came with dry yeast and DME.

Do I use additional DME for this? and if so does it matter what kind? does it have to be of the same type that came with the kit?, will using different DME change the flavor of the brew by any noticeable amount? or do I use some of the DME from the kit?.


Forgive the "ignorant" questions, I am just getting started ;-)

thanks,

Croc4
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[blzrfn]

I have never used a kit before, but I am sure it is meant to be used as is. You shouldn't need any other ingredients for that beer, but that doesn't mean that you can't add to it. More extract will give you a higher gravity beer, which can be good or bad. Also using liquid yeast will give you more predictable and repeatable results. But since these are your first batches I would recomend just familiarizing yourself with the process and follow the instructions to the letter. Once you have tasted your beer you can make adjustments the next time.

[sallad]

i use about 1-2 cups of DME in about 1qt of water as a starter. boil it, let it cool to 70-80F, and pitch yeast. it's probably best to get some other DME than what came with your kit, but not necessary. if you have a homebrew store near you, just stop in and pick up a couple-pound sack of pale or light DME. shouldn't change you flavor or alcohol content very much. if its a pain to get it from mail order or something, just use what came with your kit. and next time, order a few pound of extra pounds of DME just to have laying around.

also, make the starter about 2 or 3 days before you brew. store it in a dark, quiet place (if one can be found) at room temp, maybe about 70F, with an airlock on it. 1/2gallon growlers make good starter carboys!

[croc4]

thanks for the input, I'm torn between the two, using the kit as is, or doing some experimenting (that is why we are all here right ;-) )

I see blzrfn's point and it may be the way I go in the end,



Thanks again
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[sallad]

actually, i'd say follow the instructions as is. brewing is not terribley complicated, but its much easier to understand once you do it a few times. after you get the basics down, then you can let the experimentation run wild!

[w00kie98]

be prepared croc, after the first couple of batches, you'll lay awake at night asking your self an endless series of questions,

"If I add (more, less) extract, how will....."
"Wonder if I can use ( insert just about any additive you can think of) how will that affect......?"


"Make the voices stop!!!!" I can hear all the yeasts from my past batches!!!"

:D
Welcom croc to the most noble of hobbies!

[croc4]

thanks for the warning and the welcome
;-), I don't mind the voices, they can join the ones I already have ;-)
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[mcarlson74]

I found that several hombrews right before bed will silence them long enough to fall asleep.:D Welcome to the greatest hobby there is.

[croc4]

So I started a batch, I gave into temptation and added .5lbs of malt to the kit ;-), I also re-hydrated the yeast the night before (based on plamers instructions.) and a few hours after pitching it it started bubbling away. (I have it in a water filled tub to keep the temps more constant)

So now I have to wait ;-(, I'm hopping that since this is my first time, The beer will come out fine, I'm sure with subsequent batches I will hone the process.

Thanks again for all the advise, will let you know how it turns out.

Croc4
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[w00kie98]

Good deal croc, I myself have a batch of Oatmeal Stout I call "Thors Hammer" I'm bottling Friday evening. I'm amazed at this batch, it looks like old motor oil!!!!
It should turn out thick and chewy like I like.

Good luck croc.

[YamahaXS]

Good job, croc4!

the waiting is the hardest part... I suggest that you start another batch next weekend.... that will help minimize the urge to putz around with the fermenting wort. Instead of sitting around watching the airlock bubble you will sit around looking at recipes for the next batch, browsing the beer store, and reading your beer book(s). Trust me...your beer needs some alone time now, so find another batch and forget about the first one as best you can.


:D

[croc4]

Just what I was planning to do (start another batch ;-) )
The down side is, if I did something wrong(I tweek'd the recipe from the kit a little), I may end up repeating the same mistake for the next batch without realizing it.


But given the reassurance from the board, I think I'm ok.
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[YamahaXS]

Yeah, home brew is hard to screw up.

edit: i got grammar poor