Hello, Mr. Beer User :-/

[Highwyre23]

Hello, I am very new at this, For Christmas I got a Mr. Beer kit from my sister, and I just really started.

I used what they gave me to start off, A concentrated beer mix, their yeast, and a booster. I've followed all of the instructions thus far, and I just bottled my first batch 2 days ago.

As directed by the mr beer instructions, I used normal sugar to carbonate, while I know this isnt the best way to do so, it was my first batch, so I decided to just try.

Well My issue is, all of the sugar is just settling at the bottom, and doesnt seem to really be dissolving... Is this normal? does it usually take a decent about of time for the sugar to be unnoticeable?

Although I have very low expectations for this batch, I would at least like for it to be carbonated...

This, in no way will be my last attempt, I have already invested about 50 bucks in some more ingredients to play around with, but have very limited funds (I'm a college kid in boston), and limited space, so I will not be investing in better equipment until I really get the hang of all of this.

Also, I was looking at the coopers website, and they sell carbonation drops (which I suspect is just a form of sugar in cube form) but I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with these.

Thank you very much for you time, and I hope one day I will be a bit better at all of this.

[MARK123]

I too started with the mr. beer kit. I used reg. sugar and shook the bottles till it was mixed up when bottling. It worked out fine.
As a matter of fact I used reg. sugar even after I went to 5 gallon batches. I used to take a recipe for 5 gallons and divide all ingredients by 5 and multiply by 2, for mr beer batches and got some great beers. It is just as easy to make 5 gallons as it is 2 gallons , so I moved up!!..It will take 3 weeks to fully carbonate...You can drink it then, But if you can wait another 4-6 weeks the beer will be 1000 times better!!!

[SoxyinMO]

Originally posted by Highwyre23
Hello, I am very new at this, For Christmas I got a Mr. Beer kit from my sister, and I just really started...

I hope one day I will be a bit better at all of this.

You will. :D Just keep brewing.

[MikShau]

It is just as easy to make 5 gallons as it is 2 gallons ,

and 10 is just as easy as 5.

Acording to my freindly neighborhood brew pub brew master'

" and 400 takes just as long as 10".

Have fun and welcome to the club.

[s8n]

Originally posted by Highwyre23
Hello, I am very new at this, For Christmas I got a Mr. Beer kit from my sister, and I just really started.


By the way, this is my first post. Anyway, this is the best Christmas present anyone could have given you. I've been brewing for the last 2 years and it's been a blast. I suggest you continue with the Mr. Beer until your more funds are available. Once the funds are available, you will have a lifetime of enjoyment with this wonderful hobby.

[Highwyre23]

I'm really excited, i just snuck a sip of one, and it seems to be very carbinated, and actually doesnt taste half bad.

I'll be putting them in the fridge on thurs, and having a few drinks on friday. I feel like a proud parent :)

[YamahaXS]

i would recommend spending an hour at your local homebrew store.

they're listed under BEER in the yellow pages.

cheers and welcome to the obsession.

[HarkJohnny]

Originally posted by YamahaXS
i would recommend spending an hour at your local homebrew store.


i can't seem to get out of there in less than that! hehe :D

[Highwyre23]

Well, I gave in, sampling a beer before I should be.

Poured into a glass, has a nice white head of about an inch and a half, leaves early, but a little sticks around.

Its a bit watery, but that should be expected from the mix, I'm hoping that it will have a better taste when I use malt extracts instead of boosters, but all in all, it tastes like shitty beer, with little taste, but hey, its a succsess. I made beer :)

[BrewDog]

Congratulations!

Ditch the booster and you will be much better off.
Make a couple 3 batches like that, then try steeping in some crystal malt and adding your own hops. You'll be on your way to bigger (and better) batches in no time.