Brewing Master » Brewing Beer » A return to brewing
A return to brewing
Question:
1. How long can liquid malt extract be stored? It has been in the ‘fridge for about six months, still sealed in its bag. Can I use it, or should I trash it and buy new?
No problem here. People routinely use older stuff, kept on the shelf. 2. Same thing for hops pellets. These have been kept in a ziploc bag in the freezer for the same amount of time.
The aroma may have depleted somewhat, but if it was reasonably air-tight, you’ll be OK. 3. Anyone have experience brewing outside? I have a gas grill with a burner on the side.
My only concern would be the heat output from the side burner. If you’re boiling 5 gallons at a time, it may take a while with the typical 35K BTU side burner. Less capacity, probably OK. 4. Does anyone have a good recipe for a simple, American style beer? I know it is very vanilla compared to some of the recipes discussed here, but for now, its what I like. I hope someone can help me out with this one.
The trick here is to use rice extract for some of the fermentables, to make a lighter-tasting and lighter-colored beer. This recipe is from the Cat’s Meow II recipe collection: Cream Ale Issue #937, 7/29/92 Ingredients: 3 pounds, dry light malt extract 1 pound, dried rice solids 1/2 cup, roasted barley 1 ounce, Hallertauer hops (boiling) 1/2 ounce, Hallertauer hops (aromatic, 10 minute boil) 1/2 ounce Hallertauer hops (finish) Wyeast American ale yeast Comments: I read in Papazian’s book that using malt for priming makes for different bubbles that have a creamier texture. Sure enough, it does. The result was a light, refreshing brew with a delicate delicious flavor that leaves your tongue floating on a cloud. Good luck!
Response:
Hello all beer lovers! I have not been brewing for a few months for a number of reasons(roommates being one of them). I will be moving into an apartment soon with only one roommate, so hopefully things will be more convenient. But enough about me, I need some advice! 1. How long can liquid malt extract be stored? It has been in the ‘fridge for about six months, still sealed in its bag. Can I use it, or should I trash it and buy new? 2. Same thing for hops pellets. These have been kept in a ziploc bag in the freezer for the same amount of time. 3. Anyone have experience brewing outside? I have a gas grill with a burner on the side. I’d like to boil my wort and rack out on the deck I will have. Is this a problem? I know about sterile surfaces, but I was wondering about airborne yeasts and other beasts. 4. Does anyone have a good recipe for a simple, American style beer? I know it is very vanilla compared to some of the recipes discussed here, but for now, its what I like. I hope someone can help me out with this one. Thanks for any advice you may be able to offer. Please e-mail if you can as I cannot always catch up on my newsgroup reading everday. — *Bill Maly * Any ideas, opinions, or facts of life stated *