National Homebrew Club Ireland

Brewing Discussions => Kit Brewing => Topic started by: Smallbeer on January 22, 2017, 01:14:25 PM

Title: A question of freshness?
Post by: Smallbeer on January 22, 2017, 01:14:25 PM
Hi Guys,

Last year I bought a craft range Czech pilsener.
It had date of 06/16, life got in the way and it still sits on my shelf.

Question... go ahead and brew it, swap out some ingredients, or bin it.

Comments and answers on a post card please.

Thanks in advance
Title: Re: A question of freshness?
Post by: oconn on January 22, 2017, 03:08:23 PM
at best fresh yeast... or you could fire it on and repitch a yeast if needed ?
Title: Re: A question of freshness?
Post by: Leann ull on January 22, 2017, 03:21:17 PM
Never gonna be great, but worth a punt with fresh yeast
Title: Re: A question of freshness?
Post by: LordEoin on January 22, 2017, 09:04:23 PM
I agree. Some fresh yeast and of you go. What's the worst that can happen?
Title: Re: A question of freshness?
Post by: nigel_c on January 23, 2017, 01:05:18 AM
Some nice dress saaz will add a bit of freshness into it if it's not great. Dry hopped.
Title: Re: A question of freshness?
Post by: WaterWolf on January 24, 2017, 12:40:21 PM
I have a similar question. I have a HBC all grain stout kit that my girlfriend got over a year ago but hasn't got around to making yet. No BB date on it. I imagine it won't be at its best anymore, but do you think it will at least still be decent?
Title: Re: A question of freshness?
Post by: pob on January 24, 2017, 01:15:19 PM
Quote from: WaterWolf on January 24, 2017, 12:40:21 PM
I have a similar question. I have a HBC all grain stout kit that my girlfriend got over a year ago but hasn't got around to making yet. No BB date on it. I imagine it won't be at its best anymore, but do you think it will at least still be decent?

Well past it, if the grain has been crushed & you've not kept the hops in a freezer & the yeast in the fridge.

Crushed grain should be really be used up within a couple of weeks at max (most people would say a day or two for true freshness). If the hops haven't been stored correctly & as the kit it's over a year old, they're probably 2014 or earlier hops, they're past it as well.

Yeast should have a Use By/BB date on it? needs to be stored in a cool, dark place.
Title: Re: A question of freshness?
Post by: Leann ull on January 24, 2017, 01:26:32 PM
Quote from: WaterWolf on January 24, 2017, 12:40:21 PM
I have a similar question. I have a HBC all grain stout kit that my girlfriend got over a year ago but hasn't got around to making yet. No BB date on it. I imagine it won't be at its best anymore, but do you think it will at least still be decent?

Birds will love it this time of the year
Title: Re: A question of freshness?
Post by: Macy on January 24, 2017, 03:39:26 PM
Found an old bitter kit that I never did when I dusted off the equipment, I think a couple of years past best before. I've taken on board a lot of the advice I've read here, and what google has thrown up, and going to chance it as the next brew anyway! The tin seems to be ok, so I ordered a new yeast and East Kent Golding bruphoria finishing hops to dry hop.

I won't be too upset if it doesn't come up to much - I'll just treat it as another practice of my technique, as first brew back didn't go that smoothly to be honest (but gravity reading samples are nice!).
Title: A question of freshness?
Post by: Leann ull on January 24, 2017, 03:59:01 PM
Kits are worth a punt grain on the other hand🤢
Title: Re: A question of freshness?
Post by: Smallbeer on January 24, 2017, 10:17:41 PM
Thanks for the feedback.
Reckon I'll stick it on this weekend.
I have 100g of saaz hops unopened, dry hop it as advised ( is 100g enough/too much)
The kit came with 20 g of larger yeast, should I pitch a new top notch yeast( suggestions welcome) as well or on its own?

Sorry for all the questions.
Title: A question of freshness?
Post by: Leann ull on January 24, 2017, 11:08:36 PM
You could use Nottingham at lower temps say 17, or cal common ale yeast, again on the low side, not too low on temp side or yeast will go dormant , if you use mangrove jacks you need two packs
I'd be reluctant to recommend proper lager yeast unless you have temp control
Probably go 50g on the saaz for 3-4 days max
Title: Re: A question of freshness?
Post by: Smallbeer on January 24, 2017, 11:18:51 PM
Thanks CH, the 100 was going in 😀.
I have a controlled chamber, so I can try a premium lager yeast.
Title: A question of freshness?
Post by: Leann ull on January 24, 2017, 11:23:31 PM
Take a small sip after the 3 or 4 days you can always chuck in the extra 50 for another 3 or 4 days.
If you have a chamber go for it.
Title: Re: A question of freshness?
Post by: Smallbeer on January 24, 2017, 11:32:29 PM
And your suggestion for yeast..... feed me Seymour, feed me  :D
Title: Re: A question of freshness?
Post by: Leann ull on January 25, 2017, 12:15:49 AM
W34 70 2 packs,
Tbh since you have questionable base ingredients I'm not sure I'd be using top grade yeast, why don't you just chance a packet of Nottingham and go again with another top grade one in a months time in time for summer?
Title: Re: A question of freshness?
Post by: Smallbeer on January 27, 2017, 08:12:34 AM
Ah a very moot point, thanks CH and to everyone for their input .

I'll post an update as an educational tool in a few weeks ;D
Title: Re: A question of freshness?
Post by: Leann ull on January 27, 2017, 11:12:17 AM