Muntons Gold, Doclands Porter (Sugarless Kit)

[CB_Phil]

So finally got onto my 2nd brew, I had bought Mild & Dark Spray malts as well as some Barley malt(didnt realise it wasnt spray)
but none of it required as stated, tis a sugarless kit.
Basically 2 tins (not the usual 1) & all you need is there. I did however add an extra 150g of Dark sugar to increase the % & a whole 1 less liter of water (reckoned the extra sugar should up it on its own & if its good I dont want only 10ltrs of the stuff  )

For anyone interested in the kit,
ABV app. 4.5%
Colour EBC 90-100
Bitterness EBUs 17-23
Solids refrac 80-82%
Acidity 1% max
pH 5.5 max
Free Amino Nitrogen 0.15 % min

my Initial Gravity was 1564 a little high?
Final is meant to be around 1014

[Weiss]

my Initial Gravity was 1564 a little high?

Yup. 

[CB_Phil]

1054, miss typeorama there   

[CB_Phil]

Hoping it will yield a higher % too. It was saying to add spray malt instead of carbonation drops ect @ the bottling stage, anyone tried it?

[CB_Phil]

Bottled last night, w/a FG of 1015 so looking @ about 5.3%  I added 71g of Medium spray malt to the 19ish ltrs for priming. I reckon stiring slightly while filling as I had to scrape the bottom w/my stirring to break up the hard clunks of spray malt.
Came across one problem in my priming vessel. The tap is far too high, bottom of the tap is @ the 2 liter mark (is there a cap I can get to seal the hole & make a new one lower down?

[LordEoin]

That's the normal place for the tap, any lower and it would fill with trub
Tilt the bucket go get the last drops out leaving the yeast behind.

[irish_goat]

That's the normal place for the tap, any lower and it would fill with trub
Tilt the bucket go get the last drops out leaving the yeast behind.

I think (correct me if I'm wrong) he is using a bottling bucket though, so wouldn't have any trub/yeast at the bottom of that. If you check this thread you can see an easy enough solution to it.

Next time try boiling the malt extract in some water to dissolve it(and sterilise) before adding to the beer.

[CB_Phil]

Yeah, just for bottling. Cant tilt too much due to the bottling tube. Was thinking of a rig (sort of like the on Gary is knocking up in that thread) but its the storing of the thing. Thought of dissolving in hot water but didnt want to heat up the beer too much

[CB_Phil]

Tad early, but heading away soon & wanted to have a taste of one. Ive had a few strong Poters tonight, but mine is totally flat, no head nothing! Is this just down to using malt as a primer or the bottles (PET bottles from my 1st brew). Taste is a little flat, but that could be down to the stronger stuff Ive been drinking.
Herself tried it too & reckons its a little flat too, any ideas what went wrong?  The beer is about 5.3ish & dont taste it?

I reckon/ hope it just needs longer?

[LordEoin]

You need about 50% extra if you're using DME for priming.
eg 100g sugar = 150g DME

Here's a handy calculator:
http://www.brewersfriend.com/beer-priming-calculator/

[CB_Phil]

I just followed the instructions off the back (Didnt use a calculator I must admit ). probably should have thrown a bit more in. Im happy once the taste picks up, Porter isnt exactly a very effervescent brew anyway.

[LordEoin]

if there's still some sweetness in the beer, it might still carb up a bit more for you with a bit more time.
Some of my beers that were undercarbed were perfect after 6 months, some that were perfect young were way too fizzy after 6 months.
If the yeast is still good, it'll munch away on the sugar every now and then when the temperatures are right

[CB_Phil]

Only worry is gas escaping from reused bottles?
I think its still sweet, but I did have a 10.9 Porter just before so I cant realy ay, but herself reckons it is.
Sitting in a blanket box in the kitchen a few feet from a rad, so roomish temp. should it be higher or lower?