Just started on my 1st kit

[LordEoin]

Stout kits usually have a higher FG than others.
Most of my stouts end up with an FG of about 1.012-1.016.
Nothing to be worried about.

I did a quick google and found this blog who ended up at 1.019 with your kit and it was fine.

I'd say botle when you're ready, but go easy on the priming sugar or you'll end up with a fizzy stout.

[CB_Phil]

Thanks for that Eoin, my original Gravity was pretty close to his too. Reckon Ill leave it a day just to see, mate who started his 1st kit dropping down tomorrow too & hes never seen the bottling process, so will do it /him

Im using the Coopers drops instead of the priming sugar. Plan to do some bottles w/a full lump & others w/half as Im not a fan of too much Fizz

[Garry]

Having help during bottling definitely takes the boredom out of it. I have to limit myself to 2 drinks while bottling or else I'll make a balls of it!


How do you plan on halving the carbonation drops? I've never tried it, they're hard bastards! I reckon they'd go in shite but I've heard of others doing it alright.

[johnrm]

Chopping board, a big Sharp knife, Lean heavily.
The drops will shot in opposite directions, so you will need something to keep them off the floor.
Alternatively, you could make up a syrup - bring 100ml of water to the boil, pop in Dextrose/Table Sugar, dissolve and cool.
Use a syringe to administer the correct amount to each bottle (If not batch priming)

[CB_Phil]

LOL, similarly I use to get quite drunk while working on bikes, had to call mates round a few times, like when drilling the handlebars for the controls ect, just too wobbly & blurry.

Was gona use the blade on my leatherman, nice & sharp, alternatively herself has a Claymore I could borrow! Maybe a blast in the microwave to soften them. Ill just play around w/them while Im sterilizing the bottles   

[johnrm]

I never heard of Microwaving to soften Sugar/sweets.
I'm not sure this is a good idea, but definitely do this and put it up on YouTube, it could be good for a laugh.

Have you got a second bucket? If not, get one, always very handy.
Pop syrup into this, syphon onto it (gently, with no aeration!) This will ensure the most consistent carbonation across your batch.

If you have to work around this, syrup/syringe is the best option IMO.

[CB_Phil]

I got a 2nd one alright.

was thinking if it melts it, it may soften it. Probably wont bother w/that & just try use the leatherman

[johnrm]

How well does your Leatherman deal with being sanitized?
Use the drops until they're all gone, then a batch or 2 down the road start using the second bucket.

[Chris]

Once you start bottling from the second bucket with syrup you'll find it much easier. I use this http://hbd.org/cgi-bin/recipator/recipator/carbonation.html  to work out the quantities and it hasn't put me wrong yet.

[CB_Phil]

Leatherman would be grad for sanitising, I see you poinr thou, never really thought bout that & the blade has been used on a varied amout of stuff.

How do you know how much CO2 your after w/that? Think I should probably get a book & read up a bit instead of just winging the whole thing

[Chris]

Leatherman would be grad for sanitising, I see you poinr thou, never really thought bout that & the blade has been used on a varied amout of stuff.

How do you know how much CO2 your after w/that? Think I should probably get a book & read up a bit instead of just winging the whole thing

The drop down menu gives the recommended vol CO2 for each style. Then just type in the corresponding value and it gives you the amount of fermentables needed.

[CB_Phil]

Cheers man, will book mark that site for future use

[LordEoin]

according to that calculator, you'd need 5.2grams per liter.
1 card drop per 500ml is 6 grams per liter and would be fine. (they're 3 grams each)
I've used that in the past and it was enjoyable.
But if you want to split them, I find that s sterilzed wood chizel works great.
I'd not warm them though as it will make them sticky. It's easier to just split them clean,

[CB_Phil]

Feckin chisel, wasnt expecting to have to go to that extent, love to see her face me hammering down on the work top w/my chisel.

will play around w/this batch & see how it goes. 

[johnrm]

Feckin chisel, wasnt expecting to have to go to that extent, love to see her face me hammering down on the work top w/my chisel.

will play around w/this batch & see how it goes. 

Make sure you have a chopping board on the Granite...