Classic American Light

[randyp]

I recently bought four Mr. Beer kits from a local retailer at a dirt cheap price. CAL in all of them. I started a batch using one can of the CAL HME and bottled tonight. I was wondering what the end result would be if my next batch used two cans of the CAL HME?

[mashani]

Considering how light bodied that HME is, then unless you like Bud Light, my guess is "Better Beer". Toss in 1/2oz of some hops at the end and it would be "Even Better Beer".

I have never mixed 2 of them, but I mixed a CAL with something else - Canadian maybe - and made good beer out of it.

[randyp]

Thanks, "Toss in 1/2oz of some hops at the end..."; does that mean put the hops in the wort and then in the fermenter? Is that dry hopping?

[Bluejaye]

Using 2 cans of CAL should be fine, but be aware that you are going to need to condition it for much longer. The Mr. Beer recipes that I made that used 2 cans said 3-6 months.

The statement about the hops was ambiguous to me, it could have meant a flameout addition (hops added just as the heat is turned off) or a dry hop (added a few days before bottling). The Mr. Beer recipe instructions are basically flameout additions. Either method, the intent is to add more aroma to the beer. As you will soon find, there is debate about which method is better (i.e. flameout isn‘t as pronounced vs. dry hop "quickly" fades).

Regardless, I concur that a hop addition will improve the end result. The challenge for you will probably be *which* type of hop, since ask 10 homebrewers their favorite hop and you‘ll likely get 10 answers. Maybe start here: http://www.mrbeer.com/category-exec/category_id/24

[jimjohson]

personally i'd use them separate and add a half lb of light dme to each and play with hops. you'll get more beer this way. just my 2 cents.

[LouieMacGoo]

I think Jimjohson is on the right track here. Since you brewed the first batch straight up you will now know what the baseline is. If you make some simple additions to each of the next batches you can see how it affects the beer from a taste, body, aroma and mouthfeel stand point! Congrats on the great find/dirt cheap price of the Mr. Beer Kits.

Also Glad you found us. We have a great bunch of characters, ah brewers here and your questions are always welcome!

[Wings_Fan_In_KC]

I disagree that using two standard cans of CAL will create a beer that will take 3 to 6 months to condition. More like 4 to 6 weeks. Two cans of 1.87 pounds is not a "huge" amount of malt in a 2.5 gallon batch if you fill to the top of the Q on the end of the keg.

JJ's suggestion of taking a can of HME and adding 1.5 pounds of Dried Malt Extract (DME) to it is spot on. The hops profiles......that comes with experience and just using them and deciding if you like them or not. Personally, I love Centennial, Columbus, Cascade and Chinook. I like Amarillo. I hate Palisade. I like Northern Brewer. I hate Mt Hood. I like Sterling. I like Cluster......but only you can tell you what you like through trial and error. If you have a craft beer that really knocks your socks off, hit their website and see if they divulge what hops they use. I do that all the time.

Here's an article on the C Hops: http://beerlovers.com/news-reference/ho ... eer-scene/