My First Brew Ever! ...and a few questions

[Capitals82]

I would first just like to say that this site rocks! I have been reading through posts here for a couple weeks and have learned so much from this site.

Anyway, I recently purchased a Brew Demon signature 2-gallon kit and have started my first batch. I let it ferment for a little over 2 weeks and I just bottled everything on Tuesday. The instuctions say when adding the sugar to the bottles, that you have to dissolve the sugar by turning the bottles upside down but not to shake it. Does it really need to dissolve completely, or will it matter if the sugar just sits there at the bottom?

Also, For my next batch i'm thinking of adding some fruit flavor to the beer (perhaps get some fresh cherries). Has anyone done this before with a brewdemon/mrbeer mixes-refill kit to enhance the flavor? If so, would I just add it to the boil first or just pitch it into the LBC?

Thanks!

[Gymrat]

No the sugar doesn't have to be dissolved. The yeast will find it no matter what. As for the fruit I can't answer that question as I have never used it.

[BigPapaG]

Hi Capitals82! Welcome to the Borg!

As Gymrat stated, the yeast will find the sugar just fine... No worries.

Adding fruit seems to work best after primary fermentation is complete (10-14 days).

This way the fruit flavor and aroma is not blown off by the rapid generation of CO2 during the initial fermentation phase.

Most people use canned fruit that is already pasturized as opposed to fresh fruit which can harbor all sorts of wild bugs... (yeasts and bacteria).

Oregon is a well known choice...

You will find that most folks will, in general, let their wort ferment for about 21 days to insure full fermentation... Maybe a bit longer for a late fruit addition.

Then, prime and bottle, allowing the bottles to carb at room temp for about two weeks.

From there, a bit more time at room temp or cooler to condition (usually 1-3 weeks or more, longer time for bigger ABV beers, spiced beers and some fruit beers).

You will see this representrd in posts as 3-2-3, 3-2-4 or some variation of that, etc.

Good luck with your first brew and Happy Brewing!

[RickBeer]

+1 on everything BigPapaG said including Oregon fruit.

I use fruit quite a bit as SWMBO likes it. Wait a week. Sanitize blender, puree Oregon fruit, open lid of LBK and gently pour it in, then close the lid, all nice and quick (like 10 seconds). I've found that cherries are more subtle than say raspberries which are very noticeable. Blueberries were so-so.

Oh, and as a new brewer, here's the address to send that first batch to for our certified testing:

RickBeer
123 I Will Drink Your Beer Lane
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

[jimjohson]

welcome to the forum, Capitals82

[D34THSPAWN]

Welcome to the forum!

BigPapaG is spot on, I made the mistake of adding the raspberries to the wort right away (following Mr. B's recipe) To my knowledge (anyone feel free to correct me if I am wrong) what happens is all the sugars ferment out and all that is left is the bitter/sour flavors in the fruit so it ended up being rather bitter unfortunately. Adding after two weeks and letting it sit for another week or so would be much better.

[Capitals82]

+1 on everything BigPapaG said including Oregon fruit.

I use fruit quite a bit as SWMBO likes it. Wait a week. Sanitize blender, puree Oregon fruit, open lid of LBK and gently pour it in, then close the lid, all nice and quick (like 10 seconds). I've found that cherries are more subtle than say raspberries which are very noticeable. Blueberries were so-so.

Oh, and as a new brewer, here's the address to send that first batch to for our certified testing:

RickBeer
123 I Will Drink Your Beer Lane
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Great post Rick, and thank you ALL for the quick and helpfull replys!! I will definitely consider the Oregon puree fruit for my next batch... but I ordered a Weizenbier for my next batch, I'm curious as to what fruit added would taste good with it.

Rick, I'll be glad to send a sample your way, in exchange for your finest

Thanks!

[Bluejaye]

All your questions appear to be answered, so I'll just say welcome to the forums.

[Funky Skunk Brewing]

All posts before me here were spot on so I will just give you a welcome to the

Glad you found the community and happy brewing!!

[Brewbirds]

I see your in good hands so I'll just add:

Brew Birds.jpg (28.74 KiB) Viewed 999 times

[gwcr]

Nothing more to add so...

Welcome to the forum Capitals82! Glad you found us!!

[wollffy]

Assimilation commenced!
Welcome to the Borg.

[Root Skier]

+1 on everything BigPapaG said including Oregon fruit.

I use fruit quite a bit as SWMBO likes it. Wait a week. Sanitize blender, puree Oregon fruit, open lid of LBK and gently pour it in, then close the lid, all nice and quick (like 10 seconds). I've found that cherries are more subtle than say raspberries which are very noticeable. Blueberries were so-so.

Oh, and as a new brewer, here's the address to send that first batch to for our certified testing:

RickBeer
123 I Will Drink Your Beer Lane
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Great post Rick, and thank you ALL for the quick and helpfull replys!! I will definitely consider the Oregon puree fruit for my next batch... but I ordered a Weizenbier for my next batch, I'm curious as to what fruit added would taste good with it.

Rick, I'll be glad to send a sample your way, in exchange for your finest

Thanks!

I'd go with blackberry or raspberry with a wheat based beer.

[berryman]

Your questions have been answered above with good advice, so I'll just say Welcome to The Borg.
You'll find that there is a lot of brewing knowledge on this site and all you got to do is to ask.
Welcome and Happy Brewing

[John Sand]

Welcome Caps! Keep brewing, keep learning, have fun!