Summertime Beer

[RandyG]

Well Nick,FWIW, here is the recipe for my Mr. Beer sized Summer Ale.

steep 8oz. Crystal 20 for 30 minutes @155F
1x3.3 lb Muntons Wheat LME
1/8 TEASPOON grains of Paradise @ 10 minutes.
1/4 oz Willamette Hops at 20min,10min,and 5 min.
@ 14 days add 1/2 of a 2oz. bottle of McCormick's Lemon x-tract
via airlock.

This is the 3rd year I brewed this and have had good sucess.
BTW,this year I doubled the recipe for a 5 gal. batch.
1st pour is 6/3. Should be good.It's alittle bit stronger than a
lawnmower beer,but should still hit the spot.

[Kealia]

When I pull my sample to monitor the FG, I pull what I would need in the tube to visually get a good reading, then wad up a paper towel and somewhat plug the top above the liquid, if it continues to "ferment" it just pushes it up the tube. Since I'm not putting it back in the fermenter but drinking it after its done, I don't star-san the tube or the hydrometer which I would if I was putting it back into the fermenter. Only have to worry about disturbing the fermenting wort once this way and only losing a few ounces of finished product. I was in your shoes only a short 5 1/2 months ago, so ask away, there are many more knowledgeable brewers here than me that are happy to help keep you brewing!

I do this as well except after getting a reading I pour it into a bottle and stuff the napkin in that like a molatov cocktail. This way I can keep my hydro tube clean and dry.