Aussie Brewmakers

Tip 1. A major cause of failure when brewing is infection which is caused by poor cleaning or sterilising. All equipment that comes into contact with your brew must be cleaned, sterilised and rinsed thoroughly.

Tip 2. Do not use any form of detergent or soap unless it is specifically made for brewing.

Tip 3. Most yeast supplied with beer kits can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, if the starting brew temperature is outside the range of 21-27°C, the likelihood of spoilage is increased. Once started, it should be in the temperature range of 18-32°C. Try to control the temperature in cold weather by using an immersion heater, heat belt or pad. During hot weather, try filling the lid of the fermenter with water, then wrap towelling around it, ensuring you gather the top of the skirt into the water in the lid.

Tip 4. Don’t use cane sugar in the fermenter. Only use cane sugar when priming the bottles.

Tip 5. Always use good quality ingredients. It will make all the difference between your beers being really good or very ordinary. Use reputable beer packs and avoid the “el Cheapo” supermarket brands. You get what you pay for in homebrew and if you spend the minimum, you should expect to make only low grade beers.

Tip 6. After you have made some regular beers and have mastered the art, try adding extra flavour or giving it extra body and improving its head. This is achieved by using malt and corn syrup instead of dextrose/glucose (or a combination of all three). Also try different receipes.

Tip 7. Always keep a record of brews. There is nothing worse than enjoying the perfect beer and not knowing how you made it. You may never be able to make it again.

Tip 8. Try adding hops to your next beer. This will enhance the bitterness and aroma. Mix 25g with 300ml of water, bring to the boil and boil for 1 minute, then turn off and rest for 15 minutes. Add this directly to your brew or strain and use the liquid only. Straining will reduce the final sediment but will also slightly reduce the flavour of the hops.

Tip 9. Try adding grains to your next beer. This will add colour and flavour. Mix 100-500g grains (depending on type) with 1 litre of water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 20 minutes. Strain the liquid directly into the brew.