Re: First recipe without a kit

Dan Logcher wrote:
> James wrote:
> 
>> I just made my first batch with a recipe instead of a kit.  See below* 
>> I had a couple of questions.  What is the purpose of gypsum and does 
>> it make a huge difference?  From my brewing books, it gives the water 
>> some minerals making it heavier and changing the PH levels.  I use 
>> city tap, but it still has a little "flavor" to it.
>>
>> Second, for priming, is corn sugar the best or are there other options?
>>
>> 3 lbs dark malt
>> 1 lb Belgium candy
>> 2.5-3lbs Honey
>> 1 oz Cascade
>> 1 oz Fuggles
>> 1 tsp Irish moss
>> 1 package Muntons
>>
>> I started the honey in the water and brought it to low boil added the 
>> malt, candy and 1/2 oz Cascade.  I added the other 1/2 Cascade @[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 30 
>> min. 1/2 Fuggels at 15 min then the other 1/2 Fuggels and Irish moss 
>> at 5 min.  Total cook time about 1 hour 30 with 1 hour boil.  I got a 
>> very clear brown with a foamy head when I poured it into the primary 
>> and there was a great malty/hoppy smell.  The starting gravity was 
>> 1.05 and I could here it chugging along in the closet this morning.
>>
>>  From what I have read, adding the honey in early and boiling it 
>> removes most of its flavor and character.  I'm not sure why that would 
>> be.  I also read an article in Zymurgy talking about the difference 
>> the type of sugar you use can make.  My whole theory on this one was a 
>> mellow dark beer pu****ng on the sweet side.  So final question, at 
>> what gravity should I put in the secondary and what final would/should 
>> I expect?
> 
> Also know that honey is a natural anti-bacterial.. so its not likely to
> cause issues when put in last few minutes.  I usually put it in in the
last
> 5 minutes.
> 

That was my thought, but I also read somewhere that there are other 
things (wild yeasts maybe and or enzymes) that can make it go off.  What 
was your experience?

-- 
James

"Filled with mingled cream and amber; I will drain that glass again; 
Such hilarious visions clamber; Through the chamber of my brain; 
Quaintest thoughts, queerest fancies; Come to life and fade away.  What 
care I how time advances?  I am drinking ale today."

~ Edgar Allan Poe