Becoming a better brewer

Pressure Fermenting

I am new to pressure fermenting, what is the recommended pressure for fermenting?

Pressure fermentation allows for the suppression of some yeast ester formations. This means that the esters that would have been produced at higher temperatures can be supressed so temperatures can be raised to speed the fermentation process. We feel that the sweet spot for LAGER (spelled LARGER on most homebrew forums) fermentation is somewhere around 15psi or 1bar of pressure to help the beer remain crisp and help suppress the two no no’s in crisp lager which are banana and clove esters!

Higher pressures can be damaging to the yeast’s cell walls.

Ale fermentation, in general, seeks to nurture ester production so by keeping the pressure low, around 8 to 10psi, you’ll have virtually no detectable difference in flavour unless you’ve got a palate as sensitive as a gas spectrometer. 

Is it easy to get into brewing and pressure fermenting?

Dry Yeast Usage

Is it recommended to rehydrate dry yeast?

A big part of homebrewing comes down to what works best for you and also following producers' recommendations. We would encourage you to read instructions before use.

Do I need to rehydrate the yeast before pitching?

Typically, dry yeasts do not need to be rehydrated before use and can be pitched directly into our fermenters. However, some brewers prefer to rehydrate dry yeasts as they think it speeds up the start of fermentation.

How do I rehydrate dry yeast?

To rehydrate yeast, simply add around 300ml of lukewarm water to a sanitised conatainer, and add the content of the packet then cover with a layer of tin foil. You will notice that after an hour or so, the yeast will start to buble and activate.

Storage Recommendation

How do I store my dry yeast?

Store in the fridge or dry and cool place.

How long can I store my dry yeast

Tins usage

How do I get the malt out of the tin?

You will need to open the tin and warm it up gently in a pot of water to help liquify all the malt goodness. Once the content seems runny enough, it is reday to transfer to your pot or fermenter.

How many tins do I need?

Most recipes call for 1 tin however the world is your oyster and you can experiment with 2 or even 3 tins! we recommend you take a look at our recommend tin or Kit & Kilo recipes.

Storage

How do I store my tin?

Similarly to all other food tins, in a dark and dry place such as a regular food pantry.

How long can I store my tin for before usage?

Every tin will have a best by use date on the bottom or top of the tin.

My tin has passed its best by use date, what do I do now?

Most people will discard the tin however some warriors have used them in the past and lived to tell the tale. There will be loss of flavour

What are hops?

Hops are the female flowers of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus). They are used in brewing to add bitterness, flavor, and aroma to beer.

How do I use hops in brewing?

Hops can be used at different stages of the brewing process. They can be added during the boil to impart bitterness, added toward the end of the boil for flavor and aroma, and used for dry hopping during fermentation to enhance aroma.

How much hops should I use in my beer?

The amount of hops to use depends on various factors such as the beer style, desired bitterness, and hop characteristics. Recipes typically specify the amount of hops to use, but you can also experiment and adjust according to your taste preferences.

How do I measure hops?

Hops are typically measured in weight, usually in grams or ounces. A digital scale is a useful tool for accurately

What are fresh wort kits?

Fresh wort kits are convenient and time-saving options for homebrewers. They consist of pre-made, ready-to-use wort (unfermented beer) that has been professionally brewed and then packaged for homebrewing.

How do fresh wort kits work?

Fresh wort kits eliminate the need for the homebrewer to go through the entire brewing process, including mashing and boiling. Instead, the kits provide a pre-boiled and cooled wort that can be transferred directly into a fermenter, where yeast is added to begin fermentation.

What are the benefits of using fresh wort kits?

Fresh wort kits offer several advantages, including:

• Time-saving: With pre-made wort, you can skip several hours of brewing and focus on fermentation and other aspects of brewing.
• Consistency: Professional brewing ensures a high-quality and consistent wort base for your beer.
• Convenience: Fresh wort kits provide a convenient solution

Pressure release valves are a safety mechanism that will release pressure above a certain threshold. This prevents unwanted and potentially dangerous build-up of pressure. Their mechanism is simple: a main shaft with an O ring at the end which is held down by a spring. Depending on the spring force, the PRV will contain the desired pressure in the vessel, releasing any unwanted pressure by compressing the spring, and breaking the seal. Once the pressure in the vessel drops down low enough the spring force once again seals the vessel, preventing the escape of any further pressure. This is a bit of it of a simplistic overview, as we don’t want to make this too confusing.

Our Improved Design

By changing the ‘cap’ of the PRV, we have managed to increase the maximum gas release rate significantly! What does this mean? This means a safer

Who better than some of the world's best engineering and biology minds  of the craft beer world to explain the benefits of pressure fermentation? Learn more, right here.

As a first-time brewer with only a YouTube education, I had little idea what I was getting myself into. I went in with blind ambition, and my goal was simple, to make, drink, and enjoy some beer for as cheap as possible. Equipped with a Fermenter King Junior, Wort Kit, and a packet of yeast, I thought I was ready to go.