RICARDO NO 10 TOM CAXTON LAGER 1.8KG WITH EXTRA HOPS 31/08/2014

RICARDO NO 10 TOM CAXTON LAGER 1.8KG WITH EXTRA HOPS   31/08/2014

I lost my way with this brew . I was still looking for a great Lager and was recommended using the Tom Caxton Lager plus hops and using 250g clear honey and 1kg of sugar , adding the honey first and the sugar 4 days later . On adding the sugar fermentation seemed to stop or really slow down , I was advised to use more yeast which I did . I also  used my hydrometer for the first time but wasn't happy with the readings. I eventually bottled the brew after about 3 weeks and it was far from satisfactory. score 4 out of 10 brew again, back to the drawing board .   

RICARDO NO 9 WOODFORDE'S NOG 3KG 01/07/2014

RICARDO NO 9 WOODFORDE'S NOG 3KG 01/07/2014 

This is the brew that changed everything . It was a 3kg brew hence double the malt , double the price and no sugar . It was also the first time I used a barrel . Prime as usual and then fill the barrel . It saves all that bottle washing and filling . I got the barrel with the gas injection cap . When filled leave in a warm place for a couple of days and then transfer to  room temperature . I also did a couple of bottles , hence the picture . I was amazed at the quality of this brew it was excellent and the barrel was so convenient . I used 2 to 3 CO2 cartridges to keep the beer lively and easy to pour . Score 9 out of 10 . Brew again yes .

WARNING !! I HAVE RECENTLY BOUGHT A 2ND BARREL AND I FORGOT TO CHECK IF THE TAP WAS TIGHTENED PROPERLY . IT WASN'T  AND A SMALL DRIP DEVELOPED . I LOST ABOUT 1 LITRE AND IT STAINED THE DOWNSTAIRS CEILING WHICH WILL NEED REPAINTING .

RICARDO NO 8 GEORDIE LAGER 1.5KG 01/06/2014

RICARDO NO 8 GEORDIE LAGER 1.5KG 01/06/2014

I have now come to the end of my first experience of home brewing . After this brew I moved on . The conclusions reached were I prefer real ales to lagers . Geordie brews  were my favorite so far , and bottling is a pain in the arse . This was a very good lager . score 7.5 out of 10 . Brew again Yes .  

RICARDO NO 7 GEORDIE MILD 1.5KG 01/05/2014

RICARDO NO 7 GEORDIE MILD 1.5KG 01/05/2014

"Why are there two bottles in the picture ? This beer was from Morrisons and I only paid £6.99 for it  . Unfortunately our local Morrisons no longer sells home brew products so expect to pay a little more now  . How often is it the case that the cheapest can be the best . I really liked this beer a dark mild with a good head on it and a very nice taste .I also used a bag of extra malt instead of the sugar .  I have now brewed it 3 times and its my best brew so far . Score 8.5 out of 10 . Brew again already have done ."

RICARDO NO 6 BLACK ROCK GOLDEN ALE 1.7KG 30/04/2014

RICARDO NO 6 BLACK ROCK GOLDEN ALE 1.7KG 30/04/2014

" I thought I would try a golden ale next as they tend to be my first choice in the pub . I loved the colour of this ale but it was lacking in taste . It did improve over time and was refreshing to drink . I also preferred it cold which hasn't been the case for the other ales . Score 6 out of 10 . Brew again probably not "

RICARDO NO 5 TOM CAXTON REAL ALE FULL HOP 1.8KG 02/04/2014

RICARDO NO 5 TOM CAXTON REAL ALE FULL HOP 1.8KG 02/04/2014

 Another Ale and its appealing to me more than the lagers now . This had a taste closer to the commercial real ales you can buy . score 7.5 out of 10 . Brew again maybe " 

RICARDO NO 4 MUNTONS NUT BROWN ALE 1.8KG 4/3/2014

RICARDO NO 4 MUNTONS NUT BROWN ALE 1.8KG 4/3/2014 

"Enough of lager lets give ale a try . This was my wife's favorite so far and it was a very good ale that I would brew again . score 7.5 out of  10  Brew again yes in a barrel".