First attempt to doctor up an extract kit.

This is my experience at my LHBS, I guess they give you a discount when buying extract/steeping grain kits. I doctored pretty much every one I've bought from them, just cause I didn't want to follow a strict guideline. But now I've gone AG, and yeah it's definitely cheaper.

 

Quoting my earlier post "I'm more nervous about your fermentation temps. You say a room in mid-60s, given the size of this beer your fermentation temps could easily hit 75 if the ambient temp is 65. If you really want to brew this, you need a way to make sure your actual fermentation temp doesn't rise much past 65 or you will have a drain pour. Look into getting a large cooler, you can add frozen water bottles to control the temp."

Yes, this works, but it is a bit of a pain. I ferment in my basement, never gets above 70 (even in the summer). I swap bottles in the morning and evening. I can easily maintain 60 degrees, have to be careful not to get it too cold. You will need to constantly stick a thermometer in the bucket to monitor the actual fermentation temp. Like I said, a bit of a pain, but you have to control your temps for a beer this big. If you don't, you might as well save the effort, not brew and just pour the ingredients down the drain.

 

It would, I would also suggest split the carboys. 2.5-3 gallons in each one. Will help you from blow off and will be easier to keep the temp down. Just keep it cool for the first couple days, like 5-6 days.

And to make it easy, use US04. Same strain as WLP007, cheaper, less work, and you can pitch enough to atleast cover your bases on under pitching. Pitch alot, keep it cool, and I think you'll be happy.

If you let it get hot.. You'll hate it, seriously. It'll be a drain pour. Trust me, I've done it, and been there. Used some 1084 in a RIS about 1.5 years ago. Got hot, blew out, tons of esters and fruit notes that are just out of place. Fusels.. kept it around in a keg for over a year. Didn't help it. Dumped it.

 

Should work out for you then. Stay on top of the temp control for the first few days and then you could cut back on the ice/frozen water bottles.

Goodluck.

 

That should work, one thing to be aware of. If you use something like a large bucket or tote, you will have a lot of condensation on the outside. Not a big deal, just be prepared to deal with it. Don't ruin your wood floors or carpet

 

That was the last time you were invited over to Aunt Millie's house.