I got a Mr. Beer kit for Christmas and was thinking of actually using it. I was given an American light, which is probably and ale, and a patriot lager mix. I'm more of a stout and porter drinker myself; could I just roast the barley in my oven to get a darker beer flavor out of it? Also, for future reference, with Mr. Beer can you add flavors to it, for instance coffee or chocolate or bacon to the brewing process? Thanks for all your advice and help.
My advice: Brew the kits as is, i.e. don't go changing things until you get the basic process down and know what you're doing. Yes, you can roast your own barley, though very few do. If you want to add roasted barley, you can buy it at your local homebrew store or online. Coffee flavors: You can add them by steeping roasted grains that will impart coffee flavors. Or you can add actual coffee beans, ground or not) to a secondary fermenter. And there are lots of variations on this. Chocolate flavors: Ditto coffee flavors above. Bacon: It's been done. Can't offer advice on that one though. ETA: Almost forgot... read www.howtobrew.com or buy the updated hard copy book.
My guess is the yeast for this kit is at least a year+ old and has been stored at room temperature. Check for expiration date (may be missing). If out of date and/or has been stored warm, I recommend springing for a new packet. Good luck.
Thank you for the advice and the link. I planned on brewing as is for the first couple times to get the feel of it. The kit has been stored properly and doesn't expire until middle of next year. Excited for this fun adventure.
I found that the best way to infuse coffee into beer is to do a cold steep. Let fresh ground coffee beans and cold water sit in a mason jar in your fridge for about 2 days, then run that mixture through a filter and put the liquid in the bottling bucket before you start bottling. ...and if you're wanting bacon, maybe add some smoked malt to your muslin bag when you begin steeping your grains. I think your best bet would be to just get a stout kit though if that's what you're really wanting. I don't think these flavors would go well with an american ale, but that's just my opinion. Sounds like you're making a breakfast beer, nonetheless! Hope it all goes well.
Thank you. I didn't mean those all together at once. A breakfast beer would be fun, like a French toast beer or something.
MrB is a good way to get your home brewing feet wet. For the best results ... be sure your equipment (fermentor, kettle) ...utensils ... and bottles are clean and sanitized and be patient. Follow the 2-2-2 method: Ferment for two weeks. Carbonate for two weeks. Cold condition for two weeks.
