Coopers Ginger Beer problem? I think...

[ajoleary]

3 days ago, I started a batch of Coopers Ginger Beer (first go at a ginger beer!) using the recipe on the tin as listed below. I reckon that by summer this could be a great alternative drop, after mowing the lawns!

Can of Coopers Ginger Beer goop
1kg Raw Sugar - Never used raw suger before, but I guess it makes sense for a ginger beer!
Yeast as supplied

However, after 3 days there is still no sign of fermentation despite a steady temp of 22degC. No bubbles in lock and SG remains unchanged.

Is this normal for a Ginger Beer?
Should I give it a stir to see if this sparks things up?

Help appreciated,
Azza

[melbourne man]

i have never made aginger beer but it sounds like you got dud yeast i would pitch some more and hope for the best.

[blandy]

yeah ... what Melbourne Man said

[ajoleary]

What type of yeast would be best to use?
I have a spare Safale yeast, but I'm not certain what's best for Ginger Beer?

Thanks Again
Azza

[chris.]

Any ale yeast would be OK. I believe grumpys supply Safale S-04 with their Ginger Beer kit.

[Boonie]

What type of yeast would be best to use?
I have a spare Safale yeast, but I'm not certain what's best for Ginger Beer?

Thanks Again
Azza

Put a small amount in test-tube to ensure it doesnt smell shite and waste a good yeast.

I would put the safale in after test and hope for best. I do not think it would entirely matter what yeast you used as the ginger taste and smell would overpower anything you put in it.

I have done 3 Coopers ginger with zero probs. Great for a different taste and ice cold is fantastic. I put my Gingers in Crownie bottles and drink straight from bottle during summer. Only prob is all my neighbours love the stuff.

Boonie

[damonpeyo]

I would add a handful or two of fresh grated ginger along with it in a stocking or filter bag, gives a nice fresher taste and great drink to have with hot curries.

[OldEvan]

crack the fermenter open and give it a stir with a spoon.

I found my coopers ginger beer stopped fermenting 3 or 4 times, but after a stir it started up again. I heard a theory that because of the low viscosity of ginger beer, the yeast sinks to the bottom where it lies inactive.

Either way, it works pretty well to get it going again. Oh, and try adding a half cup of ground ginger if you like your ginger beer really gingery

[ajoleary]

Thank's all for your help. I used an extra Safale yeast I had at home, and now it's bubbling away like a dream.

I can now look forward to a crisp, bighty ginger beer come summer.

Cheers
Azza

[Trizza]

I made some Cooper's ginger beer with the following:
Can Coopers ginger beer
1Kg Brewing sugar
500g honey
Coopers packet yeast

2 months after bottling and its one of my best, only its got a huge head and possibly too gingery. It did have an artifical sweetner taste early on, thats gone away now.

[rwh]

Sweet mate, I might give that one a go because I have a can of ginger beer I've been wondering what to do with. How's the honey taste? Not overpowering? What did you carb your bottles with?

[Trizza]

I cant really taste the honey taste too much, it just seems to balance the whole thing out. Using Brewing Sugar was a bad idea, next time i'd do it with malt or dex. Making it up to 20L made it strong!

I carbonated with 2x coopers drops, but the reasons for overcarbonation are becuse i simply bottled too early, after about a week. I reckon the honey takes alot longer to break down and ferment.

Using the coopers plastic saved me from exploding hell....

Its been really good having some Ginger Beer around, makes a really nice change from all the regular homebrew.

[rwh]

Aw, I was looking forward to doing this with the brewing sugar, cos I bought a couple of bags early on and have never used them (worked out that they are a bad idea pretty quick ). Ah well, might still use one just to use it up, and do it to 23L because I prefer my ginger beer weaker.

[Beau]

I've done a Coopers ginger beer and a Beermakers ginger beer (still in the fermenter). The Coopers fermented as normal, but I had no activity with the Beermakers for a few days. I was just about to pitch a new yeast when I found it bubbling away after 4 days of idling.

[ajoleary]

Just though I'd provide an update on my Ginger beer. In the end it fermented without any further issues, after the addition of the extra SAFALE yeast.

I opened the first stubbie yesterday (about 2wks old) just to see how it was progressing. Lovely! Easy drinking with a lasting bight in the back of the thoat. Perhaps a little on the flat side, but with a liitle longer in the bottle should be sensational.

Thanks you all for you answers & now I'm looking forward to summer

[benson]

i think you better put on another batch it probaly wont make it to summer

[benson]

aghh , i bought a coopers ginger beer today and it had no yeast with it ,
would it be ok to use the yeast and nutrient i got with a apple cider or shall i get some other yeast

[benson]

aghh , i bought a coopers ginger beer today and it had no yeast with it ,
would it be ok to use the yeast and nutrient i got with a apple cider or shall i get some other yeast

anyone help i want to put this on this weekend

[OldBugman]

Got any other coopers yeasts lying around?

[blandy]

Not to sure about what won't work, but SAFAle should be fine.