improving my beer

[Nathan Davis]

Hi All
ive just set up a kegging system at home, a mate got me into it and am very pleased with the results, im onto my 4th keg just done a black rock colonial lager with a liquid light malt and not bad, i just want to ask a question could someone explain to me the best way to add hops
thanks

[Rysa]

Depends on what sort of beer you are trying to make as to what sort of hop and if you want it for bitterness, flavour or aroma.
I've only been using hops the last few months.
If you do a search at the top for "hops" there are quite a few topics on what to use for either lagers or ales.
Mostly if you are using kit cans it is more for flavour and aroma from the little i know as the cans are already bittered.
Most people add them to the boil towards the end or just before they add them to the fermenter, wether you strain them or leave them in is up to you and what you're after.
Hops add a heap more to your beer, they're great!
Good luck.

[Nathan Davis]

Thanks for that, i guess my intention is to make the beer smell and taste better to try and get away from that subtle 'homebrew taste' that still lingers even tho it is alot better since i went to kegs. I have no idea what type to use or when to do it so if anyone can offer advice there id be greatfull i mainly use coopers brew kits pale ale in particular i like the flavour of this but jazzing it up a bit would be good to try

[Rysa]

I've got a hops guide i could email to you if you like.
It's an excel file that lists what sort of brew type eg. ale or lager, how bitter and flavour description.
I found it on another forum not long ago.

This thread by Chris is a great start to get away from that "homebrew taste" too. http://www.homebrewandbeer.com/forum/vi ... php?t=1966

[Nathan Davis]

yeah sounds good thanks ill check it out

[Nathan Davis]

ndavis@nsw.chariot.net.au