Hambleton bard strong bitter.

[pauljc66]

Hi guys, have any of you tried the Hambleton bard strong bitter dry kits..?
Are they any good...?
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DRINKING: Milestones lions pride.

CONDINING: Muntons imperial stout, Kenridge Shiraz, Beaverdale Chabli Blush.

FERMENTING: Coopers Aussie larger.
PLANNING: Way to Amarillo, Summer ale, Rocker APA, Thunderbolt.

[Emeraldclaire]

I've never been happy with these kits, but that's probably because they are a bit harder to make. Don't use BOILING water, make sure the water you hydrate the yeast in isn't too hot... I tried one more time, and made the Old English, but I hated it. The only kit I've never liked. On the other hand, my 13 year old son declared it wonderful, so I thought I'd best give the rest away before he drank it! I found someone who liked it, so I suppose it's a matter of taste.
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Drinking: Elderflower, elderberry, rhubarb, bilberry, Mild, cider,
Fermenting: 6 x fruit wines
Conditioning: Many, many wines inc. Blackberry port, strawberry, rhubarb, summer fruit, sloe, pineapple, plum. Colne Valley bitter, GeordieYorks

[pauljc66]

Cheers for that, might give them a dodge then...!
_________________
DRINKING: Milestones lions pride.

CONDINING: Muntons imperial stout, Kenridge Shiraz, Beaverdale Chabli Blush.

FERMENTING: Coopers Aussie larger.
PLANNING: Way to Amarillo, Summer ale, Rocker APA, Thunderbolt.

[bombrew]

HB with these dry kits did a lot to improve the standard of home brewing in this country during the mid to late 80s.

However if they have not moved on in quality, then in todays market they will be found very much wanting.

I do recall the amber export as a real drinkable pint which unlike some makes during the 70s and 80s it really was a case of hold your nose and swallow.
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only small victories

[Emeraldclaire]

I remember those early kits - terrible! I always made my beer from malt extract then, but most kits these days are really good. I still revert back to the cheap and cheerful Geordie kits on a regular basis - consistently good results.
_________________
Drinking: Elderflower, elderberry, rhubarb, bilberry, Mild, cider,
Fermenting: 6 x fruit wines
Conditioning: Many, many wines inc. Blackberry port, strawberry, rhubarb, summer fruit, sloe, pineapple, plum. Colne Valley bitter, GeordieYorks

[drewthe brew]

I'd agree

the dry kits are ok but never really hit the spot for me

[CyberPaddy66]

I agree, 20 years ago they were amazing kits but everything else has imprived and the HB kits have stayed the same, still a nice easy beer if you do make one but the Woodfords kits are MUCH better for flvour and they are not the best around these days
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Drinking: Rum and Coke.
Maturing: Prohibition Rum, London Bitter (AG), Elderflower Wine.
Brewing: Nadda!
Planning: GobHoblin (AG) plus Geordie Mild w/Honey and Head Cracker.
Dumping: Are you mad?