Scammonden Dark

[Old-Crofty]

Hi I've recently broadened my taste range and purchased a Scammonden Dark kit. I followed the instructions to the letter being a novice to this type of ale and the result, whilst being "well strong" has and unpleasant after note that is quite unpleasant and of herbal nature that lingers on the pallet. It's in a keg at the moment and I'm of a mind to transfer it to bottles, IF it can be corrected to a more acceptable brew. Any help out there? You can e-mail me at totalrecall@talktalk.net if you wish, my name is John.

[drewthe brew]

you cant easily transfer it to bottles after its been kegged

I doubt that bottling will change the taste.

how long has it been in the keg ?

[Old-Crofty]

Hi Drewbrew,
Mny thanks for your comments. I guess it' been kegged for around 3 weeks......I had thought, IF I bottled it with a non fermenting sweetner (+of course a small charge to bring the head back) it may improve. As it is, it leaves quite scouring taste to the pallet, may be being adventurous was NOT a good idea.

[drewthe brew]

3 weeks isnt a lot of time for a 2 can kit.

what temperature did the beer ferment at ? I had a disater last year when I was caught out with the hot weater and had a brew that tasted like burnt rubber.

[Micklemuss]

Sounds lto me like its still green. I've got one that's been in the barrel for 3 months now and its lovely. Give it a month then try it

[Nunfa1]

I did this kit and like most Brupaks kits it really benefits from 6-8 weeks conditioning. Give it a bit longer and you'll be amazed at the results.
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DRINKING: AG
CONDITIONING: AG
FERMENTING: AG
PLANNING: More all grain

[seanipops]

What Nunfa1 said - this is probably my favourite (untweaked) kit. Give it time, you won't be disappointed.
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The South Street Shed Brewery
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[Old-Crofty]

I'm grateful to everyone who'se taken the time to offer advice. We haven't been inflicted with the high temperatures experienced up Country and I'm reasonably sure my brewing shed, being sheltered by a large cherry tree is not the hot house it could be. The initial fermentation was carried out in our kitchen and I don't recall any temperature factors, it took somewhat long to brew out than anticipated before commiting to the keg and with the introduction of the charging sugar was very active and remains so now. To draw a glass takes ages as it's mostly froth, I shall wait & be patient as advised. Guess this is the worst of Southeners tampering with Northern brewing tradition?

[drewthe brew]

we'll allow it, as long as you will drink the beer with a decent head and not just a few bubbles

[barl_fire]

Kegged one of these last week and as ever with Brupaks 2 can kits its very nice indeed. However I couldn't help notice how similar it tastes to Old Conkerwood, maybe I've not got a very discerning palate but there's hardly anything in it except the Scammonden is a bit thinner (3kg versus 3.6kg though), drier and less sweet. Had planned on doing another Conkerwood after it but as I like to mix my beer styles around, I've put that on hold in favour of another Smugglers (yum!) and a Muntons Imperial Stout.
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KEGGED: Smugglers, Muntons Imperial Stout, Nelson's Revenge, Conkerwood
NEXT: Midas Touch, Santa's Winter Warmer, Muntons Imperial Stout

[drewthe brew]

good choices

I cant think of two better kits to brew

[barl_fire]

[drewthe brew]

full match report on the stout needed from 6 weeks onwards

its a complex drink and you'll taste the changes from week 6 onwards

by the time its finished you'll want another on the go

[barl_fire]

[Old-Crofty]

My earlier expressed disappointment with this brew has not been substantiated. Having allow a further 4 weeks for it to mature, it has proven to be everything I had expected of it. A Great sup....highly recommended. If you try it, an addition to the instructions would be PATIENCE!


John.
S.W.Cornwall