Northern Brewer Kit Instructions

[BrewerE]

Need to get my mind off my first batch that is less than a week in bottles, so I've been looking at the kits on Northern Brewer for something to try as my second batch (and to give specialty grains a whirl) and was wondering about their instructions. http://www.northernbrewer.com/documentation/beerkits/SierraMadre.pdf

Pretty much all of them are still advocating racking to a secondary:
"1–2 weeks primary, 2–4 weeks secondary,1–2 weeks bottle conditioning"

After reading this site for about a month, it seems that this would no longer be the 'best' way? (seems like most are going to 3wk primary then bottle, unless dry hopping)

Thoughts?

Also, if I wanted to only do a partial/late add, would I add the 1lb DME and 1.5lbs of the LME at boil, then add the rest of the LME later? (I think it was Yooper who said to only add about a pound of extract per gallon in a partial boil)

Thanks!

 

[tmoney645]

Most sites still promote secondary due to the fact that it helps sell carboys, I think most here would agree that it is not necessary. You have the right idea for the late LME addition.

 

[F250]

...and the instructions are 10 or so years old.

Rick

 

[Upthewazzu]

If all you have is a plastic bucket for primary would you still recommend letting it sit in there for 3 or 4 weeks?

 

[F250]

If all you have is a plastic bucket for primary would you still recommend letting it sit in there for 3 or 4 weeks?

Sure.

Rick

 

[BrewerE]

...and the instructions are 10 or so years old.

Rick

I suspected as much...

 

[jethro55]

If all you have is a plastic bucket for primary would you still recommend letting it sit in there for 3 or 4 weeks?

Food grade plastic, right?

 

[RM-MN]

If all you have is a plastic bucket for primary would you still recommend letting it sit in there for 3 or 4 weeks?

Or even more. I've left one of mine for 9 weeks without issue. When bottled and carbonate that was one smooth beer.

 

[Upthewazzu]

Food grade plastic, right?

I'm not entirely sure (still at work, can't check right now), but it came with the kit I bought from Midwest Supplies.

 

[jethro55]

I'm not entirely sure (still at work, can't check right now), but it came with the kit I bought from Midwest Supplies.

OK, it is surely food grade.

 

[BrewerE]

What about if I wanted to dry hop? Just chuck them in the primary after a week or so (when main ferm has slowed?)

 

[WyomingBrewer]

Yup.