Well, I just poured out all of the bottles of my first attempt into homebrewing. I sampled some periodically over the 5 weeks they sat in bottles... so it was about 38 bottles. It felt like such a waste, but it was a botched batch. It was a Cooper's IPA extract kit with dry yeast and some dry malt extract. The beer tasted so awful it is hard to pin-point any certain thing as to its failure. Here are some "highlights"
1-) I dont think the wort was really boiling that much throughout the brew. More like a mild simmer. This is something I regulated in my next batch.
2-) When I re-hydrated the yeast I used one of those clear plastic 3 cup measuring cups. It was cracked throughout as it has been used for all kinds of baking. Also, rather than boiling the water, I simply put it in the microwave for 1 minute. I used a slap pack for my next batch and bought a 6 cup glass pyrex measuring cup that will only be used for brewing.
3-) It took me about 2 hours to cool the wort down. I kept it uncovered in the house, outside... various places trying to cool it as I stirred it.
4-) Fermentation was done at a temperature that was WAY too high and finished in about 3 days.
5-) I boiled the priming sugar in a pan that is used for all kinds of cooking. Probably not a good idea.
There were some other things I fouled up too... but I should have read "How To Brew" and this forum before brewing, not after. After waiting 5 weeks in the bottle, I am certain the off flavors will not condition out much more. lol My next batch is almost ready to be bottled and I am confident it will taste much, much better. Also given the fact that it is a partial mash with REAL hops.
