[davidank]

Hello, I haven't made my first batch of beer yet, and I am still trying to figurethings out. My question is this:

Question 1- When making a batch of beer, can I not follow a recipe (or actually I am inquiring about making my own recipe out of whatever ingredients I pick) and add as much and whatever kind of malt extract I want to the wert, whatever amount and kind of hops I want, steep my choice amount and whatever kind of grains I want in my pot of wert, and add whatever kind of yeast I want, and see how the beer comes out?

Or...do I need at least a certain amount of malt extract and etc in my wert/beer recipe for the beer to turn out ok?

I am trying to see if I can literally make MY own beer by whatever kinds of ingredients and amounts I want to use/experiment with? (as long as I have the needed ingredients, Malt Extract, water, yeast, hops).

Question 2- This might sound like a stupid question but i think the answer is yes...does all malt extract liquid or dried have malted barley in it, right?

Thanks for your advice!

-David

[Gary A]

Originally Posted by davidank

Hello, I haven't made my first batch of beer yet, and I am still trying to figurethings out. My question is this:

Question 1- When making a batch of beer, can I not follow a recipe (or actually I am inquiring about making my own recipe out of whatever ingredients I pick) and add as much and whatever kind of malt extract I want to the wert, whatever amount and kind of hops I want, steep my choice amount and whatever kind of grains I want in my pot of wert, and add whatever kind of yeast I want, and see how the beer comes out?

Or...do I need at least a certain amount of malt extract and etc in my wert/beer recipe for the beer to turn out ok?

I am trying to see if I can literally make MY own beer by whatever kinds of ingredients and amounts I want to use/experiment with? (as long as I have the needed ingredients, Malt Extract, water, yeast, hops).

Well I am knew to this as well as the only brew I have ever done was with someone else. I just got all my own gear and I am getting ready to start brewing. To a point yes you can throw whatever you want in, HOWEVER I am doubting you will like the results and it will be a waste of time and money. If you truly want to try making your own recipes there are calculators like:
http://www.tastybrew.com/calculators/recipe.html
This way you can put in everything you intend to use and times and it will let you know if you are making beer or fertilizer.

Originally Posted by davidank

Question 2- This might sound like a stupid question but i think the answer is yes...does all malt extract liquid or dried have malted barley in it, right?

Thanks for your advice!

-David

Extrac liquid is a very thick syrup like substance. It is the result of reducing what you would get if you were to start with grains.

I don't know if you have been doing much reading yet or not but I strongly recommend it if you have not. Personally I have read two books already and have about 10 sites that I have been reading all I can find on brewing. I am hoping that my first attempts will turn out so I can start enjoying them as soon as possible.

Best of brewing to ya, hope your brews are all tasty and clear.