Nuns dribble

ok so I'm brewing some ale for a local landy get together..

first batch-wilko golden ale
sterilised pressure barrel, warned the two tins of malt extract, poured in barrel added 6 pints boiling water..mixed with sterile stick
topped up with cold water to 40 pints then added yeast and stood in 21degree airing cupboard for 7 days (instructions said 4-6 but it was still giving off gas)

it's now like this:



trouble is I'm about to bottle with 1/2 spoon sugar to start 2nd fermentation but my hydrometer alcohol meter is reading below 0 percent alcohol!!!!

is this normal?

it was gassing off nicely all week so should it not have alcohol content already?

join 'jimsbeerkit' forum......

yes that looks fine

hydrometer doesn't read alcohol it reads sugar content... ignore alcohol references

if its reading 1.004 ish then fermentation has finished

personally I always rack to a secondary bucket and give 2 weeks to clear a bit before bottling (although I corny keg everything nowadays) and only have to fill about 6 bottles on top

single can kits aren't the best... wilkos often have the 2 can wherry kit for £14 and much better

best one ive done from wilko and a regular fave with mates is a 3 can hybrid... a wherry kit and an extra single wilkos sweet newky brown can thrown in.... makes a really rich, liquorish hint and about 7-8%.... but very drinkable

bit late now but try and avoid white sugar in single can kits... makes the beer thin and watery... use moscovado or another flavoured dark sugar..... molasses makes a nice addition

best advice though is get onto jims beerkit... loads of very good brewers and help on there...

turbo cider anyone lol

cheers steve

cheers Steve
it was a 2 can kit, golden ale from wilko so no sugar added to first fermentation.

I don't have a hydrometer but it's been in my barrel 8 days now and the box says 4-6 so as long as it's meant to look like that ill bottle it now as I need to drink it at the end if the month

thanks for the tips and links chief