I did about six batches 25 years ago. They tasted like homebrewed beer. My first since then, using John Palmers Cincinnati Pale Ale from his book, is MUCH better than what I did before. But...it still tastes like homebrewed beer. Nice head, clear, great color, but body lacking and a short finish with little hop aroma. Not sure if this is the recipe (below) or water (used distilled) or technique. I'm a process freak so I was measured timed and weighed and I'm sure it wasn't the process. There are no off flavors. My business partner said, "It's drinkable, tastes like home brewed beer." That's like saying "His girlfriend has a great personality..." I push on, am not deterred. I'm about to put my second batch, the Northern Brewers Gaarden Hoe, into keg in about a week. I guess I'm a bit disillusioned because our local HBS, who is very nice, has a rather flippant attitude. He said "gotta start somewhere and not sure what you expected." Gotta tell you, I expect great beer, eventually. I just don't do things half way. I'll consider that first batch a learning experience. Next up is a one gallon all grain BIAB Belgian Pale Ale. I'll see if grains make any difference. In any event this stuff is FUN
Cincinnati Pale AleIngredients:
2 lbs 8 oz. Pale malt extract syrup, unhopped.
3 lbs. of sparkling Amber dry malt extract.
12 AAUs of Bittering Hop (Nugget) 60 minute
2.50 AAUs of Finishing Hop (Cascade) 30 minute
2.50 AAUs of Finishing Hop (Cascade) 15 minute
Safale Ale Yeast US-05