I decided after 2 weeks on top of my fridge carbonating and conditioning that I would try a bottle of the beer I made with the Mr. Beer kit (it’s called West Coast Pale Ale). Unfortunately, I think it needs another week. If you recall when I first tried it warm and flat straight from the fermenter, it had a very tart apple flavor (I think it’s called acetaldehyde). A frequent reader/commenter suggested it was just a by-product of fermentation and it should go away with conditioning. He suggested I condition it for a couple weeks before trying (which is why I didn’t try it last week). Well, that flavor is mostly gone, but it’s still detectable. I think it just needs some more time. Anyway, here’s a brief review of the beer.
Pours a pale amber color with a small head that quickly disappears. There is noticeable carbonation that seems just about perfect. Smell of a slight hint of apple tartness with a faint hint of hops. Taste is mostly the apple tartness up front which becomes a slight hops and malt aftertaste after the swallow. It feels somewhat thin and watery and that’s really the main theme of this beer… thin and watery (in taste, smell, and mouthfeel).
I wouldn’t rate it very highly, and I don’t have huge expectations for it after more conditioning. It’s drinkable (I’ve had much worse), but I’m glad it was only 2 gallons instead of 5 or 10 (which most homebrewers make). I’m also glad that I know some people who will want to try it to help get some of it off my hands so I can make room to make more beer. I have to plan a trip to Blackstone Valley Brewing Supplies with my manager to pick up some beginner equipment and probably a kit. I guess making beer requires a lot of patience (something that I need to learn). Hopefully, this one will come out alright after another week or so of conditioning.
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