great i just found that video before i was about to bottle my beer. i got the same kit and i am happy that i pretty much did everything as you did ;) so now it means waiting... Craig, do you think, you should store the bottles (i brewed wheat beer) in a cool place (fridge) to finish the process?
Hi Craig,Started my Beer on friday started bubbling the air lock about 24 hr later,about 8 seconds apart,did this for 48 hrs.THen it seems to have stoped. Pitch my yeas at 85f. a little warm.should i check it or let it go for a few more days.I have read let it go for a 2 weeks,Im not shure what to do.Its a coopers wheat kit.Keeping it between 68f and71f
hi I am new too home brewing and i was just wondering how long you should leave the bottled beer before putting it in the fridge, no one likes a warm beer right? but thanks a lot for the video it was very helpful. :)
Great bottling vid! I just came to bottling my third brew and had a brain wave...I purchased 12 packs of 6 water @ 330ml 88p a pack! I used the bottled water to make my next batch and put a carbonation drop in each bottle so now have 70 bottles undergoing secondary fermentation that are 'grab size' so my beer won't go flat from openning a larger bottle...
do you need a linsence to buy a beer home brewery, or to brew at home? i think it'd be a good gift for my father for Christmas, but want to make sure everything's legal in good old Massachusetts before purchasing anything. thanks.
@888pineapple888 how much sediment is left in the bottom of the bucket sfter fermenting? Just wanted to no if you get any sediment in the first few bottles if you only use one bucket
@randy3251 From my experience you get about a 1cm thick layer of sediment at the bottom and it doesnt get sucked up into your bottles during bottling, unless you tip the fermenter over too much when youre trying to get the last few drops of beer out
Hi Craig, I have just bought the Coopers Microbrew kit and will be making it in the next few days. Once I have bottled my beer - How many days would you suggest that it needs to remain in a warm place to allow the secondary fermentation to happen in the bottle ?? I want to move the beer out into my garage for storage but don't want do that too soon in case it it stops the fermentation before the bottles are carbonated. PS I am a big fan of your videos !!
@MrCalmone Add more sugar. Alcohol is formed by yeast fermenting sugar and creating alcohol. It also creates CO2 and thats why you get bubbles. You can tell when fermentation has stoped as bubbles stop. If you add more sugar it may take a little longer but when fermentation stops you will have a higher alcohol content. Look at craigs detailed Hydrometer video on how to test the batch to see what its actual alcohol reading is. In the description theres a link to a detailed calculator. Have fun :D
hey there, do you recommend buying a hydrometer or just looking for when the bubbles stop? And if you rack to a carboy, and than bottle, all you need to add is sugar and it will ferment again?
@Pooleh08 Well they are easier, provide consistent priming for each bottle which eliminates the need to siphon to a bottling bucket and batch prime. They are a bit more expensive than corn sugar.
Hi Craig I have found your videos very informative and plan on buying my own Brew kit. I have one Question do you know what alcohol percentage you get from brewing the larger. Thanks again for the videos and any help
Hi Craig I have found your videos very informative and plan on buying my own Brew kit. I have one Question do you know what alcohol percentage you get from brewing the larger. Thanks again for the videos and any help
Thanks for the videos. I'm about to start my first batch with Mr. Beer. A few questions...First, can I use two cans instead of the standard one can in the brew instructions (would I need to wait longer to bottle?). And would using two cans mean I need to use two packets of yeast? Thanks for any info!
merci beaucoup !! Craig for all the info ! started my first wine batch 2 weeks ago and your tip wher very helpfull now , after seing this video , I’m thinking beer also !
Hey Craig. Did you think the sediment reducer is vital to make a good beer from the Cooper's kit? and I can't tell whether you used one in this video. Looking forward to your speedy reply.
I'm totally new to Home-brewing. Just ordered my Coopers Kit today. Can't wait. Watching your videos give me confidence that even I can do it. You are great, thanks for posting this videos. "Na zdrowie".
Craig, you're awesome. I just started the ferment on my first coopers (an IPA). I'm down here in Buffalo, NY, and wish we could share a glass. Sharing the knowledge I guess will have to do. Thanks Craig!
hey what's up nice to find people on youtube who share your own interests. I'm fairly new to this, ive brewed a pilsner and a belgian abbey already and now i'm gonna go for a belgian triple. I wanted to ask you if you consider it a good thing to move your beer to a second fermenter after one week, in order to avoid the yeast smell and to have a finest beer in general. my first two beers came out really good, so i'm not sure if it's worth it to buy another fermenter...what do you think?
Whats up Craig, your videos are so helpful and motivating. I watched your video with the kit and ordered one. I am not going to use the bottles that came with the kit because i prefer glass over plastic. The problem i have is that the kit says to use 1 tablet for 345-375 ml and 2 for 740-750 ml my bottles are 500ml. Do i need to use 1 or try to half some tablets and use 1 1/2 per my 500ml? thanks
bottling....what a waste of time....just put it in a corny keg and watch a movie (much better use for your time) takes 5 minutes to clean, 5 minutes to fill, made out of stainless steel so it wont break, portable (for all your camping needs)...and most importantly you don't have to clean and store bottles, measure priming sugar, or buy bottle caps...costs about the same when you figure in all of the time... for every batch you brew
@CraigTube Hey Craig, love the videos. I am new to the home brewing world and just ordered the micro kit today and cant wait. Wondering how long it takes after you bottle your brew before u can enjoy it with the boys? Any info will help.
Thanks for the reply, we will drop the temp on the next brew. The bottling went well and now the wait. The initial taste seems OK. Will let you know how it turns out.
Hi Craig, I'm due to bottle my lager in a few days, I have coopers carbonation drops, on the packet it says to use one drop to a 375ml bottle. I only have 275ml glass bottles, I didn't want to risk putting 1 drop to each of these bottles and have them exlode, can you advice please?
@TheCarees82 I would suggest you call Makebeer (dot) net 888-588-9262. They will be able to give you better advice on the drops than I can. They have excellent customer support. Tell them I sent ya.
Hi Craig, I'm due to bottle my lager in a few days, I have coopers carbonation drops, on the packet it says to use one drop to a 375ml bottle. I only have 275ml glass bottles, I didn't want to risk putting 1 drop to each of these bottles and have them exlode, can you advice please?
Hi Craig, I'm due to bottle my lager in a few days, I have coopers carbonation drops, on the packet it says to use one drop to a 375ml bottle. I only have 275ml glass bottles, I didn't want to risk putting 1 drop to each of these bottles and have them exlode, can you advice please?
Hi Craig, I'm due to bottle my lager in a few days, I have coopers carbonation drops, on the packet it says to use one drop to a 375ml bottle. I only have 275ml glass bottles, I didn't want to risk putting 1 drop to each of these bottles and have them exlode, can you advice please?
Only 3 days till we can look at doing our first bottling. The fermenter looks so cute as we have a single bed electric blanket wrapped around it because it is winter here at the mo. The temp is sitting on 26c, nice I think.
@ChampKenny You can boil some hops in a cup or two of water for about 10 minutes and add that to your fermenter with the other ingredients. I don't know about the bacon bits.
Hi Craig I'm just getting into home brew I watched your vids they are great one question after you bottle your brew how many days do I need to wait until they can be consummed/drink cheers
hey craig, just got my first coopers kit and love it. I am concerned though with everything that can go wrong...i only filled my bubbler on one side as opposed to how you did it in vid. It is bibbling away though do you think this wll cause me a problem? Also my temperture is between 26-28degrees it goes up and down with house heating between these temp. I am concerned really dont want to loose my batch any comment would be much appreciated!
The water in the airlock will stay lop-sided like that as long as there's gas coming out of it. It's normal. As for the temperature, you're fine. You will not lose the batch. Bottle after the bubbling slows way down to about one every 30 sec. or more. It's pretty hard to screw these things up.
hey craig, just got my first coopers kit and love it. I am concerned though with everything that can go wrong...i only filled my bubbler on one side as opposed to how you did it in vid. It is bibbling away though do you think this wll cause me a problem? Also my temperture is between 26-28degrees it goes up and down with house heating between these temp. I am concerned really dont want to loose my batch any comment would be much appreciated!
yes... but your the one going all 'wooo coopers ftw recomend to everyone' and such arnt yah. What is on the end of the bottler which you attach to the spiggot?
Well I bought the kit thinking it would help people, if that means anything. There's nothing on the end of the bottler. It just fits inside the end of the spiggot.
Sorry for being rude Craig mate, turns out i put the end which goes into the bottles to fill them up on the wrong end, if you get me? so i just switched it to the other end and it fitted fine :) I was just a bit wound up that the bottler wouldn't fit :P Good videos describing the processes, to be honest your videos made me buy the kit and i followed your instructions on your videos and not the one provided by the aussies. Cheers anyway and keep up the good work.
hey craig i just fermented a wheat beer and i waited 8 days to bottle then when i bottled it it was foamy like if it was a reugilar beer. but it had that flat tast like it should tell u bottle it to carbinate it. my hydro meter said it was ready . well 1.010 does that happen or am i going to open a bottle and it expload from to to much carb.
hey craig. i just started brewing and man i go off everything you say and do and i get the best beer...one question..my airlock is sealed and cap on the 6 gallon is sealed...but my air lock doesnt bubble...it did alil one bacth but the one that is goin now it hasnt even bubbled...but my beer always comes out fine lol...what do you think...
just watched ur air locks 101. so everything is sealed . and it works good when i push down on it and it will not go back down tell i let go....the beer is fermenting i really dont know...
hey craig great video, I have had my brew fermenting for 7 days and have taken 2 reading (yesterday and today) and it's staying at 1.012 (one line under 1.010) is it ok to bottle? and is my beer ruined? the temp is at 22c thanks
Bottling my first Coopers kit today. I got very interested in the product after watching your videos. I am trying the IPA. I will let you know how it turns out.
awesome videos.. just got my coopers kit today mixed up 1 of their mexican cerveza and got it fermenting at 23-26 degrees celcius. cant wait till this is finished
my coopers lager is fermented about 4 days (FG) is 1.008 (OG was 1.040) yesterday evening (FG) was 1.020 room temperature is 23 deg. C. My airlock is still active (bubbles). When can I bottle it. should i have to wait so long if the airlock stops? Or not?
I would wait it out. Your airlock is working good and it seems you have a good seal in your fermenter. Give it another couple of days to let it clear a bit and degas.
At what temperature did the beer ferment? Also, is shaking the bottles mandatory? Have you ever done a test where you shook some bottles and did not shake others? Is there a difference in the final beer?
Well, after 14 days and a slow hydrometer reading I bottled the brew. I never did get the reading I wanted but went ahead with bottling at 1.016. i know that's high but I had to get it in the bottles. Hope I didnt ruin it. I will let you know in about a month when I try it. Thanks for the help!
The Cooper's Heritage Lager that seemed to have such a long fermenting time came out absolutely great. Lots of carbonation and a great taste. I tried it after about three to four weeks and I loved it. Fairly good alcohol content. One question: any way to increase the alcohol content? Adding more sugar during bottling would increase it but would the bottles explode? I use carbonation drops. As always, I love your videos! Thanks!
I"d give your beers 1 to 2 weeks before you chill them. Try to keep them above 70 deg F. No you can't use twist off glass bottles. I had problems with a poor seal and most of my beers were flat. The threads prevent the caps from being air tight. My wife bought some 7UP in green bottles and I was looking at one today. I think it's perfect for home brewing beer. They are identacle to my brown and green plastic bottles I use, just a slightly different shape. I'm collecting a bunch of 500ml.
Sorry- I had that hydrometer reading backwards. Thanks and I'll let you know how it comes out. The first batch I did had no problems and was delicious. This time I tried something called "Cooper's Heritage Lager". Instead of powdered sugar, it had a can of liquid malt as the fermenting sugar. It also recommended a lower temprerature (18 degrees). I'll let you know the results.
I'm a big fan of your videos. I'm on my second batch of Cooper's and I have a question. It has been 7 days and my hydrometer reading is still pretty low (1.020 as opposed to the desired 1.040). My temperature has been about 20 degrees the whole time. Should I be worried?
1.040 would be your starting gravity, and your target is around 1.010 . There doesn't appear to be anything wrong except after 7 days it's usually done. (1.010) However, your temp is at the low end, so leave it for another 3 days and take another reading. I think you'll fine that it's done. Let me know what happens. Don't worry.
Oh and Craig, one of my favouurite drops is Ginger Beer, do you have an Instructional DVD on how to make Acoholic and Non Alcoholic versions of this ?? Many thanks From Down Under xxx
Hi Craig you raised an interesting point here for me, you said "Technically it is safer, but you still have to remove the airlock before you take a sample out of the tap to avoid your airlock water falling into your beer" In the Coopers DVD it does not mention that, so I assume from wut u r saying that if the tap is opened with the airlock in that it can draw in the Contaminated water and affect the Beer ?? Does the airlock need to be removed every time the Tap is opened after fermentation !!
Hi Craig, just two questions 1) is it not "safer" to fill the sample tube with Beer to Hydrometer test rather than "go inside" the beer ?? 2) In a previous Video you said the RED area on the Hydrometer is the correct level after 5-7 days, but here you say look at the Green area ??? Oh BTW I am from Adelaide where they make the Coopers Brew at Regency Park !! good to see It is enjoyed way over there and thanks for the Excellente Videos !!! xxx
Technacally it is safer, but you still have to remove the airlock before you take a sample out of the tap to avoid your airlock water falling into your beer. However, it doesn't hurt to go in for a sec and take a reading at the top where there's less sediment. You might get a more accurate reading there. If you do it from the tap, take into account that the sediment might up your reading a bit. Look for a reading of about 1.010 or less.
Craig just started my first brew TODAY :) and i have to say your videos are excellent! By far the best ive seen on youtube very clear no nonsense and a great help.
Good question. I prefer plastic for a number of reasons, and yes, there is a difference. I got your message during a taping of a FAQ video, so I gave a detailed answer to this question in that video, which should be up tonight or tomorrow.
Well, it's food grade plastic, so who knows. If you're right, you'll find out when my wife closes my channel and tells everyone I'm gone. :( There are no glass fermenters that I know of.
I should correct myself. You can ferment in a glass carboy, but leave enough head space so it can foam up while fermenting. Carboys are not perfered because they have a narrow top. you'd really have to watch your wort level and use a blow-off tube instead of an airlock.
I found after a few rounds of brewing its best to not bottle the last bit that rests on the sedement because the sedement at the bottom from tipping the vessle can seep into the spigit and ruin that bottle. and the Sedement reducer that comes on with the spigit makes for clean bottling. I usually just stop bottling when no more comes through the spigit while upright.
I usually get an extra three beers from tipping and any sediment that might end up in the bottle just falls to the bottom anyway. Once those beers clear, they taste the same as the rest, I find, and it's only the last one that gets the sediment.
Your kit can brew any type of beer. The method is usually the same for most types, but always read the directions. You are not stuck with Lager. Any kit can be brewed with your setup. Have fun!
Do you need to filter the beer from your kit at any time? I only make wine and i filter at the end just before bottling and was just wondering if the same is needed for Beer?
Awesome video Craig! Thanks for the detailed info. Nice shirt too, nice to see either a fellow mac user or someone like me, a fellow needing to do laundry ;-)
It shouldn't really be necessary to shake the bottles, and in fact I'd advise against it, as you are mixing that oxygen at the top of the bottle into your beer and risk oxidizing it. My first few batched were ruined from oxidization, not tasty at all. It looks like it works fine for you, but it really makes me nervous to disturb my beer until there is a good supply of CO2 in there.
You make a good point. That's another reason why I recommend capping the bottles loosely, until all is bottled. You start to hear a fizzing from some of them after a while. That's the oxygen being pushed out by C02 being produced by the priming sugar. by the time I tighten and shake, there's only c02 in the airspace. Clever huh? As a result, my beer is not affected by shaking.
I do something similar while capping. After filling the bottle I just place a cap on top, and once all the bottles are filled I let them sit for 10 minutes and cap. Never had any oxidization problems since. Although I batch prime so there is no need to shake dissolve the sugar.
Excellent. I was going to say 10 minutes is perfect. The last time a batch primed, I did it in a carboy and the foam was so high, I had to stop adding sugar and prime my bottles. Any suggestions?
I think I go through more work then most for clarity purposes. 6 days in a plastic fermenter, 1 (or two) week(s) in a carboy. When it is bottling time, I boil up a cup or so of water, add my sugar to that and put that in my sanitized primary plastic fermenter. I rack from the carboy to the primary. I usually don't bother stirring, because the racking action seems to take care of that. No foaming problems what so ever.
Thanks Craig another great video. It's so nice watching people make beer and wine. If you don't use carbonation drops how much sugar should you use in a litre bottle?
Hey Craig, after bottling your beer how long do you store it before drinking it????
tla37 1 week ago
Comment removed
Schuubiduuboy 2 weeks ago
great i just found that video before i was about to bottle my beer. i got the same kit and i am happy that i pretty much did everything as you did ;) so now it means waiting... Craig, do you think, you should store the bottles (i brewed wheat beer) in a cool place (fridge) to finish the process?
Schuubiduuboy 2 weeks ago
Hee hee ...bloopers to boot. Another awesome video.
AbuGrabIt 1 month ago in playlist More videos from CraigTube
Hi Craig,Started my Beer on friday started bubbling the air lock about 24 hr later,about 8 seconds apart,did this for 48 hrs.THen it seems to have stoped. Pitch my yeas at 85f. a little warm.should i check it or let it go for a few more days.I have read let it go for a 2 weeks,Im not shure what to do.Its a coopers wheat kit.Keeping it between 68f and71f
randy3251 1 month ago
Hey Craig, do you need to worry about sediment getting into your bottles when bottling?
daleiden 2 months ago
hi I am new too home brewing and i was just wondering how long you should leave the bottled beer before putting it in the fridge, no one likes a warm beer right? but thanks a lot for the video it was very helpful. :)
Thelittlecherub 2 months ago
Does anyone know how long these beers can last w.o going skunked after beeing bottled?
bdroyals32 2 months ago
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Great bottling vid! I just came to bottling my third brew and had a brain wave...I purchased 12 packs of 6 water @ 330ml 88p a pack! I used the bottled water to make my next batch and put a carbonation drop in each bottle so now have 70 bottles undergoing secondary fermentation that are 'grab size' so my beer won't go flat from openning a larger bottle...
Keep the viids coming Craig!!
chumowski 2 months ago
do you need a linsence to buy a beer home brewery, or to brew at home? i think it'd be a good gift for my father for Christmas, but want to make sure everything's legal in good old Massachusetts before purchasing anything. thanks.
888pineapple888 2 months ago in playlist More videos from CraigTube
@888pineapple888 Nope, not required.
CraigTube 2 months ago
@888pineapple888 how much sediment is left in the bottom of the bucket sfter fermenting? Just wanted to no if you get any sediment in the first few bottles if you only use one bucket
randy3251 1 month ago
@randy3251 From my experience you get about a 1cm thick layer of sediment at the bottom and it doesnt get sucked up into your bottles during bottling, unless you tip the fermenter over too much when youre trying to get the last few drops of beer out
HRHooChicken 1 month ago
rad man! thanks, im going to buy this kit ;)
ps.. how was the camping trip!
King52Man 5 months ago
Great video man, hope camping was cool.
DaveWhiteManchester 5 months ago
Hi Craig, I have just bought the Coopers Microbrew kit and will be making it in the next few days. Once I have bottled my beer - How many days would you suggest that it needs to remain in a warm place to allow the secondary fermentation to happen in the bottle ?? I want to move the beer out into my garage for storage but don't want do that too soon in case it it stops the fermentation before the bottles are carbonated. PS I am a big fan of your videos !!
ChrisGreen1066 6 months ago
how do you make the alcohol content stronger/?
MrCalmone 8 months ago
@MrCalmone Add more sugar. Alcohol is formed by yeast fermenting sugar and creating alcohol. It also creates CO2 and thats why you get bubbles. You can tell when fermentation has stoped as bubbles stop. If you add more sugar it may take a little longer but when fermentation stops you will have a higher alcohol content. Look at craigs detailed Hydrometer video on how to test the batch to see what its actual alcohol reading is. In the description theres a link to a detailed calculator. Have fun :D
oliverjamescarr 8 months ago
how do you make the alcohol content stronger/?
MrCalmone 8 months ago
hey there, do you recommend buying a hydrometer or just looking for when the bubbles stop? And if you rack to a carboy, and than bottle, all you need to add is sugar and it will ferment again?
helianthuscv 9 months ago
en nøh enah mjau. *spit* hahahaha XD
vagata123 9 months ago
coopers says 1 or if pasible one and half
xvidasx 9 months ago
So anybody know how many tablets need to use in 500ml botells 1 or 2 ?
xvidasx 10 months ago
@xvidasx I have the same question, do you have the answer already?
BatspindaVL 9 months ago
hi Craig, can the beer be stored in a large holding bucket to be bottled at a later point? or will it ruin the beer faster?
Thanks Mal (Australia)
Malconomics 10 months ago
@Malconomics You can transfer it into a carboy, avoiding the sediment, and it will keep in there for months. Keep it in the dark.
CraigTube 10 months ago
do u usually use the carb drops or just put an appropriate measure of white sugar in each bottle? thanks craig
bmr21021975 11 months ago
@bmr21021975 If I have the drops, I use them, otherwise just corn sugar.
CraigTube 11 months ago
@CraigTube Do the drops have any specific advantage over just corn sugar?
Pooleh08 7 months ago
@Pooleh08 Well they are easier, provide consistent priming for each bottle which eliminates the need to siphon to a bottling bucket and batch prime. They are a bit more expensive than corn sugar.
CraigTube 7 months ago
Hi Craig I have found your videos very informative and plan on buying my own Brew kit. I have one Question do you know what alcohol percentage you get from brewing the larger. Thanks again for the videos and any help
ianadfox 11 months ago
@ianadfox You're looking at about 4.5 to 5%. Have fun and enjoy!
CraigTube 11 months ago
Hi Craig I have found your videos very informative and plan on buying my own Brew kit. I have one Question do you know what alcohol percentage you get from brewing the larger. Thanks again for the videos and any help
ianadfox 11 months ago
Thanks for the videos. I'm about to start my first batch with Mr. Beer. A few questions...First, can I use two cans instead of the standard one can in the brew instructions (would I need to wait longer to bottle?). And would using two cans mean I need to use two packets of yeast? Thanks for any info!
ryanwagner100 1 year ago
merci beaucoup !! Craig for all the info ! started my first wine batch 2 weeks ago and your tip wher very helpfull now , after seing this video , I’m thinking beer also !
flyingman1981 1 year ago
Hi craig, Just wondering, can/do you reuse those plastic PET bottles that you're using in this video?
djhc123 1 year ago
Hey Craig. Did you think the sediment reducer is vital to make a good beer from the Cooper's kit? and I can't tell whether you used one in this video. Looking forward to your speedy reply.
Cheers Willy
chestercheeseface 1 year ago
@chestercheeseface Nope. I threw mine away. It really is not needed.
CraigTube 1 year ago
I'm totally new to Home-brewing. Just ordered my Coopers Kit today. Can't wait. Watching your videos give me confidence that even I can do it. You are great, thanks for posting this videos. "Na zdrowie".
kriss864 1 year ago
Craig, you're awesome. I just started the ferment on my first coopers (an IPA). I'm down here in Buffalo, NY, and wish we could share a glass. Sharing the knowledge I guess will have to do. Thanks Craig!
kickpunchlove 1 year ago
@kickpunchlove Cheers!
CraigTube 1 year ago
hey what's up nice to find people on youtube who share your own interests. I'm fairly new to this, ive brewed a pilsner and a belgian abbey already and now i'm gonna go for a belgian triple. I wanted to ask you if you consider it a good thing to move your beer to a second fermenter after one week, in order to avoid the yeast smell and to have a finest beer in general. my first two beers came out really good, so i'm not sure if it's worth it to buy another fermenter...what do you think?
karcky 1 year ago
Whats up Craig, your videos are so helpful and motivating. I watched your video with the kit and ordered one. I am not going to use the bottles that came with the kit because i prefer glass over plastic. The problem i have is that the kit says to use 1 tablet for 345-375 ml and 2 for 740-750 ml my bottles are 500ml. Do i need to use 1 or try to half some tablets and use 1 1/2 per my 500ml? thanks
briceparker09 1 year ago
@briceparker09 You'd be better to call their 1 800 number for that. I'm not sure what's best there.
CraigTube 1 year ago
Good video...i also liked your little mess up blooper scene aswell pretty funny! Thanks
mickeydamon 1 year ago
sold me man, im getting one of these insted of mr. beer
cosbourn 1 year ago
Love the bloopers! Keep those videos coming.
radarbrew 1 year ago
bottling....what a waste of time....just put it in a corny keg and watch a movie (much better use for your time) takes 5 minutes to clean, 5 minutes to fill, made out of stainless steel so it wont break, portable (for all your camping needs)...and most importantly you don't have to clean and store bottles, measure priming sugar, or buy bottle caps...costs about the same when you figure in all of the time... for every batch you brew
immolateus 1 year ago
@immolateus Been there, do that :)
CraigTube 1 year ago
@CraigTube Hey Craig, love the videos. I am new to the home brewing world and just ordered the micro kit today and cant wait. Wondering how long it takes after you bottle your brew before u can enjoy it with the boys? Any info will help.
Cheers Brice
briceparker09 1 year ago
@briceparker09 You should age it for at least two weeks, but you can sample it before that so see how it's doing.
CraigTube 1 year ago
Thats cool that you plan a brew for camping. Im planning on brewing a batch to serve at my wedding.
Dactat 1 year ago
Yo Craig,
Thanks for the reply, we will drop the temp on the next brew. The bottling went well and now the wait. The initial taste seems OK. Will let you know how it turns out.
bigdeepfreez 1 year ago
Hi Craig, I'm due to bottle my lager in a few days, I have coopers carbonation drops, on the packet it says to use one drop to a 375ml bottle. I only have 275ml glass bottles, I didn't want to risk putting 1 drop to each of these bottles and have them exlode, can you advice please?
TheCarees82 1 year ago
@TheCarees82 I would suggest you call Makebeer (dot) net 888-588-9262. They will be able to give you better advice on the drops than I can. They have excellent customer support. Tell them I sent ya.
CraigTube 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Hi Craig, I'm due to bottle my lager in a few days, I have coopers carbonation drops, on the packet it says to use one drop to a 375ml bottle. I only have 275ml glass bottles, I didn't want to risk putting 1 drop to each of these bottles and have them exlode, can you advice please?
TheCarees82 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Hi Craig, I'm due to bottle my lager in a few days, I have coopers carbonation drops, on the packet it says to use one drop to a 375ml bottle. I only have 275ml glass bottles, I didn't want to risk putting 1 drop to each of these bottles and have them exlode, can you advice please?
TheCarees82 1 year ago
Hi Craig, I'm due to bottle my lager in a few days, I have coopers carbonation drops, on the packet it says to use one drop to a 375ml bottle. I only have 275ml glass bottles, I didn't want to risk putting 1 drop to each of these bottles and have them exlode, can you advice please?
TheCarees82 1 year ago
Yo Craig,
Only 3 days till we can look at doing our first bottling. The fermenter looks so cute as we have a single bed electric blanket wrapped around it because it is winter here at the mo. The temp is sitting on 26c, nice I think.
Regards, Chris.
bigdeepfreez 1 year ago
@bigdeepfreez 26c is a tad high, but you'll be fine. Next time, try to keep it down around 22c. Cheers, and enjoy!
CraigTube 1 year ago 2
My beer isnt flat! and i have the same hydrometer reading both days! should i use carbonation drops in the bottles?
ostmash 1 year ago
@ostmash Yes.
CraigTube 1 year ago
@ChampKenny You can boil some hops in a cup or two of water for about 10 minutes and add that to your fermenter with the other ingredients. I don't know about the bacon bits.
CraigTube 1 year ago
Hi Craig I'm just getting into home brew I watched your vids they are great one question after you bottle your brew how many days do I need to wait until they can be consummed/drink cheers
gandoth7654 1 year ago
dude dude dude! i bet my ass you are such a fun guy! i like you!
seanzxjulian 1 year ago
hey craig, just got my first coopers kit and love it. I am concerned though with everything that can go wrong...i only filled my bubbler on one side as opposed to how you did it in vid. It is bibbling away though do you think this wll cause me a problem? Also my temperture is between 26-28degrees it goes up and down with house heating between these temp. I am concerned really dont want to loose my batch any comment would be much appreciated!
CliCliOC 2 years ago
The water in the airlock will stay lop-sided like that as long as there's gas coming out of it. It's normal. As for the temperature, you're fine. You will not lose the batch. Bottle after the bubbling slows way down to about one every 30 sec. or more. It's pretty hard to screw these things up.
CraigTube 2 years ago
cheers man just watched your vid on airlocks...brill! Thanks mill Craig from all in Ireland!
CliCliOC 2 years ago
hey craig, just got my first coopers kit and love it. I am concerned though with everything that can go wrong...i only filled my bubbler on one side as opposed to how you did it in vid. It is bibbling away though do you think this wll cause me a problem? Also my temperture is between 26-28degrees it goes up and down with house heating between these temp. I am concerned really dont want to loose my batch any comment would be much appreciated!
CliCliOC 2 years ago
How exacly do you attatch the bottler onto the spiggot?
-Thanks
Ste0wnz 2 years ago
It just fits on.
CraigTube 2 years ago
Yeh the spiggot end had an uneven edge, amazing this coopers system isn't it? pfft
Ste0wnz 2 years ago
It's cut on a diagonal to make it easier to attach the bottler. I had no trouble. I didn't make the kit. Complain to them dude, not me.
CraigTube 2 years ago
yes... but your the one going all 'wooo coopers ftw recomend to everyone' and such arnt yah. What is on the end of the bottler which you attach to the spiggot?
Ste0wnz 2 years ago
Well I bought the kit thinking it would help people, if that means anything. There's nothing on the end of the bottler. It just fits inside the end of the spiggot.
CraigTube 2 years ago
Sorry for being rude Craig mate, turns out i put the end which goes into the bottles to fill them up on the wrong end, if you get me? so i just switched it to the other end and it fitted fine :) I was just a bit wound up that the bottler wouldn't fit :P Good videos describing the processes, to be honest your videos made me buy the kit and i followed your instructions on your videos and not the one provided by the aussies. Cheers anyway and keep up the good work.
Ste0wnz 2 years ago
hey craig i just fermented a wheat beer and i waited 8 days to bottle then when i bottled it it was foamy like if it was a reugilar beer. but it had that flat tast like it should tell u bottle it to carbinate it. my hydro meter said it was ready . well 1.010 does that happen or am i going to open a bottle and it expload from to to much carb.
rickyboy951 2 years ago
That is normal.
CraigTube 2 years ago
right on man you know your shit?
nolanmontess87 2 years ago
hey craig. i just started brewing and man i go off everything you say and do and i get the best beer...one question..my airlock is sealed and cap on the 6 gallon is sealed...but my air lock doesnt bubble...it did alil one bacth but the one that is goin now it hasnt even bubbled...but my beer always comes out fine lol...what do you think...
rickyboy951 2 years ago
just watched ur air locks 101. so everything is sealed . and it works good when i push down on it and it will not go back down tell i let go....the beer is fermenting i really dont know...
rickyboy951 2 years ago
Check out my "airlocks 101" video.
CraigTube 2 years ago
hey craig great video, I have had my brew fermenting for 7 days and have taken 2 reading (yesterday and today) and it's staying at 1.012 (one line under 1.010) is it ok to bottle? and is my beer ruined? the temp is at 22c thanks
mrharlin 2 years ago
Go ahead and bottle.
CraigTube 2 years ago
I love your shirt!
Again, great videos.
b8sam6cash 2 years ago
Hey
TBlazer08 2 years ago
Bottling my first Coopers kit today. I got very interested in the product after watching your videos. I am trying the IPA. I will let you know how it turns out.
crazybrody06 2 years ago
awesome videos.. just got my coopers kit today mixed up 1 of their mexican cerveza and got it fermenting at 23-26 degrees celcius. cant wait till this is finished
simpat24 2 years ago
Hi Craig, just one question?
my coopers lager is fermented about 4 days (FG) is 1.008 (OG was 1.040) yesterday evening (FG) was 1.020 room temperature is 23 deg. C. My airlock is still active (bubbles). When can I bottle it. should i have to wait so long if the airlock stops? Or not?
Sorry about the language
I'm from Estonia
teredjxp 2 years ago
I would wait it out. Your airlock is working good and it seems you have a good seal in your fermenter. Give it another couple of days to let it clear a bit and degas.
cheers
CraigTube 2 years ago
wonderful videos!! whats the average alcohol content of this brew?
ProphetOdeth 2 years ago
about 5%. Thanks.
CraigTube 2 years ago
At what temperature did the beer ferment? Also, is shaking the bottles mandatory? Have you ever done a test where you shook some bottles and did not shake others? Is there a difference in the final beer?
burtonbe 2 years ago
It fermented at about 78F. It says to invert the bottles in the instructions. I've never tried not doing it. Maybe I will.
CraigTube 2 years ago
Is the beer ready to chill and drink as soon as you bottle it?
dawgpost90 2 years ago
No, it has to sit for a couple of weeks.
CraigTube 2 years ago
Hi, Craig
Well, after 14 days and a slow hydrometer reading I bottled the brew. I never did get the reading I wanted but went ahead with bottling at 1.016. i know that's high but I had to get it in the bottles. Hope I didnt ruin it. I will let you know in about a month when I try it. Thanks for the help!
tweedles99 2 years ago
Hi, Craig
The Cooper's Heritage Lager that seemed to have such a long fermenting time came out absolutely great. Lots of carbonation and a great taste. I tried it after about three to four weeks and I loved it. Fairly good alcohol content. One question: any way to increase the alcohol content? Adding more sugar during bottling would increase it but would the bottles explode? I use carbonation drops. As always, I love your videos! Thanks!
tweedles99 2 years ago
hi craig, love the videos. ive recently made my first 5.3% lager thanks to your videos and it tastes great, cheers!
anyway, ive been using brewing sugar but have decided to use carbonation drops. How many drops should i use for 500ml bottles?
bobjackson85 2 years ago
Craig,
Thanks for all the help! Two quick questions (for now)
1. When can you put your bottled beers in the refrigerator?
2. It it possible to re-use glass beer bottles of you sanitize them? If the tops were originally screw off, can you simply screw these back on?
Thanks again! Cheers.
85jschulz 2 years ago
I"d give your beers 1 to 2 weeks before you chill them. Try to keep them above 70 deg F. No you can't use twist off glass bottles. I had problems with a poor seal and most of my beers were flat. The threads prevent the caps from being air tight. My wife bought some 7UP in green bottles and I was looking at one today. I think it's perfect for home brewing beer. They are identacle to my brown and green plastic bottles I use, just a slightly different shape. I'm collecting a bunch of 500ml.
CraigTube 2 years ago
Sorry- I had that hydrometer reading backwards. Thanks and I'll let you know how it comes out. The first batch I did had no problems and was delicious. This time I tried something called "Cooper's Heritage Lager". Instead of powdered sugar, it had a can of liquid malt as the fermenting sugar. It also recommended a lower temprerature (18 degrees). I'll let you know the results.
tweedles99 2 years ago
Ya, that's a slower fermentation. I think you're fine. Enjoy.
CraigTube 2 years ago
Hi, Craig
I'm a big fan of your videos. I'm on my second batch of Cooper's and I have a question. It has been 7 days and my hydrometer reading is still pretty low (1.020 as opposed to the desired 1.040). My temperature has been about 20 degrees the whole time. Should I be worried?
tweedles99 2 years ago
1.040 would be your starting gravity, and your target is around 1.010 . There doesn't appear to be anything wrong except after 7 days it's usually done. (1.010) However, your temp is at the low end, so leave it for another 3 days and take another reading. I think you'll fine that it's done. Let me know what happens. Don't worry.
CraigTube 2 years ago
Oh and Craig, one of my favouurite drops is Ginger Beer, do you have an Instructional DVD on how to make Acoholic and Non Alcoholic versions of this ?? Many thanks From Down Under xxx
Frackona 2 years ago
Sorry, I don't.
CraigTube 2 years ago
Hi Craig you raised an interesting point here for me, you said "Technically it is safer, but you still have to remove the airlock before you take a sample out of the tap to avoid your airlock water falling into your beer" In the Coopers DVD it does not mention that, so I assume from wut u r saying that if the tap is opened with the airlock in that it can draw in the Contaminated water and affect the Beer ?? Does the airlock need to be removed every time the Tap is opened after fermentation !!
Frackona 2 years ago
absolutely. Any time you draw beer out, air will have to get in somehow. When you bottle, you should loosen your lid as well, so it just sits on top.
CraigTube 2 years ago
hey craig, how long do u leave your bottes to undergo secondary fermentation before you crack em open for a drink?
vunduraz 2 years ago
1 week, but that's just me.
CraigTube 2 years ago
Hi Craig, just two questions 1) is it not "safer" to fill the sample tube with Beer to Hydrometer test rather than "go inside" the beer ?? 2) In a previous Video you said the RED area on the Hydrometer is the correct level after 5-7 days, but here you say look at the Green area ??? Oh BTW I am from Adelaide where they make the Coopers Brew at Regency Park !! good to see It is enjoyed way over there and thanks for the Excellente Videos !!! xxx
Frackona 2 years ago
Technacally it is safer, but you still have to remove the airlock before you take a sample out of the tap to avoid your airlock water falling into your beer. However, it doesn't hurt to go in for a sec and take a reading at the top where there's less sediment. You might get a more accurate reading there. If you do it from the tap, take into account that the sediment might up your reading a bit. Look for a reading of about 1.010 or less.
CraigTube 2 years ago
craig after you bottle the beer how long do you have to wait till you can drink the beer do they have to ferment a second time in the bottles
olde800hg 2 years ago
....hmmm......am I going to become a Micro Brewer?
russphilly 2 years ago
Craig just started my first brew TODAY :) and i have to say your videos are excellent! By far the best ive seen on youtube very clear no nonsense and a great help.
mattsarg 2 years ago
Good question. I prefer plastic for a number of reasons, and yes, there is a difference. I got your message during a taping of a FAQ video, so I gave a detailed answer to this question in that video, which should be up tonight or tomorrow.
CraigTube 2 years ago
craig, do you notice any difference when bottling with plastic, vs bottling with glass?
thebibleisfiction 2 years ago
craig, is there glass bottle for fermenting? i heard that plastic might release toxins if you put hot water in it.
TomVu99 2 years ago
Well, it's food grade plastic, so who knows. If you're right, you'll find out when my wife closes my channel and tells everyone I'm gone. :( There are no glass fermenters that I know of.
CraigTube 2 years ago
I should correct myself. You can ferment in a glass carboy, but leave enough head space so it can foam up while fermenting. Carboys are not perfered because they have a narrow top. you'd really have to watch your wort level and use a blow-off tube instead of an airlock.
CraigTube 2 years ago
I found after a few rounds of brewing its best to not bottle the last bit that rests on the sedement because the sedement at the bottom from tipping the vessle can seep into the spigit and ruin that bottle. and the Sedement reducer that comes on with the spigit makes for clean bottling. I usually just stop bottling when no more comes through the spigit while upright.
MnstrSubrbn 2 years ago
I usually get an extra three beers from tipping and any sediment that might end up in the bottle just falls to the bottom anyway. Once those beers clear, they taste the same as the rest, I find, and it's only the last one that gets the sediment.
CraigTube 2 years ago
I agree. You lose 3 to 4 beers by not tipping the vessel and it all tastes the same in the end.!!
sbbinahee 2 years ago
...and then what you don't get by tipping, you dump into a glass and drink!
Just kidding. :)
CraigTube 2 years ago
Craig, Thanks for your kind words on my vid. I must say yours are the bible of homebrew!!
thanks for great vids!
keep'em coming mate:)
Captinfingers 2 years ago
can u use a draught pack
by using the same method on the coopers micro kit?????
karlgeorge8 2 years ago
I'm not sure what you're asking.
CraigTube 2 years ago
im brand spanking new at brewing!!!! i just brought coopers micro kit because it was just what i was lookin 4.
im not just lager drinker but i enjoy bitter and draught too. can i use the same brewing method (start to bottling) using a draught kit?
karlgeorge8 2 years ago
sorry to much home brew!!!!! can i brew bitter using cooper micro kit or is it just lager???
karlgeorge8 2 years ago
Your kit can brew any type of beer. The method is usually the same for most types, but always read the directions. You are not stuck with Lager. Any kit can be brewed with your setup. Have fun!
CraigTube 2 years ago
Did you take a final hydrometer reading? Mine only got down to 1.009, but stayed there for at least a day so i bottled it.
TheZippyMark 2 years ago
Anything below 1.010 is fine. Mine ended at about 1.009 as well.
CraigTube 2 years ago
Thanks for the video Craig, now to get the wife's okay to get the kit....
zrwalla 2 years ago
Nice Vid Craig! Can't wait for the taste test, have fun camping!
dtadpole 2 years ago
how long do you ferment before you bottle?
casualtiesofpunk 2 years ago
5 to 7 days
CraigTube 2 years ago
Do you need to filter the beer from your kit at any time? I only make wine and i filter at the end just before bottling and was just wondering if the same is needed for Beer?
fleckyRFC 2 years ago
No filtering is required. In fact, I don't filter my wine either and it's as clear as it could be.
CraigTube 2 years ago
Excellent news. I really like the look of that kit. I can get it here for £75 included shipping. Need to ask wife nicely first though :-)
fleckyRFC 2 years ago
Awesome video Craig! Thanks for the detailed info. Nice shirt too, nice to see either a fellow mac user or someone like me, a fellow needing to do laundry ;-)
Castrumpet 2 years ago
LOL Now that was good!!! (about the shirt). LOL
CraigTube 2 years ago
It shouldn't really be necessary to shake the bottles, and in fact I'd advise against it, as you are mixing that oxygen at the top of the bottle into your beer and risk oxidizing it. My first few batched were ruined from oxidization, not tasty at all. It looks like it works fine for you, but it really makes me nervous to disturb my beer until there is a good supply of CO2 in there.
PeiHomeBrewer 2 years ago
You make a good point. That's another reason why I recommend capping the bottles loosely, until all is bottled. You start to hear a fizzing from some of them after a while. That's the oxygen being pushed out by C02 being produced by the priming sugar. by the time I tighten and shake, there's only c02 in the airspace. Clever huh? As a result, my beer is not affected by shaking.
CraigTube 2 years ago
I do something similar while capping. After filling the bottle I just place a cap on top, and once all the bottles are filled I let them sit for 10 minutes and cap. Never had any oxidization problems since. Although I batch prime so there is no need to shake dissolve the sugar.
PeiHomeBrewer 2 years ago
Excellent. I was going to say 10 minutes is perfect. The last time a batch primed, I did it in a carboy and the foam was so high, I had to stop adding sugar and prime my bottles. Any suggestions?
CraigTube 2 years ago
I think I go through more work then most for clarity purposes. 6 days in a plastic fermenter, 1 (or two) week(s) in a carboy. When it is bottling time, I boil up a cup or so of water, add my sugar to that and put that in my sanitized primary plastic fermenter. I rack from the carboy to the primary. I usually don't bother stirring, because the racking action seems to take care of that. No foaming problems what so ever.
PeiHomeBrewer 2 years ago
I doubt my method would be very practical with that coopers kit though. The prime tabs sounds a lot easier. :)
PeiHomeBrewer 2 years ago
I shake mine gently & have never had a problem. I haven't used these car. drops, I've only used sugar. The drops look pretty convenient.
eyepatchinc 2 years ago
Excellent video! (Nice t-shirt, too. ;) )
AstAMoore 2 years ago
Another awsome vid Craig, can't wait to see ya drunk in the woods... probably bein chased by a grizzly or somethin lol
Potts2k8 2 years ago
i think one of these kits is going on my wish list for xmas lol
jcb4president2 2 years ago
That looks pretty cool. I wouldn't mind trying a home brew.
grandplans 2 years ago
Thanks Craig another great video. It's so nice watching people make beer and wine. If you don't use carbonation drops how much sugar should you use in a litre bottle?
campru1 2 years ago