Thanks although I only take a small portion of credit myself. I liked what Muntons wrote on this one, which, I am sadly informed is being discontinued:
"We craft, you brew."
Muntons and Ritchies I find very reliable and excellent quality even in their lower end/budget ranges. Other producers though can be hit and miss and I have had a few which I would put more down to poor quality than bad luck. This kit was one of the more expensive I found at reduced price. I am hoping to be able to get more idea of what grains are used when I progress to brewing from dry grain some point after my renovations. I am a slow learner but things do tend to stick with me over time. I have picked up some from dry hopping giving me a little more confidence with improved results following on. Still a fair way to go but not in any hurry.
Expected ABV for Smugglers was given as 5% for 23 litres. I reduced the water content to arrive at a batch size of 21L. Fill my bucket all the way and the inside of the lid and airlock too often get gunked up. Plus I like fuller bodied beers and this method is necessary for the cheaper kits that I tend to go for if brewing smaller batches or experimenting.
As for the yeast; noted the WLP002 for future reference. Firstly I poured the ingredients onto the sediment from a batch of Old Ale [ABV: 5%]. Secondly swapped out the unnamed packet of dried yeast supplied for a 6g sachet out of date Muntons Gold. I pitched at 21.5 degrees C, fermented at 20.5. Actual ABV was 5.78 rounded up to 6% after priming. OG 1.054 - FG 1.010.
Right now though I am having a glass of red wine.
