Munton’s Smugglers Special Real Ale

Finally I have enough bottles to start another brew. This reminds me I need to add a “Tasting” post for my last 2 beers, shame looks like a session on the ales tonight.
This is the last in the batch of mild ales I bought for the summer. Yes I know the summer is pretty much over and I haven’t even started yet! Either I have a distinct lack of bottles or I’m not drinking quick enough……I know one of those isn’t true, as I currently have 7 different beers to choose from. Oh well the weather has actually been pretty good for this time of year and we’ve had some of the nicest days all summer so hopefully this brew will ferment quickly and I might just squeeze some drinking in before the last of the summer has vanished.
I’m actually writing this as I’m going through the process so bare with me if the post isn’t flowing, be sure the beer will be.
The brewing bucket has been filled with sterlising solution for about 30 mins. I’m never quite sure how much sterilising powder to use so I just sprinkle a generous amount in the bottom of the bucket, dissolve in boiling water then fill to the top with cold water. The two tins of wort are in the sink covered in hot water and I’m just about to use another flavapack which I will cover with boiling water and leave for 30 minutes.
After emptying the brewing bucket of the sterilising solution I pour boiling water down the side, whilst rotating it to try and remove any left over solution.

I open the tins of wort which are now relatively runny and pour them into the bucket, in my opinion the most satisfying part of this process. I clean out the remaining wort from the tins using boiling water, which conveniently is the right amount to leave the mix at the right temperature at the end. But remember to use over gloves to pick up the tin full of boiling water it’s HOT!

Next I fill the bucket with the cold water and the flavapack mix, minus the brewing bags. I have given up measuring the volume exactly as I usually lose count when using a measuring jug. I have a good idea of where to fill to from previous experience but I think this time I will measure it correctly and put a mark on the side of the bucket to save this hassle in the future.

Well after rehydrating the yeast with 1/2 tsp sugar and some luke warm water I poured it into the mix and whoops I forgot to check the temperature. As I had added more boiling water than usual due to the flavapack it turned out to be 27 degrees. I just hope that’s not too hot to kill off the yeast!