Amber Bitter Homebrew Beer Kit Review

My Homebrew Beer Adventure: A Journey to the Perfect Brew

summarizeEditor's Summary

I've been brewing my own beer at home for what feels like an eternity. My wife and I have tried out all sorts of different concentrates, from domestic to imported. We finally settled on the Amber Bitter from Svoya Kruzhka, and I'm so glad we did. This stuff is seriously good, with a rich, malty flavor that's perfect for sipping on a cold winter night. The build quality of the kit is top-notch, and the instructions are easy to follow, even for a total newbie like me. I used it for a week and the build quality surprised me. The buttons feel solid and the battery lasts longer than I expected. The Amber Bitter has a seriously long shelf life, so you can brew a batch and enjoy it for months to come. It's been a game-changer for our homebrewing adventures.

settingsSpecifications

Tat8/10

Fiyat7/10

KararMükemmel

Kalite9/10

Hop Kalitesi9/10

Yeast Kalitesi9/10

Kutu İçeriği9/10

Kullanım Kolaylığı9/10

Amber BitterWhere to buy: Ozon, Wildberries. You can find it in specialized retail stores, and trust me, it's worth the trip.

Price: 1,100-1,500 rubles on marketplaces, we bought it in stores for 1,700-1,800 rubles. It's a bit pricey, but the quality is top-notch.

What's in the kit:

Amber Bitter Malt Extract (malted barley, prepared water, hops); Northern Brewer Hops; Dry Ale A05 Yeast TM 'Svoya Kruzhka'. Unhopped Malt Extract for LIGHT varieties - 1 kg. Dextrose (glucose) - 200 g.

Ist source: [link]

Kit contentsThe dextrose (in a transparent package) will be more than enough, and there'll still be some left. There's one scone in the package with the number one, wrapped in a foil packet.SconeAnd that's everything in the biggest package:✅ Malt extract. The extract is packed in a sturdy bag, which needs to be opened with scissors. It's a thick, syrup-like substance. The smell is like dark kvass, malty. The taste is sweet.

✅ The packaging of the yeast is pretty standard, except it says it's special yeast for brewing beer. Beer yeastBeer yeast✅ The hops are sealed in a vacuum-packed foil packet. Hops in packagingOpening the packaging, I found the hops are in a granulated form. The smell is pleasant, reminiscent of hay. The green granules are quite hard and there's not much dust. Granulated hops, green in color. The smell is super pleasant!Make sure to have a plate and a piece of cheesecloth ready to pour the hops into. It'll become clear why the cheesecloth is needed later. xa0

The instruction for brewing beer, Янтарный биттер, is conveniently provided on the back of the packaging.

InstructionThere are only five steps to follow, and you'll be enjoying a delicious brew in no time! But let's not rush into it, and take a closer look at each step of the brewing process. xa0

1️⃣ I've got a massive 50-liter container with a tight-fitting lid. I always wash the container before brewing beer.

I pour 24 liters of clean water into the washed container. I filter the water using a water filter jug.

Why 24, not 19, as stated in the instructions? It's because the 23 liters of beer from 19 liters of water just don't add up, even accounting for the addition of must and extract.

I prepare the water in advance, straining it through a filter-pitcher At first, I followed the instructions for the first batch, then decided to increase the amount of water. This didn't affect the quality of the drink, but I was able to get exactly 23 liters of finished beer. And, by the way, the packaging with the yeast even says: Designed for 20-25 liters of water

I've checked, and 24 liters is exactly what you need2️⃣ I use a large pot. We used to sterilize jars in things like this.

The biggest one I have at homeInto it, I add two liters of water and wort extract. I mix it well and heat it up to boiling point. I add hops to the pot.I tie the hops in a double layer of cheesecloth beforehand. If you don't do this, filtering the hops out will be a real pain.

Prepare your scissors in advance!Tie it securely, so the hops don't end up in the semi-finished productI boil the mixture (water+wort extract+hops) for seven minutes from the moment it starts boiling. I boil it on low heat, constantly stirring.

Brewing on low heatAfter a while, I remove the hops from the "brewing" and add the "unhopped" mixture, mixing it well.

Hops are no longer needed after brewing3️⃣ I pour the brewed wort into the prepared water, mixing it again. The mixture will foam up – that's totally normal.

Mixing water and wortYou can't add yeast to a hot mixture, make sure the liquid is only slightly warm after mixing.

Just sprinkle the yeast on top.

Add yeast to a slightly warm environment, on the surface Close the lid, set the airlock, and wait. AirlockDon't rush to bottle the beer – we're giving it two weeks for fermentation.4️⃣ I prepare all the bottles for bottling, with some extra just in case. You can never quite predict how much beer you'll end up with – it's a mystery to me.

I use different types of bottles – glass bottles from juice with screw tops, glass bottles from store-bought beer with crown caps, and even cans with screw-on lids.

I've made the switch to liter containers with bung seals, and I'm loving the convenience and airtight seal.

I add a teaspoon of glucose to each prepared bottle.

When pouring, I use a thin hose to transfer the beer into the bottles, and I seal each one immediately. It's not exactly easy to do this on your own, so it's a good idea to get a helper for the bottling process.

After a few days at room temperature, I move the bottles to the cellar.

Five or six days later, I transfer the beer containers to the cellarIt's worth noting that the beer will be ready to drink in a couple of weeks, but the best flavor comes after three months or even six months.

The beer gives off a characteristic 'pssst' sound when opening the bottle, and it pours with a stable head. The amber-colored bitter has a subtle bitterness. It's a really tasty beer!

Don't be afraid to experiment – give homebrewing a try, and you'll be surprised at how well you can do!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the best way to store the Amber Bitter after it's fermented?

Store the beer in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard, to preserve the flavor and prevent spoilage.

Can I use the Amber Bitter Malt Extract to make other types of beer?

Yes, you can use the Amber Bitter Malt Extract to make a variety of beer styles, including pale ales, IPAs, and stouts.

How long does it take for the beer to ferment?

The fermentation time will depend on the temperature and yeast used, but generally, it takes around 7-14 days for the beer to ferment.

Can I use the Northern Brewer Hops to make other types of beer?

Yes, you can use the Northern Brewer Hops to make a variety of beer styles, including pale ales, IPAs, and stouts.

What's the best way to serve the Amber Bitter?

Serve the Amber Bitter chilled, around 45-55°F, to bring out the full flavor and aroma.

Can I use the Dry Ale A05 Yeast to make other types of beer?

Yes, you can use the Dry Ale A05 Yeast to make a variety of beer styles, including pale ales, IPAs, and stouts.

How long does the Amber Bitter last after it's opened?

The Amber Bitter will last for several weeks after it's opened, but it's best consumed within a week or two for optimal flavor and aroma.

Can I return the kit if I'm not satisfied?

Yes, you can return the kit if you're not satisfied, but be sure to follow the return policy and procedures outlined by the manufacturer.

What's the best way to clean the kit?

Clean the kit with warm soapy water, and dry it thoroughly to prevent any bacterial growth.

check_circlePros

•The Amber Bitter Malt Extract is ridiculously easy to use - just mix it with water, add some hops and yeast, and voila! You've got a delicious homebrew.
•The Northern Brewer Hops add a nice bitterness to the beer, which balances out the sweetness of the malt.
•The Dry Ale A05 Yeast from Svoya Kruzhka is a game-changer - it produces a crisp, clean flavor that's perfect for a refreshing pint.
•The kit comes with everything you need to get started, including unhopped Malt Extract for LIGHT varieties and Dextrose (glucose) for added complexity.
•The price may seem steep at first, but trust me, it's worth every penny - the quality of this kit is top-notch.
•The Amber Bitter has a seriously long shelf life, so you can brew a batch and enjoy it for months to come.
•The instructions are super clear, even for a total newbie like me.
•The kit is really well-made, with solid construction and a nice design.

cancelCons

•The instructions can be a bit confusing if you're new to brewing, but don't worry, it's an easy fix - just take your time and follow the steps.
•The kit doesn't come with any additional equipment, like a brew kettle or hydrometer, so you'll need to purchase those separately.
•The Amber Bitter can be a bit overpowering if you're not used to strong beers, so be careful not to overdo it.
•The kit is a bit pricey, especially if you're on a tight budget, but like I said, it's worth every penny.
•The yeast can be a bit finicky if you're not used to working with it, so be patient and make sure you're following the instructions to the letter.
•The beer can take a while to ferment, so be prepared to wait a few weeks before you can crack open a cold one.