After much quizzing of Simon and getting eased into homebrewing by a mate at work, I kicked off with a Coopers Ale starter a few weeks back. It was a bit cool during the fermentation and this worried me, but it took about 12 days for SG to stabilise. , So far it's been conditioning for a week and I was advised to crack one a week into conditioning to 'see how things were going' and I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with my effort! It's clear, great colour, nice head, well carbonated and tasting pretty decent.

I bottled into 440s and 550s, meaning the Coopers carbonation drops meant to be one per 375ml had to be cut up into halves and thirds. DON'T do this! It makes a mess as the drops just shatter. But it worked for me. Next time will be regular castor sugar for priming...

Off to the brew supply store tomorrow to get goodies for brewing this weekend.