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Treacodactyl
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 18569 Location: In the pond with the frogs
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Posted: Sun Apr 24, 05 9:18 am Post subject: Nettle beer |
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As my nettle patch is doing rather well I thought I'd try a small batch of nettle beer. Seems easy, nettles, water, cream of tartar and yeast. It should also be ready in less that two weeks.
Anyone tried it? Any tips (apart from nettle ones that is )? |
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live the dream
Joined: 04 Apr 2005 Posts: 77 Location: Berkshire
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 05 8:20 pm Post subject: |
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made my first ever batch the other week and it is very good and refreshing. it does have a rather higher alcholol content than you would think though. the only tip i could give you is not to be put of by the disgusting smell when it is being boiled up.
this may help a bit - http://forum.rivercottage.net/about8315.html&sid=05fe93447bfcd37732e45df03c9dab1e
sorry about the long link .
i used the recipe from a book called 'wild food'. I cant remeber the author but i did use more nettles than he said.
hope this helps
Anthony |
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Treacodactyl
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 18569 Location: In the pond with the frogs
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Posted: Mon Apr 25, 05 8:39 pm Post subject: |
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Another variation on that thread - using ginger and hops. The one I have is very simple and Selfsufficientish's recipe uses ginger IIRC. Did you add anything other than the stuff I mentioned? |
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live the dream
Joined: 04 Apr 2005 Posts: 77 Location: Berkshire
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Posted: Tue Apr 26, 05 6:44 pm Post subject: |
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ooops missed that out.
i didnt put anything extra but ive heard using ginger can give good results. i did put ginger in my nettle wine so i hope thats alright.
Anthony |
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Treacodactyl
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 18569 Location: In the pond with the frogs
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Posted: Thu Apr 28, 05 6:10 am Post subject: |
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Well, I put a gallon on last night. Quite simple, nettles and a little grated root ginger, sugar and a little cream of tartar. Should be ready in a couple of weeks so I'll let you know how it tuns out.  |
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Blacksmith
Joined: 25 Jan 2005 Posts: 4987 Location: Berkshire
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Posted: Wed May 11, 05 4:13 pm Post subject: |
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Made some, using the COTWS recipe on Friday. Bottled on Sunday,
Ready for drinking today !
Going to try a drop later
Dave |
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tahir
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 37768 Location: Essex
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Posted: Wed May 11, 05 4:14 pm Post subject: |
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Lets hope the boquet is different to the easy cider |
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Treacodactyl
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 18569 Location: In the pond with the frogs
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Posted: Wed May 11, 05 5:36 pm Post subject: |
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I'm trying mine now! After the warnings I read I left it too long before bottling. I waited 5 days and I might do it in 2 next time. It's flat with a hint of sparkle.
The taste isn't too bad, sort of, erm, like nettles. I'll be having another go. |
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Blacksmith
Joined: 25 Jan 2005 Posts: 4987 Location: Berkshire
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Posted: Wed May 11, 05 7:09 pm Post subject: |
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Very nice indeed ! the hydrometer was nearly fired out of the test tube ! so its more of a sparkling nettle cordial !
(Goes into Jilly Goulden mode) Its warm tarmac, its badgers plimsoles, nettles with sugar and cream of tatre, similar to a '73 "coc de Rod Laver".
Dave. |
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Treacodactyl
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 18569 Location: In the pond with the frogs
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Posted: Fri May 27, 05 9:10 pm Post subject: |
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I've tried another bottle and this one has turned out quite sparkly. Much better and it went quite well with a little of my home made bitter (which is a little too bitter). A nettle beer top - perfect for an early summer eve.  |
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