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SECTION 5
Advanced Brewing Techniques
Sample port
Your Zymatic comes equipped with a sampling port on the
IN hose. Standard size needleless syringes, such as the one
that came with your kit, will fit into the sample port. You
can use the sample port to draw a small sample of the beer
for refractometer readings, tasting, or proofing yeast. The
sample port may also be used to inject liquids into your beer.
To use, take a needleless syringe and twist it into the sample
port. Once it is connected, draw your sample by pulling the
plunger. Carefully unscrew the syringe. Be aware that over
tightening can crack the port.
Adding Sugar During Boil
Some recipes call for the addition of sugars or Dry Malt
Extract (DME) during boil. You can add sugars directly to the
keg during boil by removing the keg seal and slowly adding
it, giving the keg a few gentle swirls to incorporate. Always
hydrate any granulated or rock type sugars and DME with 1-2
cups of hot water before adding to keg.
Use caution while putting anything into the keg during the
brew.
The keg will be extremely hot and there will be steam.
Use heat protection, such as a towel or potholder when
handling the keg and keg seal.
Adding Clarifiers
If you wish to add any clarifiers to your beer that are typically
added during the brew (such as whirlfloc, irish moss, or yeast
nutrient) you can either place them in a hops cage (10-15
minute boil), or dissolve them into a liquid and inject it using
the syringe and sample port.
Use caution while putting
anything into the keg during the brew.
The keg will be
extremely hot and there will be steam. Use heat protection,
such as a towel or potholder when handling the keg and
keg seal.
Dry Hopping
If your recipe calls for dry hopping after fermentation, you
can sanitize a muslin bag to hold the hops and drop it into
your keg. Dry hop at fermentation temperature for 5-7 days,
then rack your beer out of the keg and leave the bag behind,
or carefully pull the bag out of the keg before racking. Leaving
dry hops in your beer for too long may lead to off flavors.
