Anyone brew Megalodon?

[jmck]

I brewed the NB Megalodon kit last weekend. I’m wondering if anyone else has tried it, and would be willing to share notes…

The kit came with 2 lbs. corn sugar, but the recipe only called for 1.5 lbs. I figured, “Why waste fermentables?” so I gave it both bags. With the extra sugar, mine clocked in at 1.100.

It was a poorly planned brew day, so I didn’t make a starter for the 1056. I think I made up for that by pitching the 1056 AND a pack of US-05. Better to waste yeast money, than under pitch a 1.100. I also gave it a little extra time with the oxygen tank.

6 days later and the bubbler is finally showing signs of slowing, but is still going. It’s going to be difficult to stay patient on this one.

[kakalakee]

I’m brewing the all grain version this weekend and will let you know. I’ll likely do a starter for this one. I got the wyeast vs the dry yeast. High hopes for this.

[jmck]

Mine has been in the bottles for almost a month now. It’s wonderful, but such a big beer needs more time for bottle conditioning; it is still a bit flat. Count on a long time for the bottles, or force carb in kegs. Personally, if I had this available on tap, I’d worry about my liver exploding.

With the extra sugar, I’m at 10% ABV, which is the biggest beer I’ve done; the flavor is everything they promised, caramel, toffee, raisin, fig, which is almost in balance with the hops. If you’re doing all-grain you may get a lower FG than my 1.024, which will make for a better balance.