Review on 🍺 Experience Authentic Oktoberfest Flavor with Mr. Beer Oktoberfest Lager 2 Gallon Homebrewing Refill, Brown by Holly Bryant

Ordered on 03/12/2015, dispatched quickly and very fresh. It expires in 1 year and a few months. This was my fourth Mr. Beer brew and my best yet. This kit does the job perfectly, no problems and I'm sure I'll be buying again soon. Modifications - I wanted a little more ABV so I added another 1lb 2.4oz. Briess Amber LME (I counted 1lb) and also added 1oz of Hallertau hops to offset the extra malt. I have instead of Mr. Beer since I had such a bottle. Recipe. I brought 1.5 gallons of spring water to a boil, added 1 lb 2.4 oz Amber Briess LME and hops and boiled for 20 minutes. The burner is off. Hopped Mr Beer extract was added and cooled in an ice bath. Added spring water to about 2+ gallons for OG 1,054. I aerated the wort (shook the glass bottle for a few minutes) and added Mr. Fermentation started within 8 hours, the yeast did its job perfectly, and active fermentation stopped within 5 days. I left it in the bottle for 4 weeks to finish. The density is 1.007, which corresponds to 87% cushioning and 6.3% strength. Good aftertaste and good ABV. Additional Thoughts - Keep hygiene in mind, I would recommend getting some Star San and using it as directed. Oktoberfest is technically a lager recipe, but this kit is designed to ferment at ale temperature and does it very well. I would recommend keeping the fermentation temperature low at 68. My first few batches fermented warmer than ideal, and it showed. Also no rush! Leave it alone for at least a couple of weeks. Dark ales should stand for 3-4 weeks. Green beer is not good! Summary - This kit was fresh, the yeast worked well, the extract tasted good and I got a great beer. I will buy again! Update - Those 2 gallons didn't get far, barrel tonight. :o(This was a really good beer. I've already got a queue for my next brew, but I'm dying to hop onto Mr. Beers 30% Offsite and pick up some doubles. That sale is still a few days away. (I gave up - double batches of Oktoberfest, Voodoo and Dark Forest Stout are on the way :o)