ZenLunatic7 94 Posted July 26, 2015 I picked up a LBK kit this week pretty cheap, and was excited to get it going this weekend. When I went to open the booster, it was a solid gel, so "sprinkling" it in didn't seem possible. I see booster is out of stock and doesn't come with newer kits. Can I still brew without it, or do I need an LME as well? Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BrianBrew 37 Posted July 26, 2015 I picked up a LBK kit this week pretty cheap, and was excited to get it going this weekend. When I went to open the booster, it was a solid gel, so "sprinkling" it in didn't seem possible. I see booster is out of stock and doesn't come with newer kits. Can I still brew without it, or do I need an LME as well? Thanks!You can definitely brew without the booster. Some people like it, some don't. Personally I ahve never used it. You can add LME, but you don,t need to. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZenLunatic7 94 Posted July 26, 2015 Thanks! We left everything set up just in case. ON with the brewing! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dave Barleycorn 94 Posted July 27, 2015 When I went to open the booster, it was a solid gel, so "sprinkling" it in didn't seem possible. I see booster is out of stock and doesn't come with newer kits. Can I still brew without it, or do I need an LME as well? Thanks! If the booster was a "gel", it must have gotten wet, as it should be in powder form. Booster adds alcohol content and some "mouth feel". An LME will have a bigger impact (IMO) on the flavor and texture of the final product (as well as increasing alcohol content). Did you buy the product "new"? Did you look at the date on the bottom of the can? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian N. 864 Posted July 27, 2015 Same thoughts - the booster must have absorbed moisture, discard it. Definitely check the date on the can. old cans can still be brewed, but make absolutely sure the can has no signs of swelling or the contents are leaking. If it smells "off" in any way discard. Yeast have a limited life too, so you might need to purchase some fresh. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZenLunatic7 94 Posted July 27, 2015 Same thoughts - the booster must have absorbed moisture, discard it. Definitely check the date on the can. old cans can still be brewed, but make absolutely sure the can has no signs of swelling or the contents are leaking. If it smells "off" in any way discard. Yeast have a limited life too, so you might need to purchase some fresh. I checked it. It was from 2012. No signs of botulism. The malt smelled good. Reminded me of touring the bud brewery a long time ago 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoshR 4,702 Posted July 27, 2015 If the malt had no bulges and smells fine with no visible issues, it's probably fine. It may have darkened since 2012 a bit though. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MnMBeer 142 Posted July 27, 2015 Buldging and smells and dented cans, What can we expect when coming across with these defects? I have recieved dented cans and found buldging on others. No vendors mentioned here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoshR 4,702 Posted July 27, 2015 Buldging and smells and dented cans, What can we expect when coming across with these defects? I have recieved dented cans and found buldging on others. No vendors mentioned here. We won't replace dented cans unless the damage is severe and it is only 1 or 2 cans. They can still be used. We can't be held responsible for cans damaged in shipping via UPS/USPS. We try to pack our shipments the best we can, but UPS will still find a way to damage our items from time to time. When this happens and it is severe, we will recommend that you file a claim with UPS for damaged goods (as any company would). If the product came from a 3rd party retailer, we are not responsible for damaged items from them (This is a case by case basis. Sometimes we will replace something if it's small, like a spigot or lid). You will have to talk to the retailer about getting a replacement. If it was ordered directly from us, we may be able to help get it replaced, depending on the circumstances. All manufacturing defects are eligible for replacement regardless of where they came from. If we determine it is a manufacturing defect, we will replace it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites