I’ve made beer from kits using LME. I guess I wasn’t clear - how much DME to how much water? The bags come in all different sizes and several different kinds, even a giant pail which I’m sure I could turn into another fermenter. Do I boil the water first and then add the DME, or mix together and then boil?
What I’m thinking about is trying to do some different hops and yeast tests, and if I used just plain DME, that would eliminate one variable entirely. I’m thinking about a five-gallon batch divided into 5 one-gallon jugs. My local homebrewing club meets at a time and place that just doesn’t work for me, so I have to get all my information on line.
You will typically find that most recipes using DME call for somewhere near 6 lbs (more or less) per 5 gallon batch. Use DME in the same proportions as LME.
Add it to boiling water after you turn the heat off, stir VERY well, then put the fire to it.
Your idea of trying variations is a good one but you will have issues with the hops since the only real changes to their character happens during the boil. Adding them after will affect aroma only.
The yeast however is an entirely different matter. You will see dramatic differences in flocculation, clarity flavor and body depending on the strain you use.
I might suggest joining a dedicated brewing forum such as www.homebrewtalk.com or one of the hundreds of others for some excellent ideas and assistance.
Hope this helped.
Cheers,
knewshound