Wheat extract in NZ

[Neil Kerr]

Hi I'm just getting into extract brewing and was keen to make a wheat beer. Been researching wheat extract and only seems to be coopers available in NZ. Anyone got any experience with their extract or any other suggestions of what to use?

[Tilt]

I'd rate the Coopers tins of wheat extract - made a couple of steeped grain and kit PAs using crystals, a Coopers lager kit and one of these added for a bit of wheat and extra fermentables.  I haven't made a straight wheat beer though so can't comment on what you're after sorry.

The only problem I've found is getting hold of fresh extract - last time I used these I asked relo's to bring in some fresh ones from Sydney

Also - Could be wrong but I think they're a 70/30 wheat/barley malt extract mix.

[Neil Kerr]

Cheers 

Think i'll try a wheat beer with the Coopers, says its 50/50 wheat/barley. Only others i've found are Muntons (but can't find a supplier who stocks it in NZ) or a Weyermann one but its $55 at Brewers Coop.

Also been reading up on yeasts seems most people recommend a liquid yeast for a good Hefeweisen but thinking more of an american style wheat. Seen a few recipes using Danstar Nottingham though tempted to try their munich wheat. Bit nervous at spending twice the money for a liquid on my first effort at a Wheat beer.

[sockmerchant]

brewers coop also has dry wheat extract. never used it, but i've seen it around 

[David Winter]

There's also a copper tun wheat DME. 

If you are aiming for US-style wheat beer (i.e. no yeast-derived flavours) then US-05 will do the job. If you want those banana/clove flavours and the extra cost for liquid yeast is a concern you can grow the yeast from the dregs of a Emerson's or Tuatara Heffe - just be hyper-vigilant about sanitation since you'll be starting with relatively few "target" cells 

[Richard Deeble]

Don't forget Weyermann extract. If you can find it fresh enough it is probably the best for a german wheat. Otherwise the coopers stuff is good. I actually really rate coopers for a nice clean, low colour extract for most US/NZ beers that don't require big malt character. I also find it has better attenuation than some of the other extracts too.

[Neil Kerr]

Thanks for the info guys!

Decided on an Orange Hefeweisen and to spend the extra $$ on liquid yeast. Recipe says use 3kg of Wheat extract which means x2 cans of Coopers extract. Could I get away with x1 can and steeping some speciality wheat grain (1kg) to make up the difference?

Recipe

3kg Wheat extract

21L Batch

Hallertau 60mins

Salz 20mins

Hallertau 10mins

Then adding orange zest and flesh to fermentor

Yeast - WPL 300 or WY3068 / 3056