A Fine Light Brew

Hops are one of the main flavoring ingredients in beer, giving that distinctive taste and aroma that only beer has.  There are various types of beers: pilsners, ales, stouts etc. and so many varieties of each that have their own special qualities and flavors.

The "head" of beer indicates some film retaining or wetting quality in the solution. Same with Reagent III, shown here in freshly mixed up form, with the soapy form of ammonia used as the pH buffer, thereby providing some of that soapy "head" you see.

The formula for Reagent III, adapted from the brilliant Donald Quaills recipe and tuned to the pH we use, consists merely of a standard developer, a fixer, and some ammonia.  The soapy suds that are in the ammonia as purchased from the local grocery store seems to produce a nice wetting action, so no streaks, spots or stains are produced as the processed film dries. And just look at the results!

  HC-110, Ilford Rapid Fixer, and household ammonia - all have their hazards, so if you are not totally familiar with the handling of soaps, detergents and other chemicals, do not do film processing until you are set up with the proper tools for your safety, such as gloves, a clean work area, and proper containers and eye protection.  Ammonia in the eyes is bad and can damage them as can household lye (used for making soaps and lutefisk, the latter which should be avoided).

Do not drink this. This is a developer for film, not a beer or a drink of any sort. It only superficially appears to resemble beer, or another substance.