Homebrewers - Whats in the fermenter?

[hammondc]

Double the crystal malt, and split the Warrior infusion into 1/2oz for 60, 1/2oz for 45. That will cut down on the overall IBUs without affecting the hop flavor/aroma, and the crystal will give you additional sweetness. If you're really looking to change it up, you can also substitute the dry yeast that comes with the kit for something that's a bit less attenuative, which is going to leave more maltiness in the beer. Maybe White Labs #002 English Ale, instead of the #007 Dry English Ale it suggests.

Damn. You are like a mad scientist.

Which is the crystal malt? The Gold Extract (6lb), the Amber extract (3.3lb) or the bag o grains?

Also, here is the hop recipe
1oz each of Warrior, Amarillo and Citra for the boil
1oz each of Ahtanum, Amarillo and Citra for the dry hop after a week.

There is a homebrew store up the road if you think I should get something else to add in. I need a hop sack and sanitizer anyway.

[kaisersozei]

Damn. You are like a mad scientist.

Which is the crystal malt? The Gold Extract (6lb), the Amber extract (3.3lb) or the bag o grains?

Also, here is the hop recipe
1oz each of Warrior, Amarillo and Citra for the boil
1oz each of Ahtanum, Amarillo and Citra for the dry hop after a week.

There is a homebrew store up the road if you think I should get something else to add in. I need a hop sack and sanitizer anyway.

Hmm, I must have been looking at a different kit, I thought yours had 4oz of crystal? It would be in the bag of grains, so just pick up 4oz of crystal from your homebrew store. If they ask, get either the 40L or 60L (lovibond), that way it won't impact your color as much.

[hammondc]

So I smacked my wyeast packet earlier to make sure it was viable. Then I got sidetracked and never started brewing. Now it is completely swollen. Is it OK to leave it overnight now? The bag won't pop in the middle of the night will it?

[replicant_argent]

So I smacked my wyeast packet earlier to make sure it was viable. Then I got sidetracked and never started brewing. Now it is completely swollen. Is it OK to leave it overnight now? The bag won't pop in the middle of the night will it?

It won't burst, it is good for a day or three is my understanding.

[hammondc]

NM....looks like it needs to go back in the fridge until tomorrow.

[replicant_argent]

NM....looks like it needs to go back in the fridge until tomorrow.

You can leave it out, the yeast will be happy doing it's happy yeasty thing.

[hammondc]

Sweet. Everything is laid out and ready to go tomorrow. OH YEAH!

[hammondc]

ANNNND.....we're off!!! Grains are steeping

[hammondc]

Adding extract!

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/hammondc/Public%20stuff/photo-1.jpg

[hammondc]

Done. Now it is in primary. ANy suggestions on how to get it into the secondary next saturday and leave the trub behind? I will be dry hopping in the secondary.

[BeerAdvocate]

I would skip secondary and just dryhop in Primary.

[kaisersozei]

I would skip secondary and just dryhop in Primary.

This works.

Or, if you're asking how to transfer it from the primary (which you will need to do for bottling anyway,) I would definitely suggest investing in an autosiphon:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIu6IRpFNr8

For years I just used the basic racking cane + tubing + sucking on the end of the tube to create flow. Picked up an autosiphon earlier this year and it is my second favorite brewing gadget of all time.

[hammondc]

I have an autosiphon. I was just thinking it is generally recommended to move to a secondary after a week or so to improve clarity and avoid a funk caused by the dead yeast.

Also, do you think is necessary to agitate the fermenter by gently swirling it during fermentation?


...I know I am asking a lot of stuff. I really appreciate the help. Can you suggest an online forum for homebrewing. Somewhere with nice folks, like here.

[kaisersozei]

I have an autosiphon. I was just thinking it is generally recommended to move to a secondary after a week or so to improve clarity and avoid a funk caused by the dead yeast.

I always rack to a secondary, usually sometime between 5 & 10 days, but you don't have to.

Also, do you think is necessary to agitate the fermenter by gently swirling it during fermentation?

Nope. I agitate like hell before pitching the yeast, but once that's done, I never touch it and don't think there's a reason to.

...I know I am asking a lot of stuff. I really appreciate the help. Can you suggest an online forum for homebrewing. Somewhere with nice folks, like here.

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/

[hammondc]

Thanks again. Racking to secondary (on top of hops) is planned for next saturday. The recipe highly recommends it and I want to stick as close the the recipe as possible. I suppose using an autosiphon will reduce the oxidation risk also.


I'll check out homebrewtalk. Are you on there under the same user? I will put you down as the referring me under registration.

[cricky101]

This week I picked up ingredients for a cream stout and grains for an IPA with a yet-to-be-decided hopping schedule for what I've got in the freezer.

I found a recipe online that used some of the hops I've got and comes in at about 67 IBU I might try. The grain bill is 10 lbs 2-row, 2 lbs Vienna and 1/2 lb crystal 20. Hopping schedule is:

boil 60 mins 0.5 Columbus
boil 15 mins 0.5 Amarillo
boil 15 mins 0.5 Centennial
boil 15 mins 0.25 Columbus
boil 15 mins 0.5 Falconer's Flight
boil 5 mins 0.5 Amarillo
boil 5 mins 0.5 Centennial
boil 5 mins 0.25 Columbus
boil 5 mins 0.5 Falconer's Flight
dry hop 7 days 1.0 Falconer's Flight

I have no idea how these hops will work together, so if anyone has any thoughts feel free to share ...

[Salvelinus]

Just got my latest grain order in. I'll be set for grains for a bit...

100lbs two row
50lbs pilsner
50lbs marris otter
50lbs munich

All that for a little over $100. If I was to buy it at my local homebrew it would cost me $472.50. I try to support local companies, but it's tough with that mark up. There's going to be a lot of beer in fermenters over the winter :D

[Salvelinus]

I have an autosiphon. I was just thinking it is generally recommended to move to a secondary after a week or so to improve clarity and avoid a funk caused by the dead yeast.


If you are going to move to a secondary do it for the clarity. I'd be interested to hear what brewers here think, but I don't know anyone that concerns themselves with yeast autolysis at the normal timeframe for ales. If you were going to leave it in primary for a year or two maybe, but not after two weeks.

In response to agitation, I don't during fermentation, but I do each day after I dry hop. I was listening to a podcast with the brewer from Avery, he mentioned that they plumb CO2 through their maharaja during dry hop to agitate the hops and get as much of the oils into suspension as possible. I just gently rock the carboy to get the hops throughout the beer. This ruins the clarity from secondarying, but I don't care because I cold crash it to clear it out.

[BeerAdvocate]

If you are going to move to a secondary do it for the clarity. I'd be interested to hear what brewers here think, but I don't know anyone that concerns themselves with yeast autolysis at the normal timeframe for ales. If you were going to leave it in primary for a year or two maybe, but not after two weeks.


:tu
This is why I usually skip secondary. I stopped using secondary a few years ago and have never noticed a differance. One less step!

[replicant_argent]

I think I am going to secondary my SHB straight into the Corny, simpler, seems better.
I have no trouble with the first glass or so out of the keg being cloudy/sediment. I will just toss it and be happy.

[Salvelinus]

I think I am going to secondary my SHB straight into the Corny, simpler, seems better.
I have no trouble with the first glass or so out of the keg being cloudy/sediment. I will just toss it and be happy.

A couple of breweries near me finish fermentations under pressure. For my next few batches I am going to play around with doing this as well. I plan to move to a keg when the beer has a couple of gravity points left to fall. It should naturally carbonate itself, and finish up the fermentation at the same time. We'll see I guess.

[rack04]

Just got my latest grain order in. I'll be set for grains for a bit...

100lbs two row
50lbs pilsner
50lbs marris otter
50lbs munich

All that for a little over $100. If I was to buy it at my local homebrew it would cost me $472.50. I try to support local companies, but it's tough with that mark up. There's going to be a lot of beer in fermenters over the winter :D

Great prices. Does that include shipping?

[Salvelinus]

It does, as long as I don't count the half hour I have to drive to pick it up.

[hammondc]

To the secondary!

[cricky101]

Monday I brewed a cream stout and then kegged a Belgian wit.

[mmblz]

years ago the one time i brewed, i borrowed a pot from someone. when i got done there was so much crap burned on the bottom it was impossible to get off - even using a wire brush attached to a power drill.
was I just totally ignoring / not stirring?
should it be possible to use our large pasta pot without damaging it in any way?

[cricky101]

years ago the one time i brewed, i borrowed a pot from someone. when i got done there was so much crap burned on the bottom it was impossible to get off - even using a wire brush attached to a power drill.
was I just totally ignoring / not stirring?
should it be possible to use our large pasta pot without damaging it in any way?

Were you using malt extract to brew?

I think you're supposed to remove it from the heat and get it mixed in completely before putting it back over a flame. Could be it wasn't fully dissolved and scorched on the bottom.

I did a couple extract batches on my stove and didn't have any scorching in my pot, but did remove the pot from the burner and stirred the $h!t out of it before putting it back on the heat.

[mmblz]

unfortunately this was something like 12 years ago so my only memory is the wire brush and the utter dismay ;)

[kaisersozei]

should it be possible to use our large pasta pot without damaging it in any way?

Absolutely, just make sure that you frequently tend to the stirring, scraping the spoon along the bottom of the pot. Partial boils (2-3 gallons) scorch easily because the malt sugars are so concentrated. You don't have to keep the burner on high, you're just looking for a rolling boil.

And like Chris says, cut off the heat when you add your extract, especially if you are using the liquid kind.

[replicant_argent]

Black IPA into the primary this afternoon. 6 weeks is a looong time to wait for something that looks so dark and delicious.

[ktblunden]

Well, I placed an order today for some equipment to get into homebrewing. I should have pretty much everything I need to get started except bottles and an ingredient kit, both of which I'll be going to a nearby homebrew supply store for. I've been scouring the HBT forums and reading as much as I can to prepare. I'm really looking forward to it, but my wife is dismayed that I'm about to slide down yet another slope.

[Salvelinus]

Good idea on the local homebrew store for your ingredient kit. They should be able to help you through any issues with the first batch.

If you don't mind a little work you shouldn't need to pay for bottles. When you get to the homebrew supply buy some b-brite powder, fill up a 5 gallon pail with water and some b-brite, add bottles of beer you've finished after you've rinsed them. The b-brite will make most labels fall right off, a light scrub will remove the glue. You've got a month to get 50 so get to drinking!

[ktblunden]

I think I'll just go for some new bottles. I don't have anywhere near that many empties and I don't drink that much beer over the course of a month. Plus I was thinking of going with 22 oz bottles and that would get pretty expensive getting the ones that already have beer in them.

On another note, how does that b-brite compare with oxyclean? I've seen a lot of people recommending oxyclean on HBT for cleaning and removing labels.

[CigarSquid]

I have never used the oxy, but have seen about it. Seems so much simpler.

I am lazy when it comes to de-labeling the bottles. I have decided I will just buy them bare from my local store.

[cricky101]

I think I'll just go for some new bottles. I don't have anywhere near that many empties and I don't drink that much beer over the course of a month. Plus I was thinking of going with 22 oz bottles and that would get pretty expensive getting the ones that already have beer in them.

On another note, how does that b-brite compare with oxyclean? I've seen a lot of people recommending oxyclean on HBT for cleaning and removing labels.

I use the off-brand, fragrance free oxy to clean bottles and remove labels (although I'm kegging now so haven't done it in a while).

I would fill up my laundry sink with warm water and mix in a scoop of the oxy stuff then let the bottles soak for a few hours. The labels would slide right off. I'd give em a good rinse and then set aside for sanitation/bottling.

[Steve]

Good idea on the local homebrew store for your ingredient kit. They should be able to help you through any issues with the first batch.

If you don't mind a little work you shouldn't need to pay for bottles. When you get to the homebrew supply buy some b-brite powder, fill up a 5 gallon pail with water and some b-brite, add bottles of beer you've finished after you've rinsed them. The b-brite will make most labels fall right off, a light scrub will remove the glue. You've got a month to get 50 so get to drinking!

Dang...such a high price to pay :noon

:chr

[Salvelinus]

Dang...such a high price to pay :noon

:chr

I subtract the cost of new bottles from the cost of the beer :r

Most of my pals are on notice to save me any decent bottles, and I've got them trained to rinse properly so that I don't have mold in the bottoms.

I use oxyclean now, never seen it at a homebrew store though which is why I recommended b-brite. Same concept, just put a bit in the water. I keep the bucket full of solution in a closet in the kitchen, that way every bottle which happens into the house winds up label free down in the brewery.

[Steve]

Maybe I should send you a "package" with some bottles after the first of the year...:D

[kaisersozei]

I use oxyclean now, never seen it at a homebrew store though which is why I recommended b-brite. Same concept, just put a bit in the water. I keep the bucket full of solution in a closet in the kitchen, that way every bottle which happens into the house winds up label free down in the brewery.

Yep, same here. I also will toss in airlocks, stoppers, tubing, etc., just to have it ready the next time. I use One Step as my sanitizer

[rack04]

Test run of my new two burner, single tier stand and 15.5 gal sanke keg HLT and BK tomorrow. I like the idea of double the beer in about the same amount of time. I need to plan it right because my temperature controlled chest freezer will only hold two 6 gallon better bottles at a time.

[Salvelinus]

Maybe I should send you a "package" with some bottles after the first of the year...:D

The homebrew thread is a safe zone Steve...

but I've got about 20 gallons of filled bottles in the basement in case of zombie attack, plagues, etc... just sayin :gary

[Steve]

The homebrew thread is a safe zone Steve...

A safe zone on CA...:r

:D

[cobra03]

Got my first brew in the fermenter. Nothing crazy just a blone ale. Starting with baby steps but had a good time putting it together. Im worried about the sanitation . Not me cleaning everything i was very careful, but my wife felt the need to just about put her face in the fermeting bucket and start talking to me in the process.Just after i pitched the yeast :td. She could not figure out why i was so upset with this after i had just spent time explaining the sanitation process and its importance to her. I guess i cant be to mad at her she did buy the kit for me. :tu We'll see what happens next week hopefully its in good shape.

[ktblunden]

Stopped by my local homebrew store and grabbed the ingredients to do my first brew, an American-style Pale using their recipe. So now I have everything I need except the actual equipment, which I'm waiting on Midwest to ship. Having never been exposed to the raw ingredients for beer before, I have to say the grains smell amazing.

[RWhisenand]

Anyone interested in some bottles feel free to PM me.

Why?

I just recieved two 5 gallon kegs and the system from Northern Brewer yesterday!! hOOt:banger:dr

Can't wait, we've got the Chinook IPA kit ready to brew, and we will not be bottling it! Can't wait to give kegging a try.

[rack04]

Test run of my new two burner, single tier stand and 15.5 gal sanke keg HLT and BK tomorrow. I like the idea of double the beer in about the same amount of time. I need to plan it right because my temperature controlled chest freezer will only hold two 6 gallon better bottles at a time.

Well the inaugural brew was a success. No issues to speak of. Got 10.50 gallons fermenting away. Just wished I had a bigger chest freezer because tomorrow would be a great opportunity to brew.

[forgop]

I bought my first kit last week and it's due to arrive later this week. It's a cheapo kit-the Mr Beer Premium Edution Home Beer Kit. I saw the reviews on amazon were pretty good and when it appeared on woot for $25 shipped, I thought why not. Looking forward to seeing if it yields enough interest to make this a more serious hobby or not. I'm primarily interested in brewing hefeweizen and Kristallweizen.

[BeerAdvocate]

I bought my first kit last week and it's due to arrive later this week. It's a cheapo kit-the Mr Beer Premium Edution Home Beer Kit. I saw the reviews on amazon were pretty good and when it appeared on woot for $25 shipped, I thought why not. Looking forward to seeing if it yields enough interest to make this a more serious hobby or not. I'm primarily interested in brewing hefeweizen and Kristallweizen.

Dont judge homebrew on a Mr Beer kit. If you dont like the results from Mr Beer, dont give up on homebrewing.

[Salvelinus]

Well the inaugural brew was a success. No issues to speak of. Got 10.50 gallons fermenting away. Just wished I had a bigger chest freezer because tomorrow would be a great opportunity to brew.

That switch to double the beer in the same amount of time is great. I went to a plate chiller when I switched and think I wound up saving time.

I brewed up an Irish Red that I'll be entering into our local clubs competition in a couple months. 5 gallons on some slurry from a scottish ale (wyeast 1728), and the other half on some marzen slurry (white labs 820). The 820 was slooowww the first time around, I hear the second round with it is usually faster though. We'll see...

[cobra03]

Just bottled my first brew a blonde ale. Not very impressed when i tasted it. Tastes like watered down coors light if thats possible. I know its not carbonated yet but i dont think its getting any better. Its a start up kit from Mr. Beer so im not to worried. it was more to get my brewing legs. Im already working on getting supplies for the next one.

[SteelCityBoy]

Just bottled my first brew a blonde ale. Not very impressed when i tasted it. Tastes like watered down coors light if thats possible. I know its not carbonated yet but i dont think its getting any better. Its a start up kit from Mr. Beer so im not to worried. it was more to get my brewing legs. Im already working on getting supplies for the next one.

No matter what see it through...and remember it will still be beer. Keep us posted on your next brew and how it goes.

The wife just bought me three kits for Christmas; Baltic Porter, Maibock, and a Triple Abbey. I will be very busy over the next month! :D

[forgop]

Dont judge homebrew on a Mr Beer kit. If you dont like the results from Mr Beer, dont give up on homebrewing.

I know the quality of this kit isn't really comparable to the better stuff out there. I wanted to see first if I'd actually go through the whole process enough to decide I'd continue with it before getting something better. I didn't want to invest the money and everything if I decided it was too much of a pain in the rear for a nice setup.

[replicant_argent]

Single hop best bitter turned out pretty well for my first solo brew. It's a little cloudy, but it tastes pretty darn good.

[ktblunden]

Just bottled my first brew a blonde ale. Not very impressed when i tasted it. Tastes like watered down coors light if thats possible. I know its not carbonated yet but i dont think its getting any better. Its a start up kit from Mr. Beer so im not to worried. it was more to get my brewing legs. Im already working on getting supplies for the next one.

From everything I've read you need to just let them sit in the bottles and give it time. Give them a few weeks and give it a try and it should get a lot better. This is all advice pertaining to all grain or extract brewing, but I'm sure it holds true for Mr. Beer as well.

[cobra03]

From everything I've read you need to just let them sit in the bottles and give it time. Give them a few weeks and give it a try and it should get a lot better. This is all advice pertaining to all grain or extract brewing, but I'm sure it holds true for Mr. Beer as well.

Yeah im going to try one in a week to see how the bottling went and let the rest sit for a bit to see what happens. Im interested to see what happens but im not holding out much hope. Ive heard the base Mr beer recipies are not all that great but you can get some good stuff by playing around with some of their better stuff. My wife also got me an Oktoberfest kit that im going to tweek with and brew next.

[ktblunden]

Ugh, I was hoping to be able to brew my first batch this coming weekend, but my stuff from Midwest was supposed to ship last Friday and still hasn't been picked up by Fedex yet. I guess maybe next weekend I'll get started.

[Ed21201]

Just bottled a hoppy mild that sat on some oak chips for a few days. I call it Privateer. I'm cautiously optimistic :)

[kaisersozei]

Anybody have experience with Northern Brewer? On-line I typically buy from Midwest, but I found a bunch of hops that I liked and placed a pretty good sized order a few weeks ago. Wide variety of mostly pellets, in multiples of 1oz. They did have Centennial leaf, which I really like, so I bought a pound (~$21, I think.)

Order arrived in good time, everything was there except they shipped Centennial pellets (~$16) instead of leaf. I called, and the guy said, "Sorry, we'll send you the correct item, keep the pellets though, it's not worth it to ship back." Great customer service!

Except when the order arrived--it's another pound of Centennial pellets! And the invoice was even checked off as leaf, and verified by some quality control checker person :bh

Now, I could call them up again and complain, maybe send pictures to show them that I'm not pulling a fast one. But I figure I'll just keep the pellets. At this point, I'm ahead in the count and I guess they really, really wanted me to have pellets.

[replicant_argent]

Anybody have experience with Northern Brewer? On-line I typically buy from Midwest, but I found a bunch of hops that I liked and placed a pretty good sized order a few weeks ago. Wide variety of mostly pellets, in multiples of 1oz. They did have Centennial leaf, which I really like, so I bought a pound (~$21, I think.)

Order arrived in good time, everything was there except they shipped Centennial pellets (~$16) instead of leaf. I called, and the guy said, "Sorry, we'll send you the correct item, keep the pellets though, it's not worth it to ship back." Great customer service!

Except when the order arrived--it's another pound of Centennial pellets! And the invoice was even checked off as leaf, and verified by some quality control checker person :bh

Now, I could call them up again and complain, maybe send pictures to show them that I'm not pulling a fast one. But I figure I'll just keep the pellets. At this point, I'm ahead in the count and I guess they really, really wanted me to have pellets.
I have gone to their local store. Extremely helpful, and when I got a kit missing something, they took care of me, knowing I didn't realize I was screwed mid boil and had to go somewhere else to get a component to finish properly.
VERY good customer relations, I can tolerate a few bobbles when they bend over backwards to make sure you are happy.

[Salvelinus]

The pal I brew with only orders through them, I tend to spread my orders out a bit.

At the point you're at I'd be happy with the pellets I guess. I might call and just say hey somethings going on with fulfillment to give them a heads up, but my guess is if there is really an issue there they are moving enough stuff that they are hearing about it.

I'm guessing you'll be putting some hoppy IPA's into fermenters in the near future eh?

[mmblz]

Surly Furious clone in primary...


Except when the order arrived--it's another pound of Centennial pellets! And the invoice was even checked off as leaf, and verified by some quality control checker person :bh

You could make this - which I've been eyeing since Ruination is so darn good!

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f69/stone-ruination-clone-155771/

[Salvelinus]

You could make this - which I've been eyeing since Ruination is so darn good!

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f69/stone-ruination-clone-155771/

:tu

[forgop]

If I'm looking to brew some hefeweizen, any suggestions for a retailer online to make my first batch? Thanks!

[Salvelinus]

Do you have a local homebrew shop you could pick a kit up from? Might help to have someone to toss questions at with the first brew.

I checked out northern brewers bavarian hefe kit and it would be around the same price as a kit from morebeer. If you go with the northern brewer kit I'd recommend paying the little bit extra for the wyeast weihenstephan yeast.

[rack04]

If I'm looking to brew some hefeweizen, any suggestions for a retailer online to make my first batch? Thanks!

I would try the Bavarian Hefeweizen at Austin Homebrew Supply. Use either WLP300 or Wyeast 3068.

http://www.austinhomebrew.com/product_info.php?products_id=318

[cricky101]

I'm making something hoppy saturday, but haven't decided on the hop schedule yet. I've got some centennial, Amarillo and Falconer's Flight to play around with along with a couple bittering hops. I just finished a keg of an all-Amarillo IPA that was really good, but will probably change it up a bit.

Monday evening my girlfriend is having some friends over for some kind of party - kitchen stuff, candles, cleaning products, who knows?!?!?

I'll probably head to Northern Brewer this weekend and pick up some kind of extract kit to brew Monday after work. It will keep me in the garage during the party, but won't take as long as the usual all-grain brew so I'm not up until midnight.

[Salvelinus]

Making a smaller beer based on the ruination recipe. Realized I didn't have Magnum, or even a decent sub (thought I had columbus in the freezer). Decided I needed something that will be done in a few weeks so I came up with this recipe. I didn't consider the lag time with lagers and noticed I might run out of kegged beer shortly. Hopefully with a good yeast cake I can get this thing to glass in 3-4 weeks.

% LB OZ Malt or Fermentable ppg °L
86% 11 0 Two-Row
8% 1 0 Weyermann Munich Type I
4% 0 8 Carastan 30-37L
2% 0 4 Flaked Barley

use time oz variety form aa
boil 60 mins 1.25 Northern Brewer leaf 10.0
boil 30 mins 0.5 Centennial leaf 12.7
boil 10 mins 0.5 Centennial leaf 12.7
boil 1 min 1.0 Centennial leaf 12.7
dry 7 days 1.5 Centennial leaf 12.7

We'll see how she goes... 9SRM, 68IBU

[BeerAdvocate]

I brewed a Milk Stout last night. I hope it turns out anywhere close to LeftHands

[forgop]

I did my first brew yesterday. The Mr Beer kit I got came with the west coast pale ale. Not too ba I guess to get the entire kit w/ a first brew for $25 shipped. Now I only have to wait another 13 days.

[forgop]

Dumb question-I'm looking at some of these kits that make 5 gallons. My Mr Beer keg does 2 gallons. Am I limited to using their kits due to the size or what should I know if I used a 5 gallon kit and used it for multiple brews? Not so much a measuring standpoint but the shelf life so to speak?

[replicant_argent]

You got a 2 gallon kit for 25 bucks? While unfamiliar with the Mr. Beer kits, that is REAAALLLY expensive.

[Salvelinus]

Dumb question-I'm looking at some of these kits that make 5 gallons. My Mr Beer keg does 2 gallons. Am I limited to using their kits due to the size or what should I know if I used a 5 gallon kit and used it for multiple brews? Not so much a measuring standpoint but the shelf life so to speak?

I wouldn't split them like that, though you probably could. I'd invest in a 6 gallon bucket and an airlock and just start doing 5 gallon batches. Even if you don't have a big pot you can boil 2.5 gallons or so and top up to 5 gallons. It'll take a similar amount of time and you'll have twice the beer.

[cobra03]

You got a 2 gallon kit for 25 bucks? While unfamiliar with the Mr. Beer kits, that is REAAALLLY expensive.

Really? My wife got my Mr.Beer kit for around $30. Yeah it only brews 2 1/2 gal. but it came with 8 liter bottles, everything to brew with, and 2 complete ingredient kits. I didnt think that was to bad for $30. Its not the best but its great for newbies like myself.

[forgop]

You got a 2 gallon kit for 25 bucks? While unfamiliar with the Mr. Beer kits, that is REAAALLLY expensive.

This is the kit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00007G2IX

Keg, 8 bottles, and ingredients kit. Hell, the ingredients kit is $15 by itself, so $10 for the bottles/keg ain't too shabby.

I have a tendency to buy stuff and then it sits, so I want to make sure it's something I'll continue before getting splurging on a nice kit.

[replicant_argent]

Not horrible, then, I thought the 25 was just for a refill kit.

[cobra03]

This is the kit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00007G2IX

Keg, 8 bottles, and ingredients kit. Hell, the ingredients kit is $15 by itself, so $10 for the bottles/keg ain't too shabby.

I have a tendency to buy stuff and then it sits, so I want to make sure it's something I'll continue before getting splurging on a nice kit.

Im right there with you . Didnt want to spend all that money and not enjoy it. Now that im into it i'll probably fall off the deep end and go crazy with it .

[ktblunden]

Ok, got all my stuff from Midwest today and got my first batch brewed and into the fermenter. It's definitely a learning experience and next time I know what to watch out for and do differently.

Made my local Brew Supply's "Colorado Blvd Pale Ale"

6lbs Pale LME

Steep grains for 30 min:
8oz Caramel 10L
8oz Caramel 40L

Boil 60 minutes 0.6oz Columbus
Boil 15 minutes 0.7oz Cascade
Add at 0 min 1.0oz Cascade

Original gravity should have been 1.045, I measured 1.040, but that may have been because I agitated it right before taking the reading.

Now the hard part: letting it just sit there and do its thing.

[hammondc]

Just bottled my Surly Furious clone. Somewhere, I lost like a gallon. Oh well. Taste is good right out of the fermenter. I am never bottling again. Straight to kegs on the next batch.

[replicant_argent]

Black IPA into the keg for secondary, and freshly boiled dry Irish Stout into the fermenter today.

[forgop]

Somewhere, I lost like a gallon. Oh well.

I guess if you drink a whole gallon, you might not remember where it went. :r

[Mikes]

http://i352.photobucket.com/albums/r325/czmkid/photo-9.jpg 21 oz of hops ;o)

We did a 10 gal mini mash using the Citra Pale Ale grain bill and added all Zythos™ Pellet Hops and one extra oz will go into the dryhop kegs. Also did 10 gal of a (Ninkasi) Tricerahops Double IPA clone kit.

[hammondc]

Thats a lottta hops. I love it!

[kaisersozei]

Brewed the 2012 version of my Hopslam clone yesterday:

http://hopville.com/recipe/1078202/imperial-ipa-recipes/hopsiam-2012-version

Pitched it last night and the thing is bubbling away, smells great. :noon


Original gravity should have been 1.045, I measured 1.040, but that may have been because I agitated it right before taking the reading.


Remember, most gravity readings are based on 60 degree temps so you'd have to adjust:

http://www.brew365.com/technique_hydrometer_temperature_correction.php

[ktblunden]

Remember, most gravity readings are based on 60 degree temps so you'd have to adjust:

http://www.brew365.com/technique_hydrometer_temperature_correction.php

Yeah, it was about 70-75 degrees when I checked, so that brings it up to 1.041-1.042 and I did a partial boil so it probably wasn't completely mixed with the clean water at that point. I'm not too concerned about it, just letting it do its thing in the fermenter now. The airlock is bubbling like crazy and it's starting to smell like beer, so I'm completely stoked...and already trying to figure out what to brew for batch #2.

[cricky101]

Brewed a Falconer's Flight IPA on Saturday that went fairly well until the bag I use for brew-in-a-bag sprung a leak along the seam when I was dunk-sparging it in another pot ...

After some straining I got the grains cleaned up and proceeded as usual. I don't think it should have much of an affect on the beer. The sample I took before going into the fermenter tasted great!

Tonight a cream stout gets kegged.

[cobra03]

Newbie question here. I tried one of the blonde ales i bottled last week to see how everything was going. It had great carbonation and clairity but had an odd sweetness to it. It wasnt noticably sweet when it came out of the fermenter. Its not cidery but it is sweet. Will that fade with bottle conditioning or is that just how its going to taste?

[Salvelinus]

If it's only been a week you may still have some sweetness from the corn sugar and that may fade as bottle conditioning finishes. What was your final gravity?

[cobra03]

If it's only been a week you may still have some sweetness from the corn sugar and that may fade as bottle conditioning finishes. What was your final gravity?

Thats what i was thinking but im still figuring all this out. It came out just around 3.8% which is about right on where it says it should be.

[icantbejon]

I just brewed up a Abbey Ale that has a great deal of potential. I'll be brewing again on the 21st and now I have to go recipe hunting.

[cobra03]

I just brewed up a Abbey Ale that has a great deal of potential. I'll be brewing again on the 21st and now I have to go recipe hunting.

Whats up Jon? Havent seen you around in a while. That Abbey Ale sounds good.

[forgop]

I wouldn't split them like that, though you probably could. I'd invest in a 6 gallon bucket and an airlock and just start doing 5 gallon batches. Even if you don't have a big pot you can boil 2.5 gallons or so and top up to 5 gallons. It'll take a similar amount of time and you'll have twice the beer.

So, if buying from Midwest Supplies, could you tell me exactly what I'd need? (Obviously I'd need more bottles-I'd probably brew the hefeweissen the next time around).

Could I get by with just a 6.5 gal bucket w/ lid and an airlock as long as I had a pot big enough to burn 2.5 gallons?

[Salvelinus]

As an absolute minimum you should be able to.

Here's what I would do

1. Sanitize bucket and add 2.5 gallons of boiled water (this is anal, but I don't like to worry about my tap water having bugs in it) - let cool overnight while covered

2. Do an extract boil to finish up with 2.5 gallons of wort

3. Add wort to bucket and cover

4. Pitch yeast when you get to temp

So basically doing this you need a bucket, an airlock, and something big enough to boil 3 gallons of water in. Keep in mind with the pot that you'll have a hot break so you'll want a 5 gallon pot at least.

How did you bottle from the mr beer kit? I don't know how those kits work. Bottling using the method outlined above would require some additional equipment.

[Salvelinus]

This kit (http://www.midwestsupplies.com/brewing-basics-equipment-kit.html) has everything you would need except the pot and ingredients to do an extract batch. I'd recommend getting a grain bag also so that you can do partial mash kits.

There's really nothing in the kit that I wouldn't want to have around except the instructional DVD. You can get that info for free online :D

[forgop]

What do you think of this pot? Is it worth the money?

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/for/2723991745.html

[forgop]

How did you bottle from the mr beer kit? I don't know how those kits work. Bottling using the method outlined above would require some additional equipment.

I haven't bottled yet. It's still about 10 days away. The kit came with (8) plastic 1 liter bottles. The Mr. Beer fermenter has a spigot at least for easy pouring into each bottle. I haven't looked at it in much detail yet, but I have to put a bit of sugar into each bottle I think.

[Salvelinus]

Those look like a lot more kettle than you'd need for doing extract batches. You won't need the fittings to move 2.5 gallons of water around. Just lift the pot. I bet the $95 is for the smallest pot he's offering without fittings also. I've seen that posting on my local craigslist also, which is odd.

I'd buy a pot like this 1 (http://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Classic-1044-44-Quart-Stainless-Steel/dp/B000VXHKMC/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1326286676&sr=8-15), 2 (http://www.amazon.com/7-5-Gallon-Stainless-Steel-Stock/dp/B000E62GRU/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1326286593&sr=8-6), 3 (http://www.amazon.com/Winware-Professional-Aluminum-40-Quart-Stockpot/dp/B001CHKL68/ref=pd_bxgy_k_text_b).

I list 8 gallon pots there so you have room to go to full boils without buying a new pot if you decide to boil 5 gallon batches.

[BeerAdvocate]

Duane. Go on BedBathBeyond.com and sign up for their newsletter. They will then send you a 20% coupon that you can use for a very nice high quality pot.
Thats what I did. I think I got a 3 gallon pot for around $40 and its heavy duty.
I have been using it for 4 years now.

[Mikes]

Another thing he could do with the pre boil 2.5 gal is to freeze it (after boil) and then add this to help the other 2.5 boil mash come down to pitch temp quicker. I hate waiting ;o)

[kaisersozei]

What do you think of this pot? Is it worth the money?

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/for/2723991745.html

If it's the 15 gallon pot as stated in the keywords, that's an awesome deal. I just got one similar to it for use as my hot liquor tank, but that's all grain. As Brendan says, it's much more than you'd need for extract.

(although, following other advice in these forums: you might as well go bigger--you'll eventually need the room!) :noon

[cricky101]

What do you think of this pot? Is it worth the money?

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/for/2723991745.html

The guy posting those is http://www.spikebrewing.com/

He posts all over craig's list in different cities.

[Mikes]

Brewed the 2012 version of my Hopslam clone yesterday:

http://hopville.com/recipe/1078202/imperial-ipa-recipes/hopsiam-2012-version

Pitched it last night and the thing is bubbling away, smells great. :noon



Remember, most gravity readings are based on 60 degree temps so you'd have to adjust:

http://www.brew365.com/technique_hydrometer_temperature_correction.php

Whoa!!!! Never seen that site before....Lots of great recipes there omg ;o)

thanks kaisersozei

[hammondc]

Brewed the 2012 version of my Hopslam clone yesterday:

http://hopville.com/recipe/1078202/imperial-ipa-recipes/hopsiam-2012-version

Pitched it last night and the thing is bubbling away, smells great. :noon



Remember, most gravity readings are based on 60 degree temps so you'd have to adjust:

http://www.brew365.com/technique_hydrometer_temperature_correction.php






where the hell would one get bells liquid yeast?

[rack04]

where the hell would one get bells liquid yeast?

You would harvest it from the bottle.

[ktblunden]

Checked the gravity last night and I'm about 1.012 so it looks like fermentation is about done. I think another two weeks in the primary to let it clear a little and I'll bottle it. I tasted the sample I pulled to test the gravity and it tastes like beer! Woo hoo!

[Salvelinus]

Once I get out of the lab today I'm brewing 10 gallons of German Pils.

% LB OZ Malt or Fermentable ppg °L
96% 20 0 Best Malz Pilsner 35 2 ~
4% 0 13 Weyermann CaraFoam 34 1 ~

use time oz variety form aa
boil 60 mins 2.75 Hallertau pellet 4.3
boil 15 mins 2.0 Hallertau pellet 4.3
boil 1 min 1.0 Hallertau pellet 4.3

The recipe (not mine) won best in show at last years homebrew comp up here and was in one of the latest BYO's. Let's see how bad I can mess it up...

[replicant_argent]

Today I took some time to learn about washing yeast. That would save a significant amount of money over time.

[kaisersozei]

where the hell would one get bells liquid yeast?
You would harvest it from the bottle.


Yep, that's exactly what I did. Bell's uses the same yeast for just about all of their beers, I've read where it might be a California V strain. Not sure. Anyway, last year I salvaged some Hopslam yeast from a bottle that newcigarz sent me and propagated it up to an adequate amount. I pitched it into an IPA where it performed pretty well, and then salvaged more from the secondary. I now have about a half dozen mason jars of Bell's yeast in my frig.

Since then I've used it in a porter, IPA, IIPA, and a brown ale, all to good results.

[BeerAdvocate]

Today I took some time to learn about washing yeast. That would save a significant amount of money over time.

Another thing I like to do is to pitch ontop of a yeast cake; if I am brewing a similar beer. It not only saves a little money, but fermentation starts faster.

[replicant_argent]

I am debating doing just that with the irish dry stout I have in the fermenter right now, then washing the yeast after that batch and storing it until the next time for a stout batch called for in a few months.

[rack04]

I've always worried about overpitching when racking directly onto the yeast cake.

[BeerAdvocate]

I have never had any problems

[cobra03]

Tried another one of my blonde ales last night. Wow what an improvment after just another week in the bottle. Started another brew yesterday. Kind of a tweaked Oktoberfest. Dry hopping with some Tettnager hops i had. This is my first "experiment" so we'll see how it turns out.

[forgop]

Found a kit listed locally on craigslist that is claimed to have only been used once. If all is in good shape, what is your opinion if I offered $100 for it? The place they bought it from locally sells it for $190 + tax. Listed since early December for $125. Don't know how it really compares to kits selling new in that range.

http://www.greatfermentations.com/Deluxe-Brewing-Kit/productinfo/GF020/

Thanks!

[Salvelinus]

That kit has everything you'd need. Be a good grab for $100

[BeerAdvocate]

Found a kit listed locally on craigslist that is claimed to have only been used once. If all is in good shape, what is your opinion if I offered $100 for it? The place they bought it from locally sells it for $190 + tax. Listed since early December for $125. Don't know how it really compares to kits selling new in that range.

http://www.greatfermentations.com/Deluxe-Brewing-Kit/productinfo/GF020/

Thanks!

Great deal. I started with a similar kit from Midwestbrewing.
Glass carboys are the way to go. I hate plastic buckets!

[rack04]

Great deal. I started with a similar kit from Midwestbrewing.
Glass carboys are the way to go. I hate plastic buckets!

I hate plastic buckets as well, except when dry hopping. I like the 6 gal better bottles.

[forgop]

The above kit I found is really just the Brewer's Best Deluxe kit. I can get it shiped new for under $100 here: https://bellsbeer.com/store/products/Deluxe-Brewer%27s-Best®-Beer-Brewing-Equipment-Kit-w%7B47%7D-Better-Bottle®.html

Is there a better kit out there for the price?

[Salvelinus]

You're getting glass instead of plastic. I like the glass because I can see the fermentation better.

[CigarSquid]

I only use the plastic when bottling. I have a 2 glass carboys. Love them.

[Mikey202]

Brewing a Belgian Dubbel this weekend.:tu Partial mash.

[mmblz]

bottled furious clone last night.
gearing up to start the ruination clone.

[forgop]

Ok, not hearing back from the craigslist ad.

So, if you were buying a kit today(knowing what you know now), what would you buy? Not looking for an extravagant kit by any means, but something that makes me wish I had splurged for something nicer for an extra $25 type of kit. Let's say I want to keep this around $200 with the pot.

Some things I'm considering thus far:
http://www.homebrewit.com/beer-brewing-kit.php (Deluxe kit)

http://www.midwestsupplies.com/homebrewing-equipment/equipment-kits/compare-all-kits/everything-a-carboy-complete-brewing-package-equipment-kit-2.html

http://morebeer.com/view_product/15911/102142/Personal_Home_Brewery_%233_-_Bottling_Deluxe

Thanks!

[rack04]

Brewed a 10.50 gallon robust porter today. It was a long brew day but I'm sure in 4 weeks it will worth it.

[BeerAdvocate]

Ok, not hearing back from the craigslist ad.

So, if you were buying a kit today(knowing what you know now), what would you buy? Not looking for an extravagant kit by any means, but something that makes me wish I had splurged for something nicer for an extra $25 type of kit. Let's say I want to keep this around $200 with the pot.

Some things I'm considering thus far:
http://www.homebrewit.com/beer-brewing-kit.php (Deluxe kit)

http://www.midwestsupplies.com/homebrewing-equipment/equipment-kits/compare-all-kits/everything-a-carboy-complete-brewing-package-equipment-kit-2.html

http://morebeer.com/view_product/15911/102142/Personal_Home_Brewery_%233_-_Bottling_Deluxe

Thanks!

The Midwest kit is the way to go. Thats what I started with and I still use most of. Minus the buckets.

[forgop]

The Midwest kit is the way to go. Thats what I started with and I still use most of. Minus the buckets.

It seems like it was the most complete kit out there for the money. Only change I might make though is get the kit without the pot included. Their shipping brings this kit to around $230 I think. For around $185 shipped, I can get the same kit with 2 carboys(minus bottles) and pick up a 5 gal pot like on amazon or BB&B for probably the same price.

[Salvelinus]

It seems like it was the most complete kit out there for the money. Only change I might make though is get the kit without the pot included. Their shipping brings this kit to around $230 I think. For around $185 shipped, I can get the same kit with 2 carboys(minus bottles) and pick up a 5 gal pot like on amazon or BB&B for probably the same price.

I'd go the route you mention, and put some thought into a larger pot if you think you might ever want to move to full boils.

[forgop]

I'd go the route you mention, and put some thought into a larger pot if you think you might ever want to move to full boils.

So, let me ask you this-what's the difference between a foil boil and a half boil I guess?

[Salvelinus]

You get better hop utilization, you can brew all grain if you choose to, some say you don't get an extract twang. FWIW Zainashef mentions full boils being a key to making great beer, along with pitching the right amount of healthy yeast.

Very big con: You're going to want a wort chiller.

If you save $50 by not getting a 5 gallon pot with the kit you can get an 8 gallon pot from Amazon for about that much. It'd just be a part of your system that you didn't need to upgrade if you decided to fall further down the homebrewing slope. You can always do a partial boil in an 8 gallon pot, you can't do a full boil in a 5 gallon pot. You can make good homebrew so many ways though, tons of people make great homebrew doing partial boils including my pal Jamie who's beers I'm always jealous of :2

[replicant_argent]

Extra pale ale in tonight.
Dryhopped my Black IPA today, and hopefully those Cascades will make a happy tasty beverage in about 5 days.

[forgop]

You get better hop utilization, you can brew all grain if you choose to, some say you don't get an extract twang. FWIW Zainashef mentions full boils being a key to making great beer, along with pitching the right amount of healthy yeast.

Very big con: You're going to want a wort chiller.

If you save $50 by not getting a 5 gallon pot with the kit you can get an 8 gallon pot from Amazon for about that much. It'd just be a part of your system that you didn't need to upgrade if you decided to fall further down the homebrewing slope. You can always do a partial boil in an 8 gallon pot, you can't do a full boil in a 5 gallon pot. You can make good homebrew so many ways though, tons of people make great homebrew doing partial boils including my pal Jamie who's beers I'm always jealous of :2

As in I'm going to WANT or I'm going to NEED a wort chiller? :r

I've inquired on substituting the 7.5 gal pot they sell in lieu of the 4 gal pot. I'll see what they say. I'm also wanting to substitute the Hank's Hefeweizen kit in place of the 3 kits they offer with it.

[replicant_argent]

As in I'm going to WANT or I'm going to NEED a wort chiller? :r

I've inquired on substituting the 7.5 gal pot they sell in lieu of the 4 gal pot. I'll see what they say. I'm also wanting to substitute the Hank's Hefeweizen kit in place of the 3 kits they offer with it.

You should see if they honor any competitors coupons.

[Salvelinus]

As in I'm going to WANT or I'm going to NEED a wort chiller? :r

I've inquired on substituting the 7.5 gal pot they sell in lieu of the 4 gal pot. I'll see what they say. I'm also wanting to substitute the Hank's Hefeweizen kit in place of the 3 kits they offer with it.

I chilled with the lid on the pot in an ice bath for a long time before I finally got a wort chiller. The chiller just makes the process a whole lot faster. I got my chiller on craigslist for $15. It's something you could hold out on until you found a good deal.

[rack04]

Blew my first stopper and airlock during the night. Made quite a mess in the chest freezer. I keep telling myself that I should use a blowoff tube for the 1st week with every batch to be safe. Lesson learned.

[forgop]

Well, the damage is done. Order placed.

I went with this kit: http://www.midwestsupplies.com/everything-a-carboy-complete-brewing-package-equipment-kit-8.html. I decided I'd learn what I'm doing with this kit before getting into it even more so.

$223.27 shipped to my door.

[ktblunden]

Looking like I should get my bottles this week, so my first brew should get bottled this weekend. Then I'll be brewing a vanilla bourbon stout.

[lou2row]

Found out my thermometer I have been using is off around 10-20 degrees! So I have been way over on my mash temps. No wonder the last few beers have not reached FG and tasted awfully sweet. Hope I caught it soon enough and cooled it down on the honey nut brown I made yesterday.

[cricky101]

Does anyone have experience dealing with treating water for brewing?

I found my city's water quality report online (PDF) (http://www.stpaul.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DID=1492) but I'm no chemist, and am not really sure what I should be looking for as far as if my tap water is OK for mashing/brewing or not ...

I've noticed some off flavors in my lighter recipes, but am not sure if it's my water or something else.

[kaisersozei]

Does anyone have experience dealing with treating water for brewing?

I found my city's water quality report online (PDF) (http://www.stpaul.gov/DocumentView.aspx?DID=1492) but I'm no chemist, and am not really sure what I should be looking for as far as if my tap water is OK for mashing/brewing or not ...

I've noticed some off flavors in my lighter recipes, but am not sure if it's my water or something else.

Here's a really good assessment of brewing water profiles:

http://www.howtobrew.com/section3/chapter15-2.html

As far as the mash is concerned, you're looking for things that will impact your pH. It appears that you have very soft water.

I use tap water quite a bit and don't worry too much about my water chemistry, although I do pay attention to the chlorine level so I typically boil my water or let it sit for awhile before using it.

[cobra03]

I have a bottling related question. Im about to bottle my second batch and got my hands on a bunch of 1 liter glass fliptop bottles.these glass bottles are bigger than the liter plastic bottles the kit came with. Now my set up makes exactly 8 liters of beer in the plastic bottles with almost nothing left. Should i A. fill up the glass bottles and adujust the priming sugar making fewer bottles or B. make the full 8 bottles with less beer in each bottle. i would prefer to have 8 bottles but im not sure if the extra air space would cause any issues with carbonation or oxidation. any suggestions?

[BeerAdvocate]

Extra air space in the bottles will cause "bottle bombs" and they will explode.
You want to fill the bottles up and leave about an inch of head space.
I found out the hard way the first time I bottled.

[forgop]

My kit is scheduled to arrive. I think I'll try to put it to use Sunday.

This is going to be my first brew: http://www.midwestsupplies.com/review/product/list/id/1276/

[BeerAdvocate]

Duane, Try the Hanks Hefe kit from Midwest, next.
I think its the best one they make!

[forgop]

Duane, Try the Hanks Hefe kit from Midwest, next.
I think its the best one they make!

That was the plan. Hefe is really the reason why I decided to get into making it myself and is typically a $2.50+ purchase for a decent one it seems. I really wanted to make Hefe, but I almost seemed to be a bit intimidated to try it for my first batch. Seems some of the stuff I read talked about holding it closer to 62 degrees than I could maintain at room temp like most other stuff out there. If holding a temp closer to the 62 degree range was the requirement, I wanted to see how the stuff might possibly fit in my vinotemp or small fridge. That said, when I do get around to ordering it, what is your recommendation for the yeast?

Also, I want to make some kristallweizen, which to my understanding is just a filtered version of the hefeweizen. What would I need to do in the process to do the filtration?

[BeerAdvocate]

The type of yeast you use for a Hefe is very important. Its almost what makes it a Hefe.
I always use the WhiteLabs 300 Hefeweizen.
In the summer time I brew two batches of this back to back and just rack the 2nd batch onto the yeat cake of the 1st batch.
Regarding the fermenting temp: The higher temp = more banana flavor; the lower the temp = more clove flavor
But I ferment in my basement and never really payed that much attention to the temp and it always turned out great, so dont worry too much unless you wait and make it in the heat of summer and do not have a cool place to put your fermenter

[kaisersozei]

The type of yeast you use for a Hefe is very important. Its almost what makes it a Hefe.
I always use the WhiteLabs 300 Hefeweizen.


+1

It also ferments well in the 68-72 range. Not sure how it would do at lower temps, Zymurgy had an article on this topic last issue, I think.

[Mikey202]

Brewing a Belgian Dubbel this weekend.:tu Partial mash.

This has pushed the cap of the carboy, twice. We have a blowoff tube on this, also. Belgian yeast is aggressive!!!!

[Salvelinus]

This has pushed the cap of the carboy, twice. We have a blowoff tube on this, also. Belgian yeast is aggressive!!!!

I made a belgian strong that pushed yeast through the blowoff tube for 4 days straight. The Belgians have definitely perfected aggressive yeasts that attenuate well!

Just bottled up a scottish that wound up being more of a 90 than a wee heavy. Added some yeast at bottling. First time doing this, hope they don't blow.

[forgop]

I'm kinda disappointed with my order from Midwest. If I had known this was just a standard Brewers Best Deluxe kit with 2 cases of bottles and a cheapo kettle, I would have ordered the kit/bottles/ingredients kit from Bell's General Store for $156.29 shipped and then gotten this kettle http://www.amazon.com/Winware-Stainless-20-Quart-Steel-Stock/dp/B001AS81BG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327712164&sr=8-1 (which I'm sure is much better than this one http://www.midwestsupplies.com/homebrewing-equipment/boiling-equipment/kettles/economy-stainless-steel-brewing-pot-5-gallon.html ) for just $2 more.

[replicant_argent]

Shoulda used a coupon.

[forgop]

Shoulda used a coupon.

Didn't have any current codes. I tried.

[Salvelinus]

You'll be able to make quality brew with that kit, so don't let the decision bug you.

[forgop]

Didn't have any current codes. I tried.

You'll be able to make quality brew with that kit, so don't let the decision bug you.

Not disputing that-just feel like I could have had a much nicer pot for the same price.

[Salvelinus]

Do you know what shipping would cost to return? Their return policy seems pretty open to taking a kit back that you aren't happy with, shipping might kill that idea though.

[mmblz]

Racked my Ruination clone to secondary.
Already tastes pretty darn good!
Ended up using 2oz Millenium (!!!), 3 oz Centennial. 2 more Centennial dry hopped today...

[MarkinAZ]

I'm kinda disappointed with my order from Midwest. If I had known this was just a standard Brewers Best Deluxe kit with 2 cases of bottles and a cheapo kettle, I would have ordered the kit/bottles/ingredients kit from Bell's General Store for $156.29 shipped and then gotten this kettle http://www.amazon.com/Winware-Stainless-20-Quart-Steel-Stock/dp/B001AS81BG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327712164&sr=8-1 (which I'm sure is much better than this one http://www.midwestsupplies.com/homebrewing-equipment/boiling-equipment/kettles/economy-stainless-steel-brewing-pot-5-gallon.html ) for just $2 more.

Duane, I think you're gonna do just fine and brew some excellent styles with that set-up.

I had a similar set-up a number of years back, except I purchased a box of 22oz bottles (I just believe in a healthy English pint:D). Brewed some excellent Bitters and IPA with that gear.

As Charlie Papazian states "Relax, don't worry, have a homebrew..."

[replicant_argent]

Racked my Ruination clone to secondary.
Already tastes pretty darn good!
Ended up using 2oz Millenium (!!!), 3 oz Centennial. 2 more Centennial dry hopped today...

Julian, that much hops makes me smile.

I pulled a sample off my freshly kegged Black IPA yesterday. Think Hoppy Sweet Dark Chocolate Espresso.
The hop schedule is:
- 1 oz Summit (60 min)
- 1 oz Chinook (15 min)
- 1 oz Centennial (10 min)
- 1 oz Cascade (5 min)
- 1 oz Centennial (0 min)
- 1 oz Cascade (dry hop)
Pretty intense.

[hammondc]

Just cracked the first of my Surly Furious clone beers. Damn good. if I do say so myself. As posted on other threads, if anyone can get me some surly furious to compare, you will be rewarded.

[Salvelinus]

Just cracked the first of my Surly Furious clone beers. Damn good. if I do say so myself. As posted on other threads, if anyone can get me some surly furious to compare, you will be rewarded.

Any chance of posting the recipe? That's a beer I'd like to have on home tap.

[forgop]

My first batch of home brew (Mr. Beer) will be ready at the end of the coming week. I'm really nervous to try it. I followed the instructions, but just hate the idea that it'll be awful. It's the west coast pale ale.

So, has anyone made a batch (that despite doing what you thought to be fully correct anyway) turned out to be just awful because something in the brewing process went wrong?

[Salvelinus]

My first few batches after a long hiatus were with a pal that lived north of me. He had well water. Four batches, same off flavor in all of them. Drinkable, but not enjoyable. I think it was iron, when we switched to brewing at my place the beer got better.

[Mikes]

TriCerahops IIPA and Zelos IPA came out of a 2 week ferment and have been carbing in the keg for about a week and are pretty damn good. Still think I like the flavor profile of a more citrus based IPA.

Into the fermenter goes 10 gal of Goose Island Honkers Ale and 10 gal of Easy Street Wheat. Still have room for 4 more kegs so over the weekend I built a wooden shelf to place into the garage fridge so that we can lager / make Pilsners / marzens etc.....Just need to get another Johnson temp control and more kegs lol.

[cricky101]

I kegged a Falconer's Flight IPA last night after adding a fourth (and final) tap to my keezer. I had to bring my co2 tank out to make room and re-run and splice some gas lines, but got it up and running.

At the request of my girlfriend I also experimented with making a partial keg of beergaritas for a party we're having later this month.

They're a mix of limeade concentrate, a couple light beers, a couple cans of Sprite and tequila (I think that's all ... she mixed them so I'm not sure of the ratios). Pretty sweet for my tastes but refreshing.

We mixed up about a gallon and it seemed to work great so it'll be fun to have something on tap for the non-beer drinkers

[ktblunden]

I bottled my first brew (California-style Pale, probably end up similar to Sierra Nevada) on Saturday. Ended up yielding about 4.6 gallons, which is just slightly more than I anticipated. Yesterday I brewed what is going to be a vanilla bourbon stout and got that into the primary. As of last night the airlock was happily bubbling away, which is always nice to see. I did a yeast starter on this one and I was a little concerned about how that would end up.

[mmblz]

anyone have a quick "hack" to make a blowoff tube?
making a belgian stout, and between the belgian yeast and tons of malts/malt extracts, worried about an explosion.

all i have is the siphon tube, and a lid with a hole where you can insert a normal water lock.
the hole is roughly the same size as the inside of the siphon tube, so if only i had a little "coupler" of some sort.... any bright ideas?

[mmblz]

here is what started to really worry me ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgfubawsrcM&feature=related

[replicant_argent]

I removed the grommet from the lid and jammed a hose in it, it fits fairly well. The other end is in a bucket of sanitizer. I usually use the carboy and use the large hose for a blowoff, but wanted to get a couple batches going at the same time. I am not sure it will work well.
Extra pale ale in the keg for secondary today, and Dry Irish stout in the primary (bucket).
I think I may go down to see if I have a mess or not.

[SteelCityBoy]

My first batch of home brew (Mr. Beer) will be ready at the end of the coming week. I'm really nervous to try it. I followed the instructions, but just hate the idea that it'll be awful. It's the west coast pale ale.

So, has anyone made a batch (that despite doing what you thought to be fully correct anyway) turned out to be just awful because something in the brewing process went wrong?

I started with Mr. Beer and it led me on my path I now travel with mutliple fermenters and an outdoor burner for my brew pot. One step will likely lead to another just like with cigar smoking. No matter what....just remember it will still be beer and you can still drink it! :tu

Last summer I brewed a hefeweizen that should have been easy. It was for my wife and she wanted me to try and add macadamia nuts to give it a banna nut flavor. Well, being a bit more inexperienced back then I added salted crushed up macadamia nuts to my secondary fermentation and it turned out horrible. Ruined an entire 5 gallons....but that's how you learn!

Right now I have a maibock that is entering it's final few days in primary fermenation. Brewed it last year and it was amazing!

Just cracked my Sam Adams Black Lager clone and it is mighty tasty!

Keep up with the hobby and the more you read and do the more and more exciting it will become! :tu

[Salvelinus]

I removed the grommet from the lid and jammed a hose in it, it fits fairly well. The other end is in a bucket of sanitizer. I usually use the carboy and use the large hose for a blowoff, but wanted to get a couple batches going at the same time. I am not sure it will work well.
Extra pale ale in the keg for secondary today, and Dry Irish stout in the primary (bucket).
I think I may go down to see if I have a mess or not.

Did this with my last beer as well.

[Mikes]

Did this with my last beer as well.



http://www.austinhomebrew.com/images/3-Piece-Airlock-web.jpg

I use a 3 piece airlock and run a hose off of it into a pitcher of idaphor water. You just need to snip off the little plastick screen off of the bottom of the barb (I dont know why they even put them there b/c they get clogged) then insert this into the grommet in the lind and run your blow off tube off of the top. Of course this should make an airproof seal but I go ahead and put idaphor water in the 3 piece airlock where the tube slips over the palstic.

[mmblz]

http://www.austinhomebrew.com/images/3-Piece-Airlock-web.jpg

I use a 3 piece airlock and run a hose off of it into a pitcher of idaphor water. You just need to snip off the little plastick screen off of the bottom of the barb (I dont know why they even put them there b/c they get clogged) then insert this into the grommet in the lind and run your blow off tube off of the top. Of course this should make an airproof seal but I go ahead and put idaphor water in the 3 piece airlock where the tube slips over the palstic.

this is essentially what i was hoping to do but my hose was too small to fit over that tube in the airlock...
first 7 hours, no activity, so maybe i have time to pick up a different hose on my way home tonight.

[Mikes]

Great minds think alike lol....Sometimes if the hose is just a bit off you can stick it in some hot water to make it fit...I know the hose I used needed this action.

[kaisersozei]

I removed the grommet from the lid and jammed a hose in it, it fits fairly well. The other end is in a bucket of sanitizer. I usually use the carboy and use the large hose for a blowoff, but wanted to get a couple batches going at the same time. I am not sure it will work well.


Like Brendan, I've done this before and it works pretty well with 3/8" tubing.

[forgop]

Just cracked my Sam Adams Black Lager clone and it is mighty tasty!

Keep up with the hobby and the more you read and do the more and more exciting it will become! :tu

I drank a couple of those last night. It's a tasty beer.

Speaking of clone, I need to find me a Caffrey's Irish Ale. It's kind of a sentimental thing. My dad went to the UK several years ago and Caffrey's was the beer he loved. Coors wouldn't allow for distribution in the U.S. I found a liquor store in Windsor, Ontario that we made a road trip to buy it. Coming back through customs, we got questioned about our trip and told him about the keg and expected to get hit with a $100 duty. Guy must have thought were crazy to drive 6+ hours to pick up a keg of beer and let us through with no tax. Sad thing is his health deteriorated so quickly after that he didn't get to drink it. The cancer had eaten holes through his gut and his chemo doctor told him not to drink it.

[Mikey202]

Making a English Porter in the next few days.:dr

[replicant_argent]

I was going to try my stout a few minutes ago. Realized after I poured a large glass of foam in microseconds that I left the pressure up too high for an extra day.
Oops. Rocked the keg a bit to knock some CO2 out of solution, pulled the relief valve, and got a small malty facial.
I really am not very bright. I will have to let it settle down and knock out a volume or so in small increments.

[Poronico]

Pulling my aged bottles out this weekend, Bruiser Berry Hef and a Candied Pecan and Mandarin Orange Amber. I like to play around with different flavors and combinations. The taste test of the hef was AMAZING! but I have yet to crack a bottle of the amber but I have high hopes.

[mmblz]

here is what started to really worry me ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgfubawsrcM&feature=related

so this was in fact pretty much what my basement looked like when i got home tonight. luckily i brought home a hose and slapped it on.
now sounds like an old man in a bath tub down there ;)

[replicant_argent]

Good. I never trust that an airlock will work for the first few days, at least. I am paranoid, though. Well, that and I am pretty new at this stuff.

[mmblz]

at least i was expecting it, even if not quite prepared.
:D

[VirginianTemplar]

Persimmon wine :D

[Steve]

:tu:tu

[cobra03]

Just bottled my modified Oktoberfest yesterday morning. Tasted pretty good a little sweet but the gravity checked ok so im hoping that fades away. it will be another month or so before its ready to drink.

[forgop]

If you want some more supplies, this might be worth checking out:

http://www.groupon.com/amarillo/deals/dc-ghd-mm-midwest-hydroponic?utm_medium=afl&utm_campaign=4534259&utm_source=rvs

[kaisersozei]

Crash cooling my 2012 Hopslam clone, and cooked up my first brew in anticipation of the summer today: a cream ale.

[replicant_argent]

Pretty good deal on hops here:

http://www.hopsshack.com/store/hotbuys.html

I grabbed 4 lbs.

[rack04]

Kegged 10 gallons of robust porter this evening. It is gonna take awhile to drink all that. Better get something else started soon. :banger

[ktblunden]

Sometime this week I'll be racking my stout into secondary on top of some vanilla beans that have been soaking in a little bourbon for a couple weeks. Smells awesome, can't wait to see how this one turns out.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Crash cooling my 2012 Hopslam clone, and cooked up my first brew in anticipation of the summer today: a cream ale.

Hopslam clone sounds good:tu

[Mikey202]

Got the Belgian Dubble in the secondary, and a Porter in the fermenter now.

[smitty81]

Any members of the forum Mrbeerfans?

[Poronico]

Bruiser Berry Berry Hef was damn good!
http://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss131/Diepeveen/423130_10150679685531209_521671208_11228864_124944 5980_n.jpg

[replicant_argent]

Does anyone have a nitro tank/regulator they want to sell?

[smitty81]

Does anyone have a nitro tank/regulator they want to sell?

Isnt it just a co2 tank but with nitro in it basically?

[replicant_argent]

nope, smaller, designed for higher pressure. Can't fill a CO2 tank with nitro, fittings are different.

[goatfarmer]

Came across a case of homebrew I bottled, best recollection, some 25 plus years ago. It's an extremely dark brew and recall sharing a couple 22oz bottle with neighbors shortly after bottling and did it have one heck of a kick. Faced with the dilemma of tossing the batch or test it; if so, should the subject be human, animal, or insect. Possibly arrange a herf and if BCaxman does not surface in a couple days, toss it. Any suggestions??:chr

[Poronico]

Came across a case of homebrew I bottled, best recollection, some 25 plus years ago. It's an extremely dark brew and recall sharing a couple 22oz bottle with neighbors shortly after bottling and did it have one heck of a kick. Faced with the dilemma of tossing the batch or test it; if so, should the subject be human, animal, or insect. Possibly arrange a herf and if BCaxman does not surface in a couple days, toss it. Any suggestions??:chr

Sniff... Sip... Decide -(P cowboy up!

[Salvelinus]

Came across a case of homebrew I bottled, best recollection, some 25 plus years ago. It's an extremely dark brew and recall sharing a couple 22oz bottle with neighbors shortly after bottling and did it have one heck of a kick. Faced with the dilemma of tossing the batch or test it; if so, should the subject be human, animal, or insect. Possibly arrange a herf and if BCaxman does not surface in a couple days, toss it. Any suggestions??:chr

If you were well sanitized you don't have anything to worry about in tasting it except flavor. Go for it, and report back.

If you're really worried about contamination or something just check around the meniscus area on the bottles. If there is no funk you are fine. If there is funk, you probably are still fine.

[cobra03]

Damn 25 year old home brew. Gotta let us know how that tastes.

[goatfarmer]

Damn 25 year old home brew. Gotta let us know how that tastes.

Think I will take Poronicos' suggestion; snif---sip--then decide, likely give it a try this p.m.; will try and post pic's. :sh

[goatfarmer]

UMMMM, sniffed, sipped and in the process of consuming the entire bottle. Can't remember the recipe I used with this batch; however, recall the first 5-6 batches I initially took my time by adding variety of hops, and malts, during different stages of the brewing process. Surprised to find it still has a 'homebrew' flavor, it's very dark in color yet light bodies with a chocolate-carmel flavor. The darkest cigar I could find to match the color is a Camacho triple maduro. The rest of the batch remains in a wooden crate half buried under the house, been kicking and moving the crate around over the years and probly about time I store what remains in a dark and cool space.


http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn25/goatfarmer_photos/IMG_0001-9.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn25/goatfarmer_photos/IMG_0006-2.jpg

[cobra03]

Thats looks and sounds pretty damn good for a bottle of beer that old. Impressive!

[ashtonlady]

That sounds wonderful. I am glad you found it.

[keith_mahoney]

Awesome, I'd have drank it up as well.

[Poronico]

No updates from Dave... did the beer do him in?!

[Salvelinus]

No updates from Dave... did the beer do him in?!

??? Pics and report a couple posts up. Sounds awesome.

[Poronico]

We saw the pour and a taste test not an empty glass...

[goatfarmer]

No updates from Dave... did the beer do him in?!

Still kicking, wow that was quite a treat not sure which had more of a kick the home brew or the tripple maduro. Poronico that Bruiser's brew did look mighty tasty, kinda considering getting back into homebrewing. Thanks for the input!!

[Poronico]

Still kicking, wow that was quite a treat not sure which had more of a kick the home brew or the tripple maduro. Poronico that Bruiser's brew did look mighty tasty, kinda considering getting back into homebrewing. Thanks for the input!!

Glad to see you still among the living and not one of those ever nomming zombies! That beer sounds pretty epic and at 25 years.. wow what a treat! The bruiser did turn out quite awesome, the rest of the batch is spoken for but PM me your addy and I'll see what I can do about poppin a few fresh bottles your way ;)

[Mikey202]

going to enter The Peach State Homebrew contest and Suwannee, Ga Beerfest. Belgian Dubble and a Porter.

[goatfarmer]

Glad to see you still among the living and not one of those ever nomming zombies! That beer sounds pretty epic and at 25 years.. wow what a treat! The bruiser did turn out quite awesome, the rest of the batch is spoken for but PM me your addy and I'll see what I can do about poppin a few fresh bottles your way ;)

I'd like to have been able to make a swap but the reason brew has set so long is recall setting aside 3-4 bottles where special 'home grown' hops were donated to what remain of a particular batch, hey it was the late 70's; anyhow, later mixed 1 or 2 with the rest of the unlabled bottles; hopefully will be able to determine when corked. Appreciate the offer, if not inconvenient, just a taste, will PM.

[goatfarmer]

going to enter The Peach State Homebrew contest and Suwannee, Ga Beerfest. Belgian Dubble and a Porter.

Entering a contest is taking homebrewing to a totally different level. Would be interested on how the Belgian Dubble and Porter come out. :tu

[replicant_argent]

Another batch of Dry Irish Stout going into secondary in a bit, the yeast will be washed and stored, and I am brewing a 2 Hearted clone from Northern brewer. THAT, boys, is a good Sunday.

[mmblz]

Bottled Ruination clone yesterday.
Need to transfer my belgian stout to secondary tonight.
Trying to decide what/when to start next

[mmblz]

anyone ever do a 20 minute boil?
i've read in some places that you can just double the bittering hops, and it works pretty well....
interested in trying since brewing often has to happen after the kids go to bed.

[BeerAdvocate]

I have never tried them but both Midwest & Austin sell 20min boil kits

[mmblz]

the ones at midwest use hopped LME....
i'd be looking to use standard LME or DME...

[Mikes]

In the fermenters:
10g Pilsner Urquell
10g Simco IPA (whole leaf hops this time)

Keggged and conditioning:
10g Honkers Ale
10g EZ street wheat

Finally got around to getting the second Johnson temp control for the fermenting fridge. So decided to put it to good use. 1st time we have ever done a Pilsner/used a lager yeast strain. After reading a bit it would seem that we should have made a starter to pitch more in the pilsner...Oh well the WL yeast vials seemed to be fine as I got bubbles within 24 hrs. Temp is holding at 55deg.

Gotta ask a question to yall who have done lager's...Can I just rack straight into the kegs after fermentation stops in the primary and lager at 32-33 for 3-4 weeks in the keezer? I really dont see any need to go into a secondary/carboy as we don't currently do this for any of our other beers.

[ktblunden]

Happened on a store selling Simcoe pellets while we were out of town so I grabbed half a pound of them. Planning out a Pliny clone and another high test hoppy IPA to use my bounty.

Today I'll rack my stout onto a vanilla bean/bourbon slurry and let that sit for 5-7 days, then add a little more bourbon and bottle.

My wife happened upon a round 10 gal cooler, so I'm planning on making the jump to AG as soon as I can get the hardware together.

[cricky101]

I'm doing some planning to try and get a bunch of brewing done while the ambient temperatures are still cool. I just got four more kegs to fill (for a total of eight) and ordered a bunch of hops this morning. Amounts range from a few ounces to a pound.

Simcoe, Cascade, Willamette, Fuggle, Kent Goldings, Saaz, Tettnang, Perle

I already have full pounds of Centennial, Amarillo, Falconer's Flight and Columbus in the freezer.

Now to find the time to brew!

[Mikey202]

Just transfered the Porter to the secondary.:)

[SteelCityBoy]

Brewed a Baltic Porter this past Saturday...starting to ferment nicely now! Trying to go for something along the lines of the Master 18 I had while in Prauge, Czech Republic this past summer. Won't be ready for a while but I will be awaiting to see if it comes out even close...

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m595/khannaman/JoyadeNicaragua.jpg

[forgop]

Is hefeweizen a batch that should be avoided by a first-timer? It's going to be the first full week of March before I can get to brewing anything and really want to have some on hand for spring/summer.

The west coast pale ale from my Mr. Beer kit was very meh. Don't know what happened, but it was very sweet. Followed the recipe exactly, or so I thought anyway. This next batch will be with my real kit though.

[kenstogie]

Forgop,
In my opinion a hefenwiezen is a great choice for a first batch.
I have never used a "mr beer" kit but have not heard the most complimentary things about them and am glad you are switching a better set up. :tu
A sweet batch would indicate that it was not completely fermented, if at all. Poor yeast, tempurature issues could be some causes.

[forgop]

Forgop,
In my opinion a hefenwiezen is a great choice for a first batch.
I have never used a "mr beer" kit but have not heard the most complimentary things about them and am glad you are switching a better set up. :tu
A sweet batch would indicate that it was not completely fermented, if at all. Poor yeast, tempurature issues could be some causes.

My complete newb guess was that the keg lid had a pretty poor seal and caused the fermentation issues or lack thereof. It had 2 weeks in the keg and 3+ weeks in the bottle. However, when I had the lid on as I put it on the shelf for the 2 weeks to ferment, it would release air if you squeezed the sides of the keg. Obviously, a perfect seal and that doesn't happen. I just hoped for the best and that's what I ended up with.

[kenstogie]

So I have a dunkelweizen and an english brown ale fermmenting now. Both are bout the 5%some abv range.
My next batch is somewhat more adventurous...
It's a stout's stout

1.124 OG
1.031 FG
12.4% ABV
8 Lbs DME
3 Lbs Roasted Barley
3 Lbs Black Patent Malt
2 Lbs Chocolate Malt
Willamette 60 (2oz)
Falconer's Flight 30 (1.5oz)
Warrior 0 (1oz)
4 Lbs Brown Sugar
3 packs of Wyeast 1388

[kenstogie]

I will be aging my stout's stout of course, my guess would be 1+ years at minimum.

[cobra03]

My complete newb guess was that the keg lid had a pretty poor seal and caused the fermentation issues or lack thereof. It had 2 weeks in the keg and 3+ weeks in the bottle. However, when I had the lid on as I put it on the shelf for the 2 weeks to ferment, it would release air if you squeezed the sides of the keg. Obviously, a perfect seal and that doesn't happen. I just hoped for the best and that's what I ended up with.

I found from my 1st Mr. Beer batch that they tend to be sweet unless you use more/ better yeast or allow them to sit longer in the bottle before you put them in the fridge. As for the seal its supposed to do that. It has small slots around the cap to release pressure from the CO2 because it doesnt have a normal airlock. By squeezing out the CO2 theres a good chance it back filled with outside air which is not the best thing.

[keith_mahoney]

Brewed up the start of a sour cherry kriek yesterday. Should be ready in about a year. Using dregs off 3 bottles of Cantillon I pitched into a liter starter.

[kaisersozei]

Anyone have experience with White Labs #80 Cream Ale Blend? Specifically regarding whether it holds up to lagering.

I've read somewhere that this is a blend of Kolsch & American lager strains (?) Specs say optimal temp is 65-70, and my cream ale batch has been right around 65 for 2 weeks. I was thinking about keeping it in the primary and dropping temp to 48-50 for a few weeks to give it more lager-like character.

Thoughts or alternative suggestions?

[Blak Smyth]

Brewed a Baltic Porter this past Saturday...starting to ferment nicely now! Trying to go for something along the lines of the Master 18 I had while in Prauge, Czech Republic this past summer. Won't be ready for a while but I will be awaiting to see if it comes out even close...

http://i1133.photobucket.com/albums/m595/khannaman/JoyadeNicaragua.jpg

I can't wait to try this, I had a Master 18 and it was delicious!!!

[ktblunden]

My complete newb guess was that the keg lid had a pretty poor seal and caused the fermentation issues or lack thereof. It had 2 weeks in the keg and 3+ weeks in the bottle. However, when I had the lid on as I put it on the shelf for the 2 weeks to ferment, it would release air if you squeezed the sides of the keg. Obviously, a perfect seal and that doesn't happen. I just hoped for the best and that's what I ended up with.

A fermenter should never be completely air-tight or it's just a bomb waiting to go off. That's why we use airlocks, which allow the Co2 to escape, but don't allow oxygen to get in. The sweetness was most likely a yeast that had been on the shelf a long time and didn't properly attenuate.

[mmblz]

tasted belgian stout in secondary last night.
not as sickly sweet as it was when i put it in secondary, starting to taste good.

stuck on whether or not to use bourbon or rum soaked oak chips, or just let it be as is.

[icantbejon]

I just started a Pale Ale...have high hopes. Gave it a German flare...using mostly German grain and noble hops. If it ends up tasting anything like it smelled in the kettle, I'll be a happy man.

[icantbejon]

anyone ever do a 20 minute boil?
i've read in some places that you can just double the bittering hops, and it works pretty well....
interested in trying since brewing often has to happen after the kids go to bed.

What time do your kids go to bed? Are you AG or extract? I can't imagine having the time in my night to brew after my kids go down.

[mmblz]

What time do your kids go to bed? Are you AG or extract? I can't imagine having the time in my night to brew after my kids go down.

extract. they go to bed at 6:30 :D
when i can find time to prepare and get ingredients i think i'm going to try this for my next batch.

[smitty81]

Is hefeweizen a batch that should be avoided by a first-timer? It's going to be the first full week of March before I can get to brewing anything and really want to have some on hand for spring/summer.

The west coast pale ale from my Mr. Beer kit was very meh. Don't know what happened, but it was very sweet. Followed the recipe exactly, or so I thought anyway. This next batch will be with my real kit though.

yes, yeast problems.

2 weeks is a general time frame. It can take longer. I have let some go up to 4 weeks before the sweetness was gone and it was time to bottle.

[icantbejon]

extract. they go to bed at 6:30 :D
when i can find time to prepare and get ingredients i think i'm going to try this for my next batch.

I just made the jump to AG...I've been very happy with my results so far. I wish my kids went to bed at 6:30, I'm lucky if they're down at 8:30. :D

[kaisersozei]

I just made the jump to AG...I've been very happy with my results so far. I wish my kids went to bed at 6:30, I'm lucky if they're down at 8:30. :D

I have to get you a jar of my house yeast (the Bell's strain) for use in your next beer, whatever it is. I keep forgetting.

[mmblz]

tasting my Ruination clone - it's been like 11 days in the bottle.
Pretty good, I think.
Knowing that it's mine I think I'm hypercritical.
Have to get a bottle of Ruination for comparison.
By memory though, I think it might be pretty close!

[Salvelinus]

tasting my Ruination clone - it's been like 11 days in the bottle.
Pretty good, I think.
Knowing that it's mine I think I'm hypercritical.
Have to get a bottle of Ruination for comparison.
By memory though, I think it might be pretty close!

Nice!

[icantbejon]

I have to get you a jar of my house yeast (the Bell's strain) for use in your next beer, whatever it is. I keep forgetting.

I'm going to brew up a Delerium Tremens clone shortly...I love that beer. I gotta get you a bottle of my Abbey Ale. Its been well received, but I'd like to get a more critical opinion on it.

Are you a member of the James River Homebrewers Club?

[kaisersozei]

I'm going to brew up a Delerium Tremens clone shortly...I love that beer. I gotta get you a bottle of my Abbey Ale. Its been well received, but I'd like to get a more critical opinion on it.

Are you a member of the James River Homebrewers Club?

Dude, I was just going to IM you about this. Some years back I was, but they met down at Legends and it was tough to get there. They've now moved to Mekong, second Wednesday of every month, and this is right down the street from my office. So I was thinking about hitting the March meeting.

[icantbejon]

Dude, I was just going to IM you about this. Some years back I was, but they met down at Legends and it was tough to get there. They've now moved to Mekong, second Wednesday of every month, and this is right down the street from my office. So I was thinking about hitting the March meeting.

I'm going to make it to the March meeting as well. Think I'll be dragging Matt with me. I wanted to go to this past meeting, but had too many things going on to fit it in. Early Mar is more open for me. I checked out their website...seems like they do some cool things.

[cricky101]

I just picked up the grains for something close to Rogue's Dead Guy Ale. I've got a bomber of Rogue Shakespeare Stout I'm going to try to harvest the yeast from to use.

Haven't tried it before, so hopefully it'll work.

[kenstogie]

I know we trade cigars all the time but is possible or even advisable to swap a couple hb's for hb's??? Just thinking out loud.

[icantbejon]

I know we trade cigars all the time but is possible or even advisable to swap a couple hb's for hb's??? Just thinking out loud.

I would think that could present a real challenge. I didn't think you could mail alcohol.

[kaisersozei]

I just picked up the grains for something close to Rogue's Dead Guy Ale. I've got a bomber of Rogue Shakespeare Stout I'm going to try to harvest the yeast from to use.

Haven't tried it before, so hopefully it'll work.

If you're not successful, you can pick up Rogue's yeast retail: they use a proprietary strain called Pacman, Wyeast sells it now (1764.)

[kaisersozei]

I know we trade cigars all the time but is possible or even advisable to swap a couple hb's for hb's??? Just thinking out loud.

I would think that could present a real challenge. I didn't think you could mail alcohol.

I heard you're not allowed to buy Cuban cigars, either. :D

I've done plenty of homebrew shipping & receiving using USPS, FedEx ground & UPS. Competitions will not accept homebrew shipped via USPS because, as Ferg points out, it is technically illegal. But packed properly, you can ship beer safely using any of those methods. Not that I'm advocating anyone break the law.

As far as trading, I think the ToE frown upon those kinds of discussions in forum, due to drinking age restrictions, different state regs, etc. In forum.... again, not that I'm advocating anyone break the law.

[BeerAdvocate]

I have been thinking about starting a Homebrew pass with cigars and homebrew.
I would start the box with the cigars and put one bottle of my homebrew in, the next person would take my hombrew and some cigars, and put back one bottle of their homebrew and some cigars, and so on......

*I ship beer all the time and have never had an issue

[Poronico]

I have been thinking about starting a Homebrew pass with cigars and homebrew.
I would start the box with the cigars and put one bottle of my homebrew in, the next person would take my hombrew and some cigars, and put back one bottle of their homebrew and some cigars, and so on......

*I ship beer all the time and have never had an issue

I would totally be down with this! I am down to scratch on my beer selection and need to start brewing again shortly after the move... I do have a case of Cascade HopStar that I made which turned out to be very well received for those who enjoy cascade hops. Shipping Beer is easy enough, but this will require quite a large box to accommodate a box of sticks and a few bottles of beer.