First-timer (sort of) looking for a non-boring recipe - Page 2

TechyDork · 12-30-2009, 11:55 PM

when i was doing 5 gallon batches i used 5 gallon carboys with a blow off and didn't lose more than a beer or two to blow off, nor did in notice anything in the finished product that would lead me to believe that there was any issue with a 5 gallon carboy.

i did pick up a 6.5 gallon carboy and rarely lost any thing to blow off in that one.

pinkfloyd4ever · 12-31-2009, 10:10 PM

alrighty, so I finally got out to the LHBS today and got all my ingredients, plus a hydrometer since we couldn't find my dad's old one.

I won't be brewing till either tomorrow or maybe Monday. Should I keep the packs of hop pellets in the fridge, or is it better not to? I've read that there are lots of dormant bacteria in your regular kitchen fridge. They're in oxygen barrier bags if that makes a difference

pinkfloyd4ever · 01-01-2010, 11:51 PM

What should I do with extra bittering hops?

My recipe calls for 6AAU of bittering hops. I got an ounce of 8.5%AA Northern Brewer, so 7/10 of that ounce is 6AAU.

I've got a little more Cascade than the recipe calls for that I'm planning to dry hop with. Would it be a bad idea to dry hop with Northern Brewer as well?

**Palefire** · 01-02-2010, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinkfloyd4ever

I won't be brewing till either tomorrow or maybe Monday. Should I keep the packs of hop pellets in the fridge, or is it better not to? I've read that there are lots of dormant bacteria in your regular kitchen fridge. They're in oxygen barrier bags if that makes a difference

Yeah, fridge or freezer should be fine. Even leaving them in room temp for a few days would probably be fine, but it's better to get in the habit of leaving them in a cold spot. The oxygen barrier bags should protect them fine.

Quote:

My recipe calls for 6AAU of bittering hops. I got an ounce of 8.5%AA Northern Brewer, so 7/10 of that ounce is 6AAU.

I've got a little more Cascade than the recipe calls for that I'm planning to dry hop with. Would it be a bad idea to dry hop with Northern Brewer as well?

If you really want to make the recipe exactly, then you'd want to use only the 7/10 oz of hops. If you like your Pales a little more bitter than you can use the whole amount. Probably doesn't matter too much, but I'd personally try to stick with the recipe, only so that you can note what you'd change the next time.

I've never dry hopped with Northern Brewer, but I've heard some people say that it leaves a pretty grassy taste. Maybe someone with some experience there will weigh in? Cascade, on the other hand, is a great one for dry hoping. I think you'll love the result!

pinkfloyd4ever · 01-02-2010, 07:09 PM

hah, well actually I posted that as I was waiting for the hot break, so I prob won't be adding it during the boil anyway

Already got about an inch of krausen and the airlock is bubbling faster than Willie Nelson's bong

I can't believe how much the wort is circulating, it's like there's a motorized stirrer in my fermenter. Oh baby