Recent content by beardedbrew

I am screwed if I need 4 packets because the closest HBS is out of all of their lager yeast. It's actually a health food store with some brewing stuff in it so it's not surprising. I might be able to get yeast shipped to me by the end of the week. Otherwise, I guess I can make starters with what...

That makes sense. I got a couple of packets of S-23 on hand, but you're saying I'll probably need 4 total? I can get more by tonight tonight I think... I'll be a day or two from pitching the S-23 since you're suggesting to rehydrate, yes?

I used 2007 Pilsen Lager yeast and my OG is 1.058. I would rather stay consistent with yeast as apposed to using something other than what's in there, wouldn't you?

Thanks! I pitched 300 billion yeast cells to just over 10 gallons from 3 Wyeast smack packs about 14 hours ago and have absolutely no activity. I activated the yeast packs 8 hrs prior to pitching and pitched at 50F. Two of the three yeast packets were older than the third. One was dated in...

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I'm definitely a noob to Pilsners and am finally brewing my first tomorrow (10 gal) and I have my larger fermenters occupied forcing me to start my primary in two six gallon carboys. I'll probably have 5.15 gallons in each carboy. My question is how much do Pilsners foam up when in primary? I...

I have a barrel that was previously used for red wine and it's got to be 50-60 gallons. I'd like to use it for a stout of some kind even though I've been told that's not a very good idea as sours would be best in something like that. Anyone have any feedback on a stout in a wine barrel...

I have a barrel about the same size that was used previously for a red wine (not sure what kind exactly). I really want to use it, but I am having a hard time deciding on how to sanitize so that it's "beer ready". How did you sanitize your barrel?

Absolutely! Good thing I made up a faux email for this damn plug. I just had a feeling...

Username: beardedbrew

:confused: I just cracked my first beer of my first batch! Whoo-Hoo! It tasted excellent and has good color, good flavor... but one thing it did lack was a nice foamy head. There was not a trace of any head on that beer! The only thing I can think of that may have caused this problem would...

Thank you all for the good info and links! It's been very helpful!

I thought I read somewhere that if I add sugar or honey to my wort when boiling, it will increase my alcohol %. Is this true? If not, how can I increase it? Here's another question (unrelated): I've heard long boils = Hot Breaks and help with DMS What the hell does this mean?? I don't...

I'm a new brewer as well and what I'm always wondering is if you leave your brew in primary for 3-4 weeks, what's the purpose of transfering to a second fermenter if you have all of the tools to bottle easily from the first primary container?

GaryA- I dumped the first batch after going through the whole process. It didn't taste right at all, nothing I would have enjoyed drinking.