Recent content by bucketheadmn

I have been doing 2.5 gallon batches in a 5 gallon pot. I am going to try a 3 gallon batch with a 5lb grain bill - I would not do any larger though as all calculators that I have used said larger grain bills put be right up at 4.8ish gallons with grain in. Too close for me.

I just got a bag from Wilsner yesterday - using it next weekend for the first time. I have to say though the quality is leaps and bounds above the cheap one I used from Northern Brewer and the paint strainer I used last batch. Giving him my kettle dimensions the bag fits prefect with about 3...

What would be considered a lot more yeast? Batch I made last night with 1056 I used a stir plate for the first time. 1.2L starter on plate for 48 hours, but I harvested off 400ml for next batch.....

Well I pitched both times right at 70. The tough thing is keeping it that temp during the winter in MN with no fermentation chamber. I am starting to look at what I can do for a chamber. The brewjacket looks sweet as I would not need to buy and keep another fridge running.

I just moved it to a 66 ambient temp room. Hopefully that helps finish it up. For some reason I did not write down what I mashed at - I am wondering if I was up above 160 as I seem to recall it being a bit higher than I wanted it to be. Still a bit new so learning what mash temps and...

My last two batches have had very low attenuation of 52% - first was a batch of Lil Sparky's Nut Brown Ale which I used a rehydrated s-04. I lived with that - kegged it and just finished the batch off. Currently I have a Bent Paddle Black Ale clone (using AustinHomebrew recipe) that is 1 week...

Why be limited to doing a 5 gallon batch then? There is nothing that says you cannot scale your batches down. Look at doing 4 gallon, or smaller, batches.

I figured I would get a few different opinions ;) I am going to do some SMaSH batches to learn a bit more about hops and their flavoring and aroma. I have really enjoyed the Maris Otter based recipes I have made which is why I am starting with it. Next SMaSH might be 2-row to compare...

I brew 2.5 gallon BIAB batches and I am going to attempt my first smash using: 5lb MO 0.50oz of Columbus I have not tried creating anything of my own before, but doing a smash for my first. Hoping for some feedback here on my hop schedule and if I am using enough/too many hops. I am not out...

It sure is - I tasted it the other night after the cacao nibs sat for a few days and is dry and crisp compared to the original milky smooth i was going for. Tasted pretty dang good though. Letting is sit another week and then will bottle condition for a month or so.

Well 2.5 weeks after putting it in the keg and it is carbonated perfectly. Patience is key it seems as with everything else. I am brewing up Lil' Sparky's Nut Brown Ale tonight and that is the next that will hit a keg in a few weeks and I will be trying your method to speed it up just a...

I have been wondering about this. I started with normal 5 gallon kegs in case I ever decided to brew up a larger batch, though not sure I see it happening any time soon as my kettle is not large enough... I might have to pick up a 2.5 gallon Torpedo Keg as they seem the most cost effective...

I did not pressure test anything before putting beer in it. I was given the keg and was told everything was ok so I just assumed....And then figured since when I pull the release valve pressure comes out I figured it was ok. My new keg I have cleaned and sterilized and sitting on pressure...

The other day I turned the gas off, but left it connected, and left it off for just over 12 hours or so I remember right - the PSI might have gone down 1 or 2, it was not much. That is how I figured there was no leak. I just bought a 2nd keg so my next batch I will be trying in that keg...

Thanks for the in depth response! It looks like I should be purging upwards of 20 times with a set it and forget it of 12 psi!!! How often should I be purging to get the total number of purges I need - a few times a day? Once a day for a couple of weeks? I guess my main question is then...