Recent content by Dawgs47

I have the tall version of the SP10 and it served me well for years.

How do you guys quantify your liquid transfer volume when using a pump? I am switching to a brew stand with a HLT and pump, and wondering what creative ways people use. I don't have a sight gage and my kettles do not have volume markings. I could mark my mash paddle with volume levels, but I...

Cold crashing should help clear it.

What size and type of Tart/Sour Cherry Concentrate bottles?

After making several high gravity brews, I would not try to mash 18.5# of Pale Malt and expect to hit my gravity. I would drop out at least 6# and use Malt Extract and maybe a little sugar to replace it. An estimated FG of 1.041 seems way too high for me. I would play with sugar, mash temp...

Thanks, this is what I was looking for. I guess "Fodd" grade shouldn't concern me.:)

What do you guys use for fermenting 10 gallon batches? I currently use a 5 CF Chest freezer with temp control for my 5 gallon batches. I am considering moving up to some 10 gallon batches, but I can not fit 2 buckets or carboys in the there. Surely there must be some 14 gallon container that...

Don't do all RO. The yeast need a certain amount of calcium to floc.

I've never had either of them, but if I wanted to make a "hard" lemonade, I would add vodka to lemonade, but if I wanted to brew a "hard" lemonade I would get 5 gallons of diet lemonade and add 5 lbs of sugar and add yeast. I'm not sure what Smirnoff Ice tastes like, but I would start with...

I go to Brewmasters Warehouse all the time. They will sell you sacks of grain, if they have enough. They also sell bulk hops in 8 oz. packs at a good price. Selection is limited. I think it is under misc. items. I love them and drop lots of $ there. They are not obligated to sell me sacks...

I just got a new Chugger pump and I want to know how people incorporate theirs into their process. 1. I added a spout to my HLT. How do you guys measure your additions to your mash tun? I used to dump the entire pot, but this won't work with a spout and pump. Any tips on this? 2. I...

I agree. With temp. control., I prefer most my beers fresh off the tap and under-carbonated over most commercial beers. I am disappointed with most commercial examples I sample (not that there aren't great commercial beer out there) . Plus, I usually have 3 other aged taps to pull from as well.

As RM-MN said there are many factors that can influence your decision. However, I will say that 5 gallons has been a standard size point. It gets you about 4 twelve packs per batch and there is lots of entry level equipment available for this size level. I also think it is a good beginner...

If your bottles are getting cleaned and sanitized then you are fine.

I was looking at the Speidel fermenters (which is why I posted). My concern was lifting them out. 5 gallons is heavy enough. I have a pump, but would have to prime and attach a hose to the spout on the fermenter at the bottom of the chest freezer. The 15 gallon corny keg is a great option...