Recent content by gfd622

I usually just wait 10 days, pull one off, put it in the fridge and test it. If it's good, then life is easy. If it's not carbed up yet, I wait another week. Depending upon the type (IPA's often carb quicker than stouts for instance), it may take a few extra weeks. One beer wasted isn't bad...

I just dump it in and let it go. I used to strain, but that took a long time, and in the end I'd end up with just as much sludge/stuff at the bottom as if I didn't strain, so I quit doing that. Beers taste great, are very clean and clear. Sludge doesn't take up as much liquid space as you'd...

I think it would work fine. Assuming you are starting this from a smaller culture, the yeast should grow quick. Positive pressure should help keep it clean. It's only as cultures slow down that you worry about contamination. So I it's just for starters, you should be good to go Never hurts to...

What kind of yeast/hops are you using? I used to ave a twang in my beer until I went to full boils. Try different approaches, different recipes, until you find what you like

There are a lot of double IPA kits that have higher ABV's. just look at kits from your favorite place. They should give you OG and FG estimates, and see what you like. You OG will probably be close if its an extract kit, but there is a chance your FG will be off. But for the most part it should...

If you get a chance, google Pasteur flask. That is essentially what you re making with a blowoff tube. Going in the air is ok, under water is better. With the right size tube it's no big deal either way. I have hundreds of gallons under my belt and so it's just MHO. Some sanitizer is prob...

Who here can brew beer at work? I know I can't, but I'm sure some of you may be able to. I'd just be careful with this one. As an EPA person, I can't throw away certain things at my work that I can throw away at home (the rules are different for homes vs. businesses). So the rules aren't...

Thumbs up to great fermentations. Sometimes you can get used equipment from them as well (if you ask nicely and if they have anything lying around). Until you know if you like it, don't sink a lot of cash into the hobby. Try it out, use a bucket for initial fermentations (7 gallon buckets...

It's mine. I found it in a basement - totally free. So it just tempted me, but really, I don't know if it's something I want to try or not. I just wondered if anybody used one of these for their hobby

Here is a quick one:

Hey all, Just a quick note, I've been brewing for 4 years. Started off like all, switched to all grain, and never looked back. It's a great hobby, I love it. I'm set up for 5 gallon batches, so I've never really thought of other things. Until... I just found a 12 gallon glass carboy...

I just finished a brew myself. A 2-hearted clone, all grain. I love brew days - I brew as often as possible. Have 3 going now - maybe I'll try another next week-end. Great job - enjoy. Hope all goes well

While I'm not a seasoned pro, I have quite a few batches under my belt. When I was an extract brewer (and I do still like doing extract brews every now and then), I used oatmeal in several of my brews. On all cases, I didn't mash, but did the typical "partial mash", bringing the grain bag to...

1. Since it's before the boil, it doesn't need to be sanitized. You just need to clean it out the best you can (I don't remove my false bottom too often, but every now and then I do inspect to make sure it's all still connected and working). 2. I think the igloos are meant to have either...

Chemistry professor, with Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. all in chemistry. Brewing is a great hobby, I love it.