Recent content by quentin

I prefer to use the Wyeast smack packs, personally. Those complaining about having to smack it and wait are kind of missing the point. You don't *have* to smack it if you don't want. It's pitchable as-is, but it can only help to use the activator. It's not any more or less time. I take it out of...

Thanks for the responses! I'm kind of on the fence about it, leaning towards splitting it still. The fact that fermentation will kick back up again producing more CO2 will probably make it OK - I'm willing to risk it if it turns out awesome.

I have a question regarding splitting a batch that I'm hoping someone could answer. Here's the deal... I'm making an extract wheat beer for the summer, and was planning on racking it to two secondary carboys onto fruit - 2.5gal onto raspberries in carboy 1, and 2.5gal onto blueberries in...

Based on research in the large amount of similar threads and feedback here, I've decided to just use fresh frozen raspberries, and not puree or raspberry flavoring. What I decided to do was rack the beer onto the berries in secondary and let it sit for 10 days. This is definitely something...

Looking to try making my first wheat beer for the summer. Since I've yet to make a wheat (I normally stick to pale ales, IPAs, etc) I'd like to harvest some feedback on this recipe. Raspberry Wheat sounded good: 3lb Wheat DME 2lb Extra Light DME 8oz Carapils 8oz Wheat Malt 1oz Willamette...

Don't worry about having to get a batch under your belt. The guys at GBS are super helpful and friendly. That said, welcome!

Welcome to a fellow O'Fallon resident! I'm here too! Been thinking of going down to the Garage Brewers meet at the O'Fallon brewery. Off topic: I saw someone say something about Machine Shed (the stout, I'm assuming). That's Bat Creek brewery. One of my coworkers knows the guy who runs that...

I don't quite want it to be an IPA, though. I'd be totally happy if it turned out to be a decent regular-ish pale ale. Since I'm on a budget, I'm only gonna order what I need to get the batch started. From what I understand, the Simcoe works well as both a bittering and aroma hop.

Hmmm... thinking of tweaking it and using the Wyeast American Ale II (1272) instead. Yay experimentation. Thanks for the quick feedback!

I've got some leftover LME, steeping grains and hops, and was thinking of just throwing them together to make something out of it all. I'm assuming it'll turn out to be some sort of pale ale, but I'm looking for input. Here's what I've got and what I'm planning... 1 lb Cara 10L (steeping at...

Assuming they're already clean, I always just sanitize my bottles upside-down in the dishwasher (no soap, heated dry). Works perfectly every time.

I had a kit for a black IPA from midwest supplies that I made 2 months back. Just now sampling the hoppy goodness.

Hey all, Figured I'd finally start posting. I've been lurking these forums since I started, it's due time for me to actually start talking/typing. Brief intro... I started brewing about a year ago, but have been observing and helping others for several. After expressing interest, my aunt...

I need a carboy cleaner desperately. The carboys I have are Better Bottles. My current "cleaning" involves soaking them in cleanser forever, since I can't use a brush on them. I'm fairly new at brewing, and could use any additional equipment I could get to improve.

Will do. Thanks everyone for the advice!