Recent content by RobInOre

Yes, I think so. It's a reaction with UV light and hops or some such. Hopefully someone with science will chime in. As for the off flavor, try this experiment. Pour a hoppy beer in a clear mug and set it in direct sunlight. Now pour another and drink it. After drinking go back and sample the...

I've been using a second hand turkey fryer for several years. Cost about $25. Try craigslist.

Willamette

+1 on brewersfriend. it's pretty handy for checking facts and comparing styles. Your recipe looks a lot like what I brew for my house ale. I prefer a Pilsen DME because the darker extracts seem to compete with the grains for flavor.

Last time I made a wheat beer, I thought a touch of lemon zest might be nice. I haven't tried it though.

Well Done! I can appreciate the satisfaction you get from building a tool (in this case a spreadsheet), to help make a job easier. Over the past couple of weeks, I built my own spreadsheet to help with my brews because I can't find downloads that do what I want. I also use How to Brew as a...

Exactly. If you don't have a wand you should get one. An auto-siphon and bottling wand are two gadgets that really pay off.

I'm afraid I don't have first-hand knowledge of your particular situation. I do extracts, bottles and didn't get a fridge until after about 90 batches. However, somewhere, I read that temp control is most important during primary fermentation. After that, temps are less important. Of course...

I experimented once by adding 1/2teaspoon of cinnamon to a 5 gallon batch. The cinnamon flavor was so strong that it ruined the beer. We drank it but didn't enjoy it at all.

A five gallon batch about every other week. Not enough to share but it keeps the pipeline full.

Maybe you meant "friend" :) You are right either way. I try to only borrow ideas, then I can make or buy my own stuff.

I put at least a half pound of corn sugar in everything. I prefer a high alcohol beer so it works for me. You plan on making double batches? Try one with extra corn sugar and one with extra DME. Taste them side by side. I don't think they will be radically different. The comparison will help...

Welcome! There is no bad way to get started, here's what I did though; Read a book. Joy of Homebrewing or How to Brew (preferably both). These put a ton of information at my fingertips. Brew a simple extract kit with a short brew-to-drink time. Gave me confidence that I could make drinkable...

I can't help in your quest for the ultimate bottle brush, sorry. However, for cleaning bottles an overnight soak in Oxyclean and a rinse with a jet style bottle washer reduces the need for a magic bottle brush.

I found millet and buckwheat at a local natural foods grocer.