They are supposed to be good for 6 months. I would expect a few extra esters if used without a starter but depending on what you're brewing that might be fine. If your looking for cleaner fermentation you should do a starter.
Maybe after you get a process down and change milling procedure. If you take an average all grain recipe at 75 percent efficiency and milled for use in a mash tun you wont usually hit that on your first BIAB.
The efficiency is usually lower in BIAB so you would have to add about a pound of base grain to the recipe.
Kits are usually cheaper unless you buy in bulk
Make sure the Flask is borosilicate glass.
Leave the 0 minute hops in. They can go in at flame out or after the wort has cooled a little. Even as low as 180 degrees. I would skip the secondary and add dry hop to primary near the end of fermentation. This will help with any oxygen pickup from the dry hop. Don't worry too much about...
Are you sending beers or dropping off? Naturally carbonating? Getting the beer in the right category is half the battle. If sending beer, make sure they don't sit in a hot/freezing truck over the weekend. If naturally carbonating make sure you allow enough time for your beer to resettle and...
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