Recent content by tar1010

I am curious if there is something I'm doing wrong when I brew a batch. No matter if I have 3 or 13, the next few days I have some serious lower abdominal cramps and gas. Could this be the type of yeast? I do extract kits btw.

I love oak...been smoking ribs w oak for years. But how would I go about "oaking" (yes as a verb) my batch of porter? I can only imagine oak flavor in beer would be great. Thanks for the advice:rockin:

Well, my second batch is now in the fermenter. First batch was BB's IPA. Came out pretty tastey, VERY hoppy. I learned a few things with that batch, and my paranoia is being held back this time. I did the BB Baltic Porter, and damn did that wort taste good to start! Anybody else brew the BB...

That's awesome, mainly because it eliminates capping. Which I have decided...sucks. Thanks :rockin:

I've also just started brewing, and all together I find Brewer's Best kits the most user friendly. They spell out everything in the directions as far as temp, and they also tell you what ABV should be based gravity. Most people will tell you to skip the secondary, but the secondary helps clear...

I checked out a new brew shop this past weekend which ended up being closer to my house, and was extremely impressed. I probably won't go back to the old store. I picked up BB's Baltic Porter and a hazelnut extract. Planning on going pretty light on the flavoring. I'll keep you all posted on the...

I transferred to the secondary tonight. I know a lot of people don't do secondary, but I wanted a bit more clarity to it so I went for it. OG was 1.056...FG 1.013. that means 5.6% ABV right? Oh and it tastes great! Not bad for my first batch, ready for more! hitting the new shop I found that is...

I am thinking of doing a porter as my next batch. However since I am new to this still, I was wondering if it would be possible to add something to the recipe or perhaps in the secondary to give it a bit of a kick of flavor. I love hazelnut and like the idea of a hazelnut porter! :rockin:

I like the way you think kind sir...I will do just that. And report my findings!

It is an extract IPA from Brewer's Best. I was just going to use the carboy because the directions in the kit advised me to do so. I don't mind leaving it in the primary. So it's ok to remove the lid and check the gravity? So long as I resanitize before replacing the lid?

how about screw cap growler bottles? Could I use the Ten Penny Ale bottles for my homebrew and reuse the caps once they are santitized?

Since I am going to do two stage with a carboy, should I wait to check the FG until I am ready to transfer into the carboy? I just don't want to risk contamination by removing the lid and taking a hydrometer reading. And yes, being that this is my first batch and I need a supply of bottles...

thanks. after I posted, I checked a few older posts and got the same feeling that I've just got first time jitters. I'm glad this happened tho, it got me to join homebrewtalk...which I think is going to be very helpful in brews to come!

This morning I noticed my airlock was no longer offgassing bubbles. I know there could be multiple reasons why. I'll tell you what I know I did wrong and hopefully someone can help me to salvage my batch. First mistake was pitching the dry yeast and not stirring well. That didn't seem to be a...