Recent content by tbworth

For me, I am more interested in the end result (great beer) than being involved in every step of the process. I'm sure I'll move to all grain someday, but to be honest I have tried plenty of all grain beer and I didn't really notice much of a difference. Whatever method you use you can be...

I forgot to ask this earlier. Is it normal to open ferment beer in that quantity? I believe the brew master said he had 1000L in there (second picture from the bottom).

No, I'm from Italy. It was the perfect weekend to go there. I've never seen the weather so nice at Garmisch. It was great!

Just got back from a weekend in Garmisch, and needless to say it was great. The tour of this nearby microbrewery was the highlight of the trip. The beer was great and the food was top notch. I was very impressed by their setup. Worth every penny!! Here are some pictures I took...

Thanks for all the info! After looking around it does seem like buying something already made does came at a pretty hefty markup. I am currently in Italy and will be headed back to the states this summer. I'm pretty limited as far as what I can do here, but I plan making the jump fairly soon...

I was just wondering if anyone knows of a good place online to buy all grain equipment that is ready to use that doesn't cost an arm and leg? It seems like a lot of people put together their own equipment. I already have the chiller, kettle with ball valve for full boils, etc for extract...

How are the Munton's kits? These seem to have a lot of those. One of the many reasons I love Italy is because of the 66 cl beer bottles that come filled with cheap beer! You don't see many bottles like that...

Thanks for the information! I've already learned two new things in this thread. I use star stan for everything, but I usually don't let it really dry. For example, I understand that the foam is harmless, but I've found that I have to keep the opening of the carboy dry otherwise the rubber...

Thanks for the tip! My lid has a hole in it for the wort chiller so there is always a fair amount of steam escaping. I also usually only leave the lid on when bringing to boil otherwise it takes FOREVER (i'll leave it 1/2 on and off depends really). I'm probably going to get a burner and just it...

I was actually going to post that link. I know it is possible to do all grain here, but for myself I'd rather just wait until I get back where it is easier! I've heard good things about Mr. Malt. I guess they do liquid yeast and home deliveries.

I'm not sure what it would be like at Livorno, but the LHBS I have really isn't the greatest. They have a lot of kits and extract, but to be honest none of them look all that great. You may be stuck buying extract kits from the states. This doesn't bother me since I've yet to get one that...

I'm up north. One thing I like about being here is I can buy cheap beer that have nice bottles that you don't find so easily or cheaply back in the states.

Thanks for the info! I leave here next year, and I do plan on bringing plenty home with me. However, I plan on buying it from my favorite winery that has been doing it for many years. They have an awesome operation and the best wine I have ever had the pleasure of drinking. The best part is that...

I got into brewing about 6 months ago and have made 5 batches. So far so good! I'm in the military so I am only able to brew from kits that ship to my address. I was truly amazed at how good the beer tasted when my first batch was finally ready (it didn't last long). I'll probably be looking...

I tried the sample I took for the OG reading and it tasted pretty interesting! I accidentally threw in the flavoring hops 10 minutes early but I don't think that should make too much of a difference. I love hoppy beer anyway so I'm not too worried.