Recent content by zutmin

As TexLaw stated, the blowoff tube is key. Use it during the initial period of vigorous fermentation then you can report back here and thank TexLaw for the good advice :) Trust me, you don't want to find out the hard way that you should have used a blowoff tube. I've always used one and always will.

Yeah, you may be right on that one. I just started doing full boils recently. I have continued to do late extract additions, but maybe it's not necessary? Guess, I'll do some research and post here when I find the answer.

Do you have any DME on hand? Just add a bit of DME to your recipe to boost the abv and gravity a bit. Or you could use some honey (I've never done this so you will need to ask for advice on this) As far as sanitizing bottles, you're in luck because Sierra Nevada and Samuel Adams labels come off...

As long as your sanitization practices are sound it looks like you will be making some great beer. If I were you I would consider adding the majority of your malt extract with about 20 minutes left in the boil (late extract addition). Add 1-2lbs of your LME to the initial boil, then add the...

You will probably want to keep your bottles at around 70 degrees or so for a few weeks to make sure they carbonate well. Then you should store them at a cooler temp until you are ready to drink them.

What were your Original Gravity readings for your 2 brews and what type of yeast did you use for each?