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Thought I would share a story and thoughts from tonight.... I was out to dinner tonight with SWMBO having a local craft beer that she was enjoying. I asked what she liked about it compared to what I currently have on tap and she stated it wasn't as "strong". I asked her to detail a bit more...

Should I not trust this report considering the report shows .69 for the ion balance? I was looking forward to stepping up by brews with some water work, but am stuck. Any help is much appreciated!

I ran my new Chugger pump for the first time today. Everything appears to be running well, but the pump is emitting a fairly strong smell. It is almost a burnt type of smell, and the pump is fairly hot. Is there a break-in period or something with pumps where this is normal? Do pumps run...

Will someone please verify that my planned ground position is OK? The threads on the element are heavily wound in teflon tape, and I have a rubber washer on the outside and inside, so there is no contact to the kettle. Is this OK? Trying not to kill myself, and can seem to find the answer...

What is the process for using regular old rice in my mash? I know some use Minute rice, but I am looking to using regular old white rice. Any tips?

I tried a partial mash recipe the other day using 4 lbs grains, 2 pounds flaked corn and a half pound flaked rice. I mashed it at 152 for 1 hour 45 mins (probably too long), and immediatly was stuck. I have never been stuck. Did I mash the flaked corn and rice too long? It almost looked like...

Does anyone store their bulk DME in plastic containers? Like something you would store your Christmas decorations in? The bag that it comes in is a pain in the butt. Not sure if a plastic container would be air tight enough. Don't want to end up with a 50 lb. solid block. Any ideas...

I am partial mashing, and constantly about a point or more low according to Beersmith. For instance #1: -5.5 pounds DME -5.5 pounds Grains -5.25 gallon batch -Beersmith estimate, 60% efficiency 1.065 -Actual 1.052 #2 -3.3 pounds LME -4 pounds grains -5.25 gallons batch -Estimate...

Does OG change from pre to post boil? So, if I am doing a partial mash, I can plug into Beersmith the amount of grains, efficiency, and the OG that it gives me should be what I see after the mash?

I keep seeing that people only "re-use" yeast up to 4 generations. What happens after 4 generations? Also, if I washed a yeast cake and create 6 batches, I can use those 6 batches 3 more times effectively getting 19 batches out of one? What if I used the yeast cakes from those 6 batches...

How important is the water to grain ratio when mashing? If there is excessive water, what are the effects?

First post, whats up? Well, I am getting back into brewing after about 6 years off. I have 2 brews bubbling away! Anyway, I opened up all 5 of my old 5G. soda kegs that havn't seen light in years, and wow, they look great inside! They even have some clean water at the bottom from the...