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I've never used currants but have added other fermentables. Usually I put it in the primary for a month or so and skip the secondary. If I was going to age it I'd rack to a secondary... I'll let you know if I ever do that with a cider. The only time I've used a secondary was when I was bulk...

I do the same thing as you as insurance that I don't get a stuck sparge. It only took one time having to empty my mash tun into my boil pot to convince me since I use a copper manifold and it was a nightmare to get it unstuck.

Leave it alone. It's fine, if it's just apples/apple juice in there it ferments out pretty quick. Relax I've never made a bad beer, cider or mead by waiting too long. Although I have messed up a few by being impatient.

Are you using a drink cooler? I use a 5 gallon drink cooler for mashing and see a couple degrees difference from the bottom to the top. Best thing I found was to preheat the cooler then aim a bit high on the temp then stir till it comes down to temp.

Although I've never used it I heard KY jelly will work... at least you know its food grade.

I went the same route as avidhomebrewer with the 5 and 10 gallon coolers. I don't have any regrets getting the 5 gallon because it holds temps very well and I get great efficiency fly sparging with it. Usually I'll mash in the 5 and use the 10 for a HLT. If I'm making a big beer I mash in the...

The best way I found to reduce the "sludge" is right after you pitch your yeast put your fermentor someplace where you can rack to your bottling bucket. Don't move it let the fermentation finish, and leave it for another 3 weeks (usually mine takes a month). Rack to your bottling bucket without...

I think he was trying to add more flavor and bitterness to cover up any off flavors. I'm pretty sure it will be fine, if you have any doubts you can send it to me:mug:

Another thing to take into consideration is the abv since alcohol is converted back to sugar in your liver (causing a blood sugar spike), a shot grain alcohol has close to 200 calories and a shot of vodka has almost 100.

When asked by someone who doesn't brew I like to say it's a free hobby. I'm going to drink beer regardless of making it or not. I happen to enjoy brewing so I make my own. You can save some money but I couldn't justify spending 8 hours on brew day then a few hours bottling or an hour kegging...

Nothing like getting called out :eek: bottlebomber you're right I did "slap it down"... I went to make a point then wandered off in some other direction. I was just trying to say its ok if someone can't do something... but not wanting to learning something new because it's hard work or...

Every one here is soo busy being "manly"... you realize the brewing has historically been a woman's work?!?!? Put your yard sticks away the "penis" measuring contest is lame. I work in an office and think its pretty sad that less than half the guys there can't check there own oil, let alone...

I've done that, boiling them in the brew pot will loosen all the gunk on the bottom. Fill all the bottles then fill the pot about an inch or two over the tops of the bottles. When the water in the bottles boil it will lift up all the "gunk" on the bottom. Oh and put a towel or something at the...

I've done it and it worked out, also I'm fairly comfortable with house wiring (had a class on it in high school). It's actually pretty easy to do, BUT IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE it can cost you your LIFE. I got hit with a 220 30 amp (I think) once due to some other guys mistake lucky I didn't wrap...

One of my favorite drinks is a quick cider (apple juice and yeast). Get some apple juice and brewing yeast (I like nottys for cider). I usually pay 2.50 for 96 ounces at wally world. So for under 20 dollars you can have just over 5 gallons of good drinkable cider in 2-3 months. You also don't...

It's probably just flower from the grains, it will settle out once fermentation is over.

Take the shower curtain and put it over the carboy/bucket, the less you have to clean the better.

That was great beninan.

I'd just use it and call it a "chocolate porter". The worst thing is it doesn't taste so good any you either call it second beers (the beer you drink after you've had a few) or you save it for the guys who want to come over and drink all your great (free) home brews.

Doh! Now what am I going to do with that pallet of mre's I ordered...