Got the kit from northern brewer during their special. Some quick questions/confirmations from more experienced brewers would be great here.
1. Starter - Obviously needed here right? 1.084OG I believe.
2. Bucket primary or Carboy? I assume a bucket is fine
3. With all the fermentables, do I want to top up OVER 5 gallons or top to 5 and just have less to bottle later?
4. Will a 6 gallon carboy work for secondary? There will be some headspace, even with oak cubes.
5. Oak cubes - after soaking in bourbon, how long to leave in secondary? I was thinking of just racking on top of the cubes for 4-6 months. Will that be too much?
Thanks for helping! Any other advice for a big stout like this? It's my first really big beer and first long aging one, so I don't want to mess it up and after 7 months have a batch of vinegar or oxidized cardboard. Thanks!
1. Starter - Obviously needed here right? 1.084OG I believe.
2. Bucket primary or Carboy? I assume a bucket is fine
3. With all the fermentables, do I want to top up OVER 5 gallons or top to 5 and just have less to bottle later?
4. Will a 6 gallon carboy work for secondary? There will be some headspace, even with oak cubes.
5. Oak cubes - after soaking in bourbon, how long to leave in secondary? I was thinking of just racking on top of the cubes for 4-6 months. Will that be too much?
Thanks for helping! Any other advice for a big stout like this? It's my first really big beer and first long aging one, so I don't want to mess it up and after 7 months have a batch of vinegar or oxidized cardboard. Thanks!