Hey everyone. I've been lurking for a few weeks now.
Big thanks to everyone that posts on this forum, particularly regarding the DIY projects. I have been reading a lot of threads about fermentation chambers, temperature control, keggerators and keezers, even electric brewing systems.
I dig toys.
I started brewing a month or two ago. I have been meaning to get into home brewing for years, but never seemed to make the time or effort. I have a couple friends that have been doing this successfully for years. Finally a co-worker volunteered to lend me his brewing setup for a few months. He recently moved and wasn't using the gear. That removed the last excuse and I've taken the plunge.
I have my 3rd batch in the fermenter now. So far I have done pretty simple extract batches from my LHBS. There is a really great LHBS (Jaspers in Nashua, NH) on my way home from work that sells what I think are pretty fresh extract recipes. I believe they developed most of their recipes themselves. I am very happy with the results so far.
First batch was Nut Case Brown Ale. It went very well. So well I have another extract kit waiting to be brewed.
Second batch was Firecracker Red Ale. I just unhooked the first couple bottle tops of this over the xmas holiday. Not nearly as clear/good looking as the Brown, but a smoother taste. I think it may need to age a bit more. I'm impatient, anxious to git drinkin'.
Third batch is in the fermenter now. Old Nebbencracker Spiced Holiday Ale.. or some such. Supposed to be a variation on Sam's Old Fezziwig. A little late for the holidays. But it'll get drunk. That's going into bottles this weekend, hopefully.
As I say, huge thanks to all for the DIY threads.
I bought a kegging setup as a little xmas gift to myself.
This spring I intend to build a keezer. I have some ideas floating around.
I have been sweating the fermentation process a lot. At first I thought I'd just toss the buckets into the basement. Unfortunately I found the basement temps have dipped into the 50's this winter. Not happy with that. Last night I finished a temperature controller based around the ubiquitous STC-1000 controller. I happen to have an old fridge in the basement. I tossed a cheap compact space heater into the fridge with the bucket hooked to the controller. So far I think this is just what I needed.
Also bought some copper tube to build myself an immersion wort cooler. I am excited to give that a shot soon.
Big thanks to everyone that posts on this forum, particularly regarding the DIY projects. I have been reading a lot of threads about fermentation chambers, temperature control, keggerators and keezers, even electric brewing systems.
I dig toys.
I started brewing a month or two ago. I have been meaning to get into home brewing for years, but never seemed to make the time or effort. I have a couple friends that have been doing this successfully for years. Finally a co-worker volunteered to lend me his brewing setup for a few months. He recently moved and wasn't using the gear. That removed the last excuse and I've taken the plunge.
I have my 3rd batch in the fermenter now. So far I have done pretty simple extract batches from my LHBS. There is a really great LHBS (Jaspers in Nashua, NH) on my way home from work that sells what I think are pretty fresh extract recipes. I believe they developed most of their recipes themselves. I am very happy with the results so far.
First batch was Nut Case Brown Ale. It went very well. So well I have another extract kit waiting to be brewed.
Second batch was Firecracker Red Ale. I just unhooked the first couple bottle tops of this over the xmas holiday. Not nearly as clear/good looking as the Brown, but a smoother taste. I think it may need to age a bit more. I'm impatient, anxious to git drinkin'.
Third batch is in the fermenter now. Old Nebbencracker Spiced Holiday Ale.. or some such. Supposed to be a variation on Sam's Old Fezziwig. A little late for the holidays. But it'll get drunk. That's going into bottles this weekend, hopefully.
As I say, huge thanks to all for the DIY threads.
I bought a kegging setup as a little xmas gift to myself.
This spring I intend to build a keezer. I have some ideas floating around.I have been sweating the fermentation process a lot. At first I thought I'd just toss the buckets into the basement. Unfortunately I found the basement temps have dipped into the 50's this winter. Not happy with that. Last night I finished a temperature controller based around the ubiquitous STC-1000 controller. I happen to have an old fridge in the basement. I tossed a cheap compact space heater into the fridge with the bucket hooked to the controller. So far I think this is just what I needed.
Also bought some copper tube to build myself an immersion wort cooler. I am excited to give that a shot soon.
