Well, yesterday I bought my first brew kit (woop woop!) I am going to make a nut brown ale (it was on sale, so what the hell... nut browns are always good!) I have a few questions though...
First is cooling my wort. I don't have a wort-chiller cuz I couldn't afford one. Whats the best way? I know an ice-bath is good, so should I buy a semi-large plastic container at wal-mart and shove a bunch of ice in it and cool my wort? I plan on using bottled water... so if I keep the water in the fridge then how low do I need to cool my wort before topping off with the refrigerated bottled water?
Cooling the wort properly is the scariest part for me... (well, second to proper sanitation)
And here is a dumb question for ya...
My primary right now is a plastic bucket (unfortunately, but again my lack of funds bit me in the ass) Anyways, once I get this puppy rollin' how will I know when my yeast is active? If my air-lock is bubbling does that mean my yeasties are doin' their job?
Any last minute tips would be GREATLY appreciated
Here's to hopin' this brew turns out as good as Samuel Smiths Nut Brown!
First is cooling my wort. I don't have a wort-chiller cuz I couldn't afford one. Whats the best way? I know an ice-bath is good, so should I buy a semi-large plastic container at wal-mart and shove a bunch of ice in it and cool my wort? I plan on using bottled water... so if I keep the water in the fridge then how low do I need to cool my wort before topping off with the refrigerated bottled water?
Cooling the wort properly is the scariest part for me... (well, second to proper sanitation)
And here is a dumb question for ya...
My primary right now is a plastic bucket (unfortunately, but again my lack of funds bit me in the ass) Anyways, once I get this puppy rollin' how will I know when my yeast is active? If my air-lock is bubbling does that mean my yeasties are doin' their job?
Any last minute tips would be GREATLY appreciated
Here's to hopin' this brew turns out as good as Samuel Smiths Nut Brown!