Recent content by BigJoeBrews

Sorry, this was posted by redshift-not sure how to correctly quote... +1 on covering it with aluminium foil for me. no san needed, no extra steps! if you a 2000ml flask a little 7"X7" square is perfect, put it on before you boil, no worries! I have seen a little krausen (more like a...

I would make a starter, if you can find a LHBS near you and get some DME. Else, just buy a new package of yeast. New yeast and DME will be within a couple dollars of each other, no extra time though!! Flip side to that coin, I used year old yeasts before with great results. Don't let the...

Any recommendations on how much to use? I ordered 5 OZ (2X2.5oz packages) and was thinking of using 4 oz. But then what am I going to do with the other oz? save it for an IPA or something. BTW, I got american oak and likely to use makers mark "46"...

I am do a BIG stout for winter, thinking of doing some oak chips (more like cubes) and some bourbon. I was thinking of bringing the bourbon to just below boiling point (with the chips in it) to burn off the alcohol, but leave the sweet taste of the bourbon. then pouring the entire solution into...

Perfect! If I buy one cause I cant wait, can I just have a refund?

Yes, I had my beer judging friend sample my AG batches. That was his first comment! But other than that the flavor was in line of the style, he thought it was very good, but the reddish tinge kept his attention. I will try and post a picture soon...

5.00 lb Pilsner (2 Row) Bel (2.0 SRM) Grain 50.0 % 3.00 lb Wheat, Flaked (1.6 SRM) Grain 30.0 % 1.00 lb Oats, Flaked (1.0 SRM) Grain 10.0 % 1.00 lb White Wheat Malt (2.4 SRM) Grain 10.0 % 0.50 oz Cascade [6.90%] (45 min) Hops 10.0 IBU 0.50 oz Cascade [6.90%] (10 min) Hops 3.9 IBU 0.18 oz Orange...

Just a red "tinge" to it. I will post a pic after I crack one tonight! You can't really see it in the other beers ( I've done a stout and 2 IPAs) as much, but when I open the wit I could tell, then I noticed it in the ipas as well...

I just started to brew all-grain. I Have a 10 gallon mash tun (igloo) with a stainless braid and all stainless fittings. I use all food grade silicone hoses and stainless cam lock fittings. I also have a march pump for sparging. The only non stainless part (as part of the new all grain...

WOW!!! This is something to think about if you want to buy bulk and not buy a mill...Did you have them sealed? what kind of temp?

Made my first starter today, it was very easy. I used some DME, White labs WLP001, and my home made stir plate! My question is, can I take a little out, step that little bit up to 500mls or so. In a sense make another starter, let it decant (I think that's the word I want) and pour off the top...

Congratulations! May your mash tun bring you much happiness! Did you take any gravity readings? That's the easiest way to tell.. Taste is a goo test too.. I suppose the reason you didn't boil all in one boil is because of kettle size? IMO, it would behoove you to get a larger boil kettle. (I...

Has anybody had milled grains go"stale"? Does it have big affect on flavor? I've had mine for about 3 weeks, sealed, in a 50 degree garage. they are also in a cooler, but this is merely a coincidence it was the only convenient storage available ...Space is at a premium these days, I only have a...

This is an awesome kit, everybody who tries this, loves it. I really think you should prepare this the proper way and building a mash tun is fun and rewarding!! Go for the mash tun, I use a 10G rubbermaid as you see in my avitar... You can easily build it yourself for about 50-70 bucks and a...

SalukiKev- I just came across this article and I was curious if you ever came up with an answer? I have been having a mild overcarbonation problem, they are not gushers but more carbonation than should be. I was going to experiment with more/less head space. Me and my uncle make batches together...