Recent content by cjmcfoot

However keep in mind that a strong scotch ale is supposed to be kettle caramelized and the kettle caramelization can sometimes be perceived as diacetyl. So according to BJCP guidelines for strong scotch ale, diacetyl is ok and appropriate in the aroma and the taste, you just don't want it to be...

I used to do that too, but I got sick of the inconsistent temps. I found the insulator needs to be wrapped tightly on top and sides of the mash tun. Blankets just don't do it.

Interesting thought..... I would think that you could use this with an electric set up as long as you keep an air gap between the burner and the material. Mine has a canvas type exterior material. Not sure what the interior is made of. That's a great idea to use an electric heating element under...

Does anyone use these and what is your experience with them? I use this one and it does seem to make a difference, but then again so does using a cooler, however retrofitting a cooler can sometimes be a hassle, that's how my first set up was. My dad uses one of these on a custom keggle he...

***UPDATE*** Just got off the phone with a TTB representative. I spent quite some time on the phone with her, and her final answer is that it is such a gray line, because technically the wort leaving my facility has absolutely no yeast in it, that it can-not be a product with alcohol, so they...

I had a Sam Adams Cranberry Winter Ale some years back and it was not all that great, I even dumped a couple of them and gave the rest to my not so good friends:p Has anyone tried the Okto Ale by Widmer? I think that one sucks too. But not as bad as that winter ale crap. I must admit...

So did you guys notice Section 211(7) from the ATF, it is considered a malt beverage regardless of alcohol content. Which means it must be licensed and permitted. Thats alright I might still do it, after I get licensed, just for the love of homebrewing, and the fact that I can teach others...

You are absolutely right, it could potentially be time and money prohibitive. However in my case I own the building and the equipment without a monthly payment, so it becomes more cost effective for sure. Furthermore that's why I love this forum, I have already learned so much by reading all of...

Thanks for the links Revvy, While I was poking around on the TTB website I came across this which I thought is quite interesting, since technically you could consider wort to be "cereal beverage" I suppose. Since it is less than 0.5% ABV. ATF Ruling 76-13 The Bureau has been asked...

That's my eventual final goal, but I want to be real careful on the quality of what I release. We have a local brewery here, not going to name it, but they released some just mediocre beers, and they are selling but they are not as popular as they could be. I will give them credit though, they...

Yeah you're right I stand corrected its about 13.6 cents per beer.

I would offer the classes for 1 to 6 people at any given brew day, so basically I would at a minimum do 10 gallon batches when it is only one person. As they would get five gallons and I would get five gallons. Basically it would be five gallons per person. If I had six people for a brew session...

I have been brewing beer for years, winning awards and also judging BJCP sanctioned competitions. I have learned alot and have come to really respect the answers given by the members of HBT. I could not think of a better venue to get some advice so here it goes..... (Long read, sorry, have a...

OK, so next weekend I am going to my folks for the weekend, we are going to brew this there, then when I get back I am going to brew a batch for myself. Original recipe, none of the changes that this thread came up with. I will let you guys know what I think, and what all my guests think. :)

I have used those stamped packs, and I was worried about them, but much to my happiness all four batches I have used the Notty on were perfect. Whew Thank the heavens.