Recent content by djschererjr

Taking the gravity reading helped me not worry about the water part too much, but I will certainly top off. Brewers Friend calls for .7 gallons to be added. Any thoughts on my hops mistake?

I finally took the plunge yesterday on my first all-grain attempt. Tried to keep it simple with the pale ale (Sierra Nevada) clone. Got the recipe from a book at the LHBS and bought just enough of each ingredient there, i.e. no extras. Recipe was extract specific with additional instructions...

Thanks for the replies. Got the very basics of the process down. Beer has been drinkable, but not something I'd want to show off. Being more particular about temp will be something I need to stress moving forward. I'll certainly have to take more care on the rehydration. At some point, I...

I know I am not the first to ask this question or to ask for some nuances regarding it, but general question: what is the "proper" yeast pitching temperature? I brewed my 4th batch on Saturday (Oatmeal Stout) from a MWS LME kit. The instructions called for the wort to be cooled below 80...

Yes, I did mean aerate and not oxidize. My mistake. On the steeping temp, I believe it was 160 degF.

I would guess that I leave 1" or so. Interesting thought.

I'll try to answer and further clarify...might take me a couple of responses or edits to get them all in. On temp for both fermentation and bottle conditioning: I set the controller to 70 degF allowing for a +/- deg swing. Early on in the Brown Ale, the temp was swinging more until I...

I am two batches in. The first was a brown ale and the second an attempt at a pumpkin ale. Both have been "ok". I am not expecting commercial quality, but I'd like to see where I might be making some mistakes and where I might improve. Both had a "sharp" taste early and a somewhat "flat"...

Thanks everyone. I feel better about things now after posting here.

Assuming I am looking at the hydrometer correctly, it looks like a 1.016 sg.

First time brewer and I kicked off my first batch last weekend. I had to go out of town this past week, so I had my wife checking for airlock activity daily. She saw nothing. I am now at a loss as to what to do. Need some advice, and I am certain now, in retrospect, that I made a few rookie...

I've attached a link to the instructions. I was looking for something real basic, and I think this one fits the bill. Anyway, there are two hop additions (bittering and finishing, right?) that I did not include in my summary of the instructions. I do have a wort chiller and plan to use it...

Hi. I am a complete newb taking the plunge into the hobby of home brewing. I have spent a fair amount of time reading and asking others questions regarding the basic process. I read through most of the sticky "Beginner Thread" and checked out a few videos as well, so that is all valuable...