Recent content by Dude422

any idea what the threshold is for "long time"?

Not that I didn't trust the responses(I opted for the "it couldn't hurt"), but I was on the phone with midwest supplies anyway today. I figured I'd share the "official" answer. They said that only the yeast needs to be refrigerated, and the hops was recommended as well. The rest could just be...

Should ingredient kits be stored in the fridge prior to opening them? and how long do they last? Thanks!

I know the answer is varied by type of beer...etc. However, I was just wondering how long does fermenting beer create an odor on average(pleasant or otherwise)?

eddie, i'll be brewing the american ale 20 minute boilkit from midwestsupplies.

Jonnio, are you saying it would be best to boil whatever what i use prior to freezing it as others have suggested?

Thanks for everyones input. I'll be doing a partial boil, and my tap water isn't very reliable. Least not for brewing. What would be the best water to use then if not spring water? distilled water?

I am a new guy, and I'm about to start my first brew. I was wondering though, what is the best way to cool your wort? I know using an immersion chiller would help, but I'm not ready to pick one of those up yet. Is cooling the pot in just ice and water the best(and only) way? should i add salt to...

I've read many posts about the hydrometer and how valuable they can be. I was wondering how often someone should be sampling their beer and recording the gravity levels. I know I'm supposed to heavily document my process so it could be repeated but I also didn't want to over test/risk exposure...

Thanks everyone for the great responses. I decided to check out one of those 20 minute boil kits to start with and kind of get my feet wet. I decided on the American ale one. I also decided to get a 2nd kit of a newcastle clone. I think that one will be really good. With that being said, how...

Thanks everyone for your replies. Any ideas for a few good beginner levels kits? especially from those who have used midwest in the past.

I'm a new guy, haven't even received my equipment kit yet, but I'm wondering about recipe kits. I am up in Potsdam, NY so I am too far away from a LHBS, and I was wondering where is a good place to get a recipe kit. I was planning on getting one from midwestsupplies.com(where I'll be getting my...

Hi Everyone, Thanks for all your help. I decided on the Starter kit(with the Better Bottle) from midwest supplies. I'll be getting it in a little while and then I'm sure I'll have all sorts of questions to ask.

Wow, that was a lot of quick responses. Thanks everyone for your quick input. Has anyone actually had a beer be...oxygenated(I don't know the phrase for when too much oxygen gets into beer) from better bottles? I like the idea of glass, I'm just worried about it breaking. Not only the...

I'm getting ready to purchase my first equipment kit and I am curious what kind of Carboy I should go with? I've read many horror stories of glass breaking and seriously injuring someone as well as being heavy and awkward to carry(I have to go upstairs). I hear buckets are easy to clean but...