Recent content by Gato

I use MS Publisher...might also work with Word. Simple labels but; I like to have a complete ingredients list that the $5 label software on this site does not accommodate. Email or zip drive your labels to Staples for laser print. Cheap. Cut out and stick on with Elmers "Washable School...

Awesome post Deeferdog; we are just starting to use PET bottles here in California and we are looking forward to more of your innovations. Thanks for being retired!

Awesome post Deeferdog; we are just starting to use PET bottles here in California and we are looking forward to more of your innovations. Thanks for being retired!

I tried this last year using instructions off the home distiller's site (check this site out, they also have a lot on malting corn)...used two Homer buckets about 1/3 full (it grows!). Remember that sprouting wheat creates a lot of heat that will spoil it if you don't cool water rinse it...

Nice setup...I'm impressed. You could also sheet the stand with 1/2" plywood and lay down a layer of pavers like your patio. A little heavy but far more heat proof. Sheet metal under the pavers for extra char prevention. Get pavers at the Depot, Pavestone brand is the best (because I...

Thanks Zak, for the good advice. U be always right. I haven't brewed for a couple of months trying to work some of these issues out and get a Beverage Air commercial fridge rewired for Summer ferments. Its HOT here this time of year.... So...tap in another valve at the top and buy a pump...

I had something come up during the 30 minute protein rest I usually use for a batch of hef and it ended up about an hour long...very clear, best batch yet. Going to try and duplicate it soon.

I built a heavy duty stainless false bottom for my Sanke keg for about $ 40.00 USD that works like a charm but; the temperatures under the false bottom are always too hot due to flame contact...sometimes going to 160+ degrees F during much lower target temps. I can keep the mash temp. near...

You sure it isn't packing material? What is it made out of? Stainless? Scotch Brite? The grain bed is supposed to be the filter, I thought.

I have tried to look up terms in the Wiki like PPG etc and...nothing, at least using the search tool. Is there a glossary of brewing terms and jargon on this forum? (No glossary or jargon translation was found in the Wiki) An easily accessible dictionary of brewing terms would be a good...

Well, thanks to all of you for your comments, this is a great thread. I grew up at Lake Tahoe (California/Nevada border) and always drank the water with no ill effects (other than a few mental issues). I am going to use it for a batch of brew but I sure will take it far away from any EPA...

OK, Thank you all! A lot of very high quality information to process on mash tuns and mashing temperatures. More questions coming. I guess the best way to insulate a stainless keg kettle is to find an abandoned building and get some old asbestos pipe insulation :-)

I thought a mash tun was the same thing as a brew kettle: used to mash grains either by step or at around 152 degrees F; but I see designs made out of plastic coolers...what is with this? How do you mash grains in plastic? Do you just use the cooler to rest or sparge the grains; or just to...