Recent content by MrSmug

Adjusted...

Brewed the DOZE black IPA recipe and I had an initial gravity of 1.07. After 2 weeks I racked over to a secondary to dry hop. At this time I took a gravity reading and it was still a bit high 0.026. Not sur what the final gravity should be because morebeer never has it on their recipes. My...

I've heard mixed reviews about refractometers. Which one do you own?

I know its a small purchase but it seems I read mixed reviews about any wine thief I find. Any recommendations and/or thoughts on what NOT should be bought?

ok.. Ill probably have to make a blowoff tube when I get home. I created a yeast starter and as far as temperature goes, this is actually the first time I'm fermenting in my garage as opposed to my closet due to it being in the low 60's as opposed to high 60's.

Is there such a thing as excessive fermentation? I brewed on Sunday and I already needed to replace the airlock about 4 times due to foam and other material making its way into it. I also noticed that each time the top to my fermenter bucket was bowed out almost like it was going to pop off...

Great post. Ill have to look into getting a wine thief. Any suggestions?

Brewed the DOZE IPA from morebeer this weekend and one of the things I hate when getting recipes from morebeer is then never list what the final OG should be. Typically I give 2-3 weeks before bottling or kegging but I would like to be sure next time. Should I just take a reading after 2...

I usually ferment using WLP001 which has a suggested temp range of 68-73 degrees. which works out perfectly for me since we keep our house at 70% so I can easily through my fermenter in a closet (~71 degrees). I'm now however using WLP009 which has a suggested range of 65-70 degrees. Is the...

I just checked my brew log and I noticed that 3 out of my last 4 IPA's was around this number so this is "normal" for me I guess Janet's Brown Ale 1.080 / 1.019 American Amber Ale 1.054 / 1.012 Zytho's IPA 1.070 / 1.018 Blind Pig IPA 1.080 / 1.019

Bad fermentation? Well the target OG was a little higher than expected because I lost a fair amount of water during the bool so I only ended up with 4 gallons. As far as that gravity goes though I did create 2L starter using a stir plate and 1 vile of WLP0001. Think this should be pretty good no?

I'm thinking (actually hoping) its the wood chips. It's not like the beer is undrinkable or anything, I just want to find out if I messed anything up along the way so I can prevent any errors in the future. Thanks

New keg

Perhaps... I'm usually drinking hop bombs. Never used oak chips before so they may also be contributing to the flavor? I've been going back every day since the initial caramel blast and I've been noticing it less and less. Maybe I'm a bit crazy

Should also mention kegging temp is in the low 30s