Recent content by newtobrew36

Update: The airlock started bubbling again shortly after this post as the temperature got warmer. It spent a few more weeks fermenting and cleaning up. This got all the way down to a FG of 1.010. The sample I took tasted pretty good. It's a little on the spicy side. Maybe because I added the...

I am assuming this is a 5 gallon batch? If so, 1oz of hops seems to be too little. Most recipes I've done have been at least three ounces of hops.

Thanks for the reply. I know that hops mellow with time, I was just hoping that orange peel would too!

I am brewing a saison that called for one ounce of bitter orange peel for a five gallon batch. After three weeks in primary I tasted a sample. The bitter orange peel seems to stand out a bit more than I had hoped. Is this something that will balance out with some more time or during botttle...

I recently made a Mad Elf clone and boiled 2 lbs of honey for the last 15 mins of the boil. The honey taste is still definitely noticeable. I have no experience in putting honey in secondary, but it seems like it wouldn't dissolve as well without some heat added to it?

If youre using priming sugar, it usually takes one week-ish to carbonate. However, for it to mellow out, I would give it at least 2-3 weeks, if not longer. It's interesting though to taste early on and see how the beer progresses from where it's at now to where it will be when it matures.

I brewed a Belgian Strong Ale a few weeks ago and it made it almost to the desired FG after 7 days. I guess that's what I'm comparing this current batch to. But it's a different style with different yeast, so I guess more time and a warmer temp is the answer. Thanks for all the feedback!

I did my first gravity reading at 7 days. After doing a little more research yesterday, Wyeast's website says the Belgian Saison yeast is notorious for stalling after a short, vigorous fermentation. It also said that the French Saison is good for recovering stalled fermentations. I may have...

Well, I decided to pitch an additional pack of Wyeast 3711. This yeast does better at slightly lower temps for a saison. I don't have the equipment to warm this up for another week, so I'm thinking this night be my only chance to get this where it should be for this time of year. Guess we'll...

3724 is exactly what I'm using. This may sound weird, but I put the bucket in an 80 degree bath and the airlock started up again immediately. I took it out and it stopped. Temp was definitely the issue here. I might try that other Wyeast 3711 if all else fails.

I should have probably saved this clone for warmer temps! Another newbie mistake... Luckily it's warmer today so hopefully it'll benefit from it. Can I add another type of yeast that isn't so picky but is appropriate to the style? Or will that create a whole other set of problems?

I used one bag of Wyeast Belgian Saison yeast. Its been probably in the low 60's all week. I'll move it to a warmer location and see if it gets moving.

I started a Ommegang Hennepin clone about 7 days ago. The OG was 1.080 and after taking a hydrometer reading, it's only at 1.050. What worries me is that the airlock was only active for about a day and a half, then stopped. Also, it has been cold in my house this week, so is there a possibility...

I agree with what Cyclman said. Aside from the obvious benefits of beer, it can be a great stress reliever. I have around 4 beers a night after work in order to wind down. Not just because of the alcohol, but because of the taste, ritual, and overall enjoyment of the product. I think stress...

Usually, I can't get enough hops. But, I feel like a little bit more malt flavor would make this taste a lot better. Thanks for the replies!