Recent content by nicholschris

So, just to re-iterate the process- you heat it up above the target temp, put in the grain and turn off the heat. Then you periodically check the temperature and re-apply heat as needed. Does that sum it up? I can get Pro Mash if it's going to make my life easier. It seems that what most...

Thanks for the response! I do have a large strainer that I believe will work well for this. So, the NB directions say- 153° F for 60 minutes 170° F for 10 minutes (full directions below) So, you're basically saying, keep the brew kettle on the burner and heat as needed? The...

I've been an extract/specialty grain brewer to this point. I really want to do an Oatmeal Stout, so I suppose I'll need to do a partial mash to convert the oatmeal. I've ordered a kit from Northern Brewer. I'm concerned about temp control. I read the BYO article on Countertop Partial...

I'm not opposed to the analog Johnson control if it's going to do the job. I guess I just used the assumption that I don't know what I need and more expensive is better. What are the pros and cons to digital v. analog?

I would like to get a kegging setup and convert a freezer for cooling. Some questions- 1. I'm looking at the Johnson Controls A419 for temp control. The cord for the probe looks to be a little on the large side. Will I have to drill a hole for this? Or will in be able to fit through...

I'm thinking over the process of using a wort chiller. It seems to me to be a bad idea to just let the brew pot sit open and exposed while it's chilling. Do you just leave it exposed or do you cover it with something? If you're covering it, what are you using? Thanks for the help!

Thanks everyone! This seems clear to me now.

So, we've got conflicting answers here. Any more votes on which method is correct?

Should you shake the carboy slightly to mix in the yeast?

I've read to shake the wort after transferring to the carboy to aerate the wort. Should this be done before or after pitching the yeast? Thanks for the help!

Thanks... I appreciate that.

Correction Wheat not week

Alright, so I want to make a week beer that is supposed to have an OG of 1040. I'd like to bump this up a bit, so how much of what do you suggest? Here are the ingredients of the kit- http://www.northernbrewer.com/docs/kis-html/1261.html

That makes sense.... Thank you!

Is there a simple rule of thumb regarding how much ABV is added per weight of corn sugar added? So, something like 1 lb of corn sugar adds 1% ABV to 5 gallons. I know there are some other factors involved, but having a rule of thumb would be nice. Thanks for your help!