Recent content by Phan71

Yeah, I was thinking if I kept them, it would be to use in the same or similar recipes.

I just bottled my Bourbon Barrel Porter (based off of the Northern Brewer one recipe). I used oak wood chips soaked in Maker's Mark. My question is, can I re-use the wood chips? Can I just dry them out and store them until the next time I want to do a bourbon barrel beer? What have other...

Thanks. I just ended up dumping it all in at flame-out.

I bought the Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar kit, and it came with Hazelnut extract. The directions that came with the kit (which are generic directions, and not specific to this kit) say that if the kit came with flavor extract, to add it at the end of the boil. However, the bottle itself says...

Thanks. I ended up doing he bleach/rinse. Now I just hope for the best.

Alas, no white vinegar in the house. :(

I just went to start cleaning my primary and other equipment (airlock, etc.) and realized that I'm out of Star San. The problem is I've already started brewing, and the LHBS is closed today! I've got some OxyClean free, can I use that as a sanitizer? That or bleach are my only options at...

Don't make me come over there!

Yeah, yeah, I know. BUT, I've never not seen signs of fermentation by the next day, so it's got me a little worried. I guess I'll wait, and if I don't see anything by tomorrow morning, just stop after work tomorrow and get some more yeast. btw - Went to see Phish at Deer Creek and Alpine...

Sorry I didn't see this yesterday - I live pretty close to the Hop Leaf. Maybe next time! If you're still around today, come out to the Folk and Roots Festival at Welles Park (Lincoln and Montrose) for some live music. (I'll be playing in the Gazebo with the Grateful Dead Ensemble.)

I typically use the Wyeast "smack packs", and have never had a problem. Last night I brewed a Belgian ale. For this batch, I got the 1214 Belgian Ale yeast. Before brewing, as always, I broke the nutrient pack inside the yeast pouch. First sign of trouble: I had no problems breaking the...

FYI - This batch turned out awesome. (I knew I was worried for nothing!)

My wife and I are going to a concert at Alpine Valley this summer (Phish, if you must know - kick ass seats, too!). We haven't been to Alpine since 2000 (again, Phish). Anyway, I was wondering: Does Alpine still have a ****ty beer selection? Last time all they had was Bud and Miller (and I...

I actually tried taking some photos, but you can't really tell anything from them. Based on the other comments, and the fact that it doesn't smell "off", and both my wife and I think it looks like dead yeast, I'm going to go ahead and bottle it. Thanks everyone for your input.

Well, I hope I'm just over-reacting. I'll go ahead and bottle tomorrow and hope for the best.