Recent content by Redpiper

Hi, So last night I enjoyed a Sierra Torpedo IPA and it struck me that it seemed to share taste similarities with some of the flavors I taste in Belgian's that I've tried. So I filed that a way for future exploration. Then today, I was tasting a batch I brewed back in July. This was my...

Hi, I'm making an AG pale ale Friday. I've been reading up on FWH and am going to try it for the first time. I've read some different things about the effect of FWH, and am wondering if my flavor additions are redundant here? Or the dry hopping? Going for a PA on the low IBU end with fruity...

Hi, this is version 2 based on feedback I received last week. My main question from the experienced is does this appear to be balanced hop/malt? Any other feedback appreciated. Thanks. Recipe Specifications -------------------------- Boil Size: 8.93 gal Post Boil Volume: 7.80 gal Batch...

I thought about the seepage inside issue. But I think, if I remember correctly, at the spot where the seal is there is no access to the insulated part. I seem to recall that the plastic comes together right there and is closed off. I don't want to take mine apart to check and I can't confirm...

Okay, here's a revision after doing some reading: Est ABV: 4.9 % EE%: 62.00 % Batch: 6.50 gal Boil: 8.93 gal BT: 60 Mins Ingredients: ------------ Amt Name Type # %/IBU 12 lbs Pale...

Thank you, it's good to not be alone in the world! Can't wait to try it out and see if I can raise my efficiency with better temperature control.

I just did the 10gall Rubbermaid conversion found on these pages. I now know I overtightened. When I searched "over tighten" while adjusting, I only found posts saying their results were tight and unmoving. So, I tightened. Later, when I searched more closely I found lots of posts about not...

Hmm, good point about Amarillo. I've only used it in combination with others in IPAs/PAs. Citra I've found to be very tropic/grapefruity. I thought Amarillo might be less so. Regarding bittering, the LHBS guys basically say that bittering is bittering, that it doesn't matter too much what...

I'm aiming to make a red that is moderately hoppy, somewhat fruity/floral, but reasonably balanced. I already use the Columbus/Cent/Cascade for my pale ale, and I have a very sweet dark amber. Hoping to have something in between. Any comments on the Simcoe/Amarillo combo below? I read...

Thanks for the replies. Here's a little additional info. My actual test first involved 3 gallons and no blanket and I lost over 15 degrees. I then reheated the 3 gallons to 165, closed the lid. Heated another 3 gallons and added that and then blankets. So in a sense I think it was...

I just purchased a 10 gallon rubbermaid cooler from Lowe's. I tested 6 gallons in it at 162 degrees for an hour with blankets on top. It ended at 158. I've read that some fill the lid with foam to help heat loss. This may even be better? My question is, for those of you who've gone that...

Grain was crushed by LHBS in their mill so not sure exactly. But seems to work for them and the locals. I didn't pre-warm tun, but did bucket in and stirred, then added additionally heated water and stirred. Temp at 160. Left for an hour. Opened and stuck thermo in for new temp. Didn't...

I just finished my second all grain batch. First time I batch sparged, second I tried fly sparging. In both cases I ended up with about 58% efficiency. I suspect my main culprit is my cooler. I lose about 18 degrees over the hour even with blankets around it. Would this be a big...

Dry hopped commando! I'm aware airlock activity isn't the way to measure fermentation being done or not. It is, however, a sign that activity is taking place. When there's bubbling I don't see a reason to open the bucket and take a reading. If it's quieted by Sunday, I'll check again. (I...

Hi, Here's the short version. After 2 weeks fermenting I opened bucket to take a gravity reading and dry hopped at the same time. Rookie mistake as I figured fermentation was done (based on all all my previous batches). Turned out fermentation had stalled (OG 1.050, reading was 1.020). I...