Recent content by walke2jd

Ha! How did I miss an entire section on BIAB. Thanks!!

I have traditionally done AG batches as that is what I was taught when I started. I did two partial mash batches last night for a friend and really enjoyed the ease of brewing that way. I have seen a lot of BIAB threads that are usually doctored to work due to small pot sizes, but I have...

Well, that sounds plausible. I have no idea whether the grain bill they send is correct since its all mixed together, and Im too much of a noob to notice that the grains don't look right. Thanks for the insights. Either way, this is shaping up to be the best brew Ive done. I cant wait to try...

I lost my brew notebook during a house project over the summer, so Im not sure on which yeast. It was a White Labs Vial and it was whatever defaults when you choose the Vial option when ordering the kit. The coloring is a dark amber. Looking at a few BJCP color guides, I would estimate...

So, I brewed the Midwest Belgian Tripel All-grain kit and thanks to some help on the boards, I just kegged it up. I had a taste during kegging and the flavor is waaay different than what I was expecting. The kit says it will have a light, slightly orange flavor. Instead I am tasting coffee...

So, awesome news: the hydrometer gave me a reading of 1.015, which is within the FG range of the kit! So it is not sitting in the kegerator carbing up. Thanks everyone for all your help! Now I know to stick with hydrometer readings once fermentation starts.

As far as brewing problems, that doesn't sound too bad :)

Wow, so that accounts for most of my problem. I assumed the calculator I was using accounted for the refractometer issue, but it looks like it doesnt. So, according to the midwest calculator, my FG is actually 1.023 with an ABV of 5.5% Is this close enough to carb and drink, or should I...

Oh, and I will check the gravity again when I get home to ensure its 1.040 and not 1.004 I have only used my refractometer a handfull of times, so it could be possible that I misread it.

Thanks for all the replies. I have so much to learn when it comes to brewing... I unfortunately did not make a starter. I pitched two vials of White Labs yeast, which I thought would be sufficient. I have just begun realizing the importance of starters. I think I will give a re-pitch a...

Well, unfortunately my brew journal was lost during a house project over the summer, so I lost the mash notes I had. I remember it was a stepped mash and that I hit most of the tempuratures spot on. As far as my thermometer, I calibrate regularly, so that shouldnt be an issue. Im thinking...

So, I brewed the Midwest All Grain Belgian Tripel kit. It started at 1.065. It has been in primary for the last 6 months or so and when I racked it into the keg this past weekend, I measured the FG at 1.040. So according to Dave's Dreaded Gravity Calculator, I only have about 3.2% ABV...

Has anyone done long term storage in oxyclean? I was thinking of leaving a giant tub of oxyclean water in the garage with a lid. After I finish a beer, I could rinse it and toss it in the tub. Then finish cleaning the bottles on brewday. Would this work?

I was thinking adding the whirpool mod to my IC would make it more efficient. Ill have to make that my next priority. Glad to hear it works good. Up til my last batch, I was just soaking the kettle in ice water, so Im excited to see how proper cooling changes my beer.

Has anyone used an IC and recirculating CFC at the same time? I was thinking of picking up a plate chiller to use in conjuction with my 25' IC. Im thinking this would be the best of both worlds except for the extra cleanup. Not a hug deal IMO. Any cons to doing this?