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I'm curious about your sanitation procedures when sampling. To me, this is the diciest part and it sounds like you've done a lot of it. That said, I think you just give it more time. Time heals most everything.

Here's a little tip that will help ease a lot of your nervousness. When you've made up your big batch of StarSan, get yerself a clean spray bottle and fill it up. Then, after the boil, you'll have yourself a nice little "sanitize gun" for spraying all those things that you find yourself...

Thanks all... I've concluded that it is a heat control issue. How do I know this? I haven't been cutting the heat at all. Duh. Not sure why I've always done it like this... But, I tain't gonna do it any more! Thanks!

I have a small bathroom that is my fermenting room. In the winter, I keep it closed off and put a small electric heater in there. This lil' heater has its own thermostat, and I just let it maintain the temp where I want it. IMHO, it is much easier to keep a consistent fermenting temp when...

I thought you were supposed to use 1/2 cup DME with a liter of water (not a cup). ?

Thanks guys... I'm wondering if the bottle of Ferm-capS that I got is too old or something. Does yours look like a white liquid with a high viscosity?

Hi Guys, Since I've gone all grain, I have really struggled getting through the hot break without a boilover. On my last batch, I tried Femcap S for the first time. While I was able to get through boil without a disaster, it still took a LOT of stirring and fighting the foam. What am I...

As one who made the conversion to all grain the last year, I can also attest to the fact that it isn't hard at all... in fact, its pretty much a piece of cake if you are already successfully brewing with extracts. The beer you make is better, cheaper, and you'll learn a whole lot more about your...

If you are a kegger, be careful with the seeds that are left behind. They tend to clog things severely... don't ask me how I know (fresh raspberries in my case). :-)

I think I'll try this. Thanks!

Hence my question... I had decided to do this "weird step" instead of just using "top up water"... because I have an unlimited supply of 130 F water right from the tap and, because of that, it really isn't adding a third step. However, I can visually see that even the sparge water that is too...

I don't have all the terminology down. BeerSmith calls it a "single infusion, full body." Here's what I'm doing, if you'd be so kind, I'd really like to know what it is called: Step1: I add 11.88 quarts of 170.5 F... this drops to 158 F and I let it sit for 45 minutes. Step 2: I vorlaf...

Thanks for your input!!!! Interestingly, I was more worried about it being too cool since BeerSmith has me put in 196 F water for the Mash Out (which drops to like 177 when mixed with the grain bed). I'm pretty confident that this second sparge (that I do immediately after the 196 deg...

Hello All, I'm pretty new to this all grain stuff and I'm wondering if I'm shooting myself in the foot. Specifically, here is my question: After I collect my 2nd runnings, I have been putting 130 degree water into my grain bed and drawing it off until I get to my desired boil volume. I do...

I don't think its infected... I'm pretty zealous about sanitation and have never had an infection before. However, it could well be my first. I wouldn't really describe this as astringency... it is more of a vinegary taste and aroma. It's weird too because I've probably only pulled 6 glasses...

Hello, About a month ago, I made a batch of AG "don't call me hefe." I did make a starter and let it sit in primary for 2 weeks. When the FG stabilized, I cold crashed it for a week and then kegged it up. It's got a real vinegary taste which seems to be improving with time but, I'm trying...

Nope... outside on one big bad flame throwin' burner. Just can't stand to see any of the good stuff go sailin' over the side. Also, ain't real fond of cleaning the pot afterwards. :-)

That's what I thought but, was very surprised when taking the first runnings through a hot break... didn't seem to make it any better when taking the "post-hot-breaked first runnings", combined with the sparge water through the second hot break, etc. Maybe it's just a perception thing on my...

I drain my first runnings completely after a short vorlaf... then put a piece of aluminum foil on top of the grain bed and pour the sparge water slowly on top of that. While I don't claim to be an expert, I routinely get 83 to 85% efficiency so I must be doing something right. NOTE: I...

I move mine with the airlock in place. Of course, I use star-san solution in my airlock. :D