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I have another batch in the fermenter. This time I used Chinook hops for all the hot side additions. It has a similar AA to Citra, but should be more piney? Will probably still use Citra for the dry hops. Also, have some Mangrove Jack M54 lager yeast going. Which is kinda fruity. I’m thinking...

I had kind of assumed that we all tilted it to get the last little bit out.

I did an initial tasting of this batch, and thought it had a fruity taste. Not really what I was going for on this one. I'll put the keg in the fridge, let it sit a few weeks, and try again.

How did it do? I grabbed a couple packs of M54 on my last visit to the LBHS. The packet gives a fermentation range of 64-68*F, which is fairly narrow. So 79* is quite a bit over. I worried because my fermenter reads under 60* now. I probably should have gone with the 34/70 again, but wanted to...

It seems to me that there are a couple basic approaches here. One is to have the lid on, use the top screen, and keep the recirculation pump running. In theory this should maintain heat, and help keep it evenly distributed. The other is to stir, which requires having the upper part open, which...

I use the spigot to drain. It is set up off the floor high enough to do that. I suppose you could use the pump, depending on your situation. As far as whirlpool goes. The unit comes with a recirculation arm. There is a separate whirlpool arm you can buy. So I’m not sure which you have. I just...

My son-in-law traded in his Volt on a Bolt. We switched cars last weekend, for reasons. So, I got to drive a Bolt for a while. It’s a nice little car. But I found the seat really uncomfortable. It’s made for someone smaller than I. So, I was happy to get my Volt back. Other than that I liked it.

I just used the temperature readout on the display. When it’s all buckled up like that, it’s not so easy to get a thermometer in there.

The grain bill was 14.5 lbs. Post boil volume was 5.75 gallons. This time I didn't step mash. It was set to 154* for an hour. This was a Zombie Dust recipe I have done quite a few times. Except this time I used Chinook hops. And this new (to me) lager yeast, Mangrove Jack's M54 California Lager...

None that I could tell.

So, I tried the "Let It Flow" method this past weekend. It worked reasonably well. I put the top screen, jacket, and lid on, and opened up the recirculation valve. Not all the way. It was maybe 3/4 open. Enough that there was constant flow down the center pipe. No problems with grain in the...

On the plus side, I got really high efficiency yesterday. I usually don't bother to calculate efficiency, but did this time since it was different than expected. I normally just look at the expected OG and compare. This recipe was for a Dortmunder Lager. Beersmith calculates at 72% for Robobrew...

Interesting thought. I use the top screen, but throttle back the flow too. I saw on a video that the guy had the flow opened up, and wondered how he did it. So, maybe he just lets it overflow. I may try it.

Sounds good. I did IPA's the past couple weeks. Went back to a lager today. I figured that it's cold out, so good temps to do lagers.

As far as oxidation goes, I don't worry about it hot side.

I get really slow flow on large grain bills also. Do you have the polypropylene jacket for your kettle? I use that, and put the lid on. I use a short piece of silicone tubing on the arm, and feed that through the hole in the lid so that I can recirculate with the lid on.

Anyone brewing today? I’m about to get started, but haven’t decided what to make yet.

So, you are only using the .5kw element to step mash. Am I reading that right? If it is too slow, turn on the other element. I program in several steps as well, so it doesn’t have to raise the temperature as much each step. I program an extra 5-10 mins per step to allow for the temperature change.

Is the store at the brewery also closed? I have often stopped there in the past on trips to Chicago to pick up a case of ZD, but haven’t been by recently. I have brewed this recipe many times. The most recent batch I used Saflager 34/70, since I had a yeast cake of it going. It’s ok, but think...

It may. But that's why we use the recirculation pump.