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The only issue I had the shop in my area (new business about 1 year ago) was the owner only provided yes and no answers and no solid advice for a first time brewer (that was 2 months ago). To me the only way a business like this will survive is to get new customers interested in their hobby of...

I was well underway when I asked my question. I ended up using 5 gallons of water in my original mash (at the time this seemed to make sense to me) with about 12 lbs of grain. My sparge temp was a little high too and I did the sparge a little different than you since I didn't have a 2nd 5...

I went ahead and pitched it anyways since I didn't have the necessary materials to make a starter. There is a little airlock activity so I think I got lucky.

Due to the recent Thanksgiving Holiday my Fedex package containing brew supplies sat at my doorstep for a few days at below freezing temperatures (25 degrees). This package contained White Labs liquid yeast. Does anyone know if this would harm or ruin the yeast?

I am going to give this method a try. I have an 8-gallon brew pot. With a pot this size would it be a good idea to use 5-gallons of water with the initial mash? The initial water temp would probably need to be lower due to the larger volume of water.

I found it to be really good, but not as good as say Newcastle. I wonder if Nut Brown's are the taste of the season. I see Goose Island is also currently offering a Nut Brown.

I agree part of the fun of home brewing is building and doing things on my own, that is why I want to build one and not just buy one. The video was very helpful. I will probably stick with the 1/2-inch copper in lieu of 3/8-inch so the flow rate does not decrease.

Thanks, I will go look there for some information.

I am thinking of making my own wort chiller. Has anyone tried this? It appears all they are made of is 1/2-inch copper tube rolled into a spiral and hose adapters sweated on the ends. I suppose the hardest part would be to spiral the copper without kinking it. Any pointers would be great.

I would not risk it. The holes might have created a weak spot in the glass and it might blow out on you.

Since I am still waiting for my first brew to be ready, and thus can't drink the homebrew, I have been drinking Samuel Adams Honey Porter and Leinenkugels Fireside Nut Brown Ale. Both are excellent!

I suppose if my job involved handling sanitizer all day I would probably wear gloves, but so far I have not quit my day job.

Duly noted. Keep junk away from sanitizer.

Thanks, I am glad to hear it is not that big of deal. I will forgo the rubber gloves next time and take the risk!

Does anyone bother to use rubber gloves when using Starsan or is it safe to just go without and rinse your hands afterwards?

I have not been to the Iowa Brewfest. I am somewhat new to the hobby but have been drinking and enjoying micro brews for sometime and always had aspirations of brewing trying it myself. My brother is married to a woman originally from Fort Madison so that is why I know about the Lost Duck. He...

Brewmando, you are lucky to have a local brew pub. Lost Duck I believe it is called? It has been a few years since I have been there.

I just got my first brew batch going last week and I have found this forum very helpful in learning about my new hobby.:ban:

I only did it the one time. I just wanted to know for future batches! Thanks again for your help!

One other question I have.. is opening the bucket lid a problem? I haven't read much on this, but I am guessing this should be limited to only when hydrometer samples are taken (for future when I have a hydrometer).