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Wow... I didn't expect a counterflow from a beginner. Nice job. I don't use these or immersion anymore because I don't do a full boil. I usually do 2.5 - 3 gallons, put in an ice bath for 15 minutes, then top off with cold bottled spring/drinking water.

Here are my 2 cents: 1) Plastic spoon is fine, but I never sanitize. Use it to stir once in awhile during the boil, but never use it for anything else. If the wort is boiling, no need to worry. However I mix the cooled wort and yeast by dumping btw two plastic buckets, one of which I use as...

The post is Easy Partial Mash Brewing (with pics) by Deathbrewer. Good stuff. https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/easy-partial-mash-brewing-pics-75231/

I haven't done a mini-mash yet, but I have the equipment and have read quite a bit about it. Yes, you will be actually "mashing". Mashing and steeping are pretty much the same thing. When you mash, you do so at the same temps that you steep... I think around 160 if I am not mistaken. There are a...

Related questions... what method do you guys use when testing pH. I bought some strips and found them very difficult to read.

It will boil off. Which is why I use tap for the boil and bottled (gallon jugs) to top off at the end.

Hefe yeast gives off a sulfer smell. I know this from experience. Depending on the yeast, it will also sometimes leave a hint of the taste as well. Perfectly normal. Even if there was an off flavor at the end of fermentation, time usually mellows these out. Check out the sticky regarding "Is my...

I agree. If the tap tastes good, then use it. You really only have to worry about the quality of your tap water if it tastes bad or once you start going all grain, as pH is a factor. I use tap water for the first 3 gallons, which I use in the boil. After the boil, I top off with 2 gallons...

What do you need to sanitize that is made out of copper? If it is a pot (which I doubt) there is no need to sanitize if you are using it for the boil. If it is a copper coiled immersion chiller, you just need to make sure it is clean and put it in the boil for the last 10 mintues.

It's really up to you and how comfortable you are with your abilities. I began homebrewing after getting into cooking when my wife was on bedrest during her first pregnancy. I read "Homebrewing for Dummies" and was very confident about the extract method. Overall, I would say a kit is probably...

I have been leaving mine in the primary for 2-3 weeks. There are a lot of threads that you can find where members talk about leaving it at least 2 weeks, despite FG, to allow the yeast to settle out and clean up the beer. However, as long as the fermentation is done, you can bottle right now.

I'm right there with ya Rhoobarb. I also work for a major consulting company that tends to do well when the economy slows down. I remember when I first joined, a lot of people jumped ship for more money during the dot com boom. Most if not all those people were looking for work 6-8 months later...

Thanks WBC. That is pretty much what I had gathered, as I did do some research on the internet. I was curious what folks in this forum thought, as I've been impressed with the comments I've read since joining earlier this year. I plan on creating a stir plate based on the directions and...

Thanks all. I'm not only looking to go a cheaper route, but also looking to save some effort. I know you don't need a starter for dry. Sounds like the majority of stuff I brew will work well with dry. Thanks for your comments.

Far northeast, just south of hwy 92, close to Kennesaw and Woodstock.

I looked around the forum for an answer but was unable to come up with anything. I've always used White Labs yeast when brewing. I've only done pale ales, irish reds, stouts and hefes. I understand that with a hefe, you would definately want to use a liquid yeast because it is a specific type...

Quick related question... does the type of primary matter? Ideally, if you are going to leave it in the primary for a long period of time, don't you want it to be in a 6.5 gallon glass carboy or better bottle. I've read that leaving it for a long time in a plastic bucket could leave to problems...

I agree... which is why we always bought it on vaca when heading to the beach in Florida. Good hot weather beer. Unfortunately, it's a bit more pricey in GA.

+1 for Iron Maiden... the "thinking man's metal". Check out YouTube for recent shows. Bruce Dickenson's voice is terrific... better than some of the 80's tours.

I have read a bit about all grain brewing, but the thing that I worry about is the PH of the water. I have the equiptment to do a partial mash, however when I tried to use the PH strips that I bought, I found them impossible to use/read. I figure that I'll by a digital PH meter once I go AG. Do...