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I have read through a few threads... wanted to ask some (hopefully) simple questions. I would like to take a smack pack, split it into two and save the other for a batch to be made later (at which time...would like to split it again). Here is my plan: -make a 1 liter starter -split into...

Maybe you are already doing this, but it seems you would save more money by washing yeast (especially if you are using liquid yeast). I am looking into doing this and it doesn't seem too hard.

Thanks for all the feedback guys. It really looks like I need to dial in my water calculations and figure out my system a bit more. The good news is that my system was fairly consistent in terms of efficiency from the first batch to the second batch. I am not all that concerned about a lower...

I had a pre-boil gravity of 1.044 (6.5 gallons) and a post-boil gravity of 1.051 (5.5 gallons). I was shooting for 1.057 post-boil gravity. Thanks for the calc... that will help me a ton next time if I figure out I am far off my gravities. So, I would have needed to boil down to a smidge...

And maybe I am not understanding this correctly.... but it sounds like this is a water volume problem. At least conceptually.... If a recipe was made assuming a 75% efficiency, and I achieve that.... the gravity readings should be pretty close to spot on if my pre-boil and post-boil volumes are...

I should also explain that I threw out the two extra quarts at the end of the last sparge. Why? Not exactly sure, but I was worried about having too much wort in my brew kettle (boil over). So the gravity reading pre-boil was for 6.5 gallons. I used that calculator on brewer's friend to...

I guess that would make sense.... because the sugars would get diluted more. I re-calculated my efficiency and changed the pre-boil volume from 6.5 to 7 and it made a difference. My system was actually more efficient (81%). Next step is to dial in my water calculations. My mash tun is not...

Really this was a question about starting gravity after I am done boiling (before pitching). If my efficiency matches what the kit was designed for... shouldn't I be pretty close?

Brewed over the weekend, a kit from Austin Home Brew and the recipe said the expected post boil gravity should be 1.057. Mine came out to 1.051. My efficiency was 75% (it was 78% the last time... so pretty consistent). I ended up sparging 2 quarts more than I needed for my 6.5 gallon pre-boil...

doesn't this method forget about grain absorption, dead space, shrinkage...?

You are probably a good example of when it would be appropriate to factor in your opportunity costs in terms of a dollar amount. You are actually giving up dollars in order to do something else. I suppose you could get carried away and say that a salaried person that is not at work is giving...

Thanks man... Did you just come up with that from experience of making something similar? I am looking forward to the day where I know enough to start experimenting.

I wanted to try and re-create the Spanish Peaks Honey Raspberry Ale, but am pretty new to brewing so I thought I would ask for help on re-creating for a 5 gallon batch. I pulled this off the website: Grains: Caramel 40 Caremel 80 Munich Vienna Hops: Williamette Tettnanger Cascade...

I have actually done the math and keep track of it in a spreadsheet. Everyone's situation is different... but I am making the same quality beer (or better) for half the cost. And that is with buying kits and fresh yeast. I will have my equipment paid for in 3-4 batches. I should say that I...

That helps... and thanks. Looks like it is/should be red.

Just wanted to see if someone could help me identify the type of wheat used in this Hefeweizen (by the picture). Recipe is basically: 5 lb 2-Row Malt 4 lb Wheat Malt (red or white?) 8 oz Carapils I am guessing red.... but I don't know the affect of a small amount of Carapils on color...

You should be fine in terms of head space with that much fruit. I thought I remember reading that blueberries do not add much flavor and you need to add a ton of them to get that flavor, you may want to check on that before adding. I bought a nylon bag last time I ordered ingredients...

My first batch was a peach hefe. I fermented the secondary at the same temps as the primary and it came out great. One tip that I wish I would have done is to put your fruit in a bag when racking onto secondary. This will prevent a lot of junk from getting into your bottles/keg. Also, the...

yeah... I was referring to the 15 minute timer. I have not shopped turkey fryer setups in a while, but it is my understanding that most have this "feature". You should be able to find some mods in the interwebz to bypass the timer. For $13 more, you can get the Bayou Classic 3066A 30-Quart...

If you can wait a few months.... Lowe's Depot usually has them on sale/clearance after thanksgiving. One thing to look out for is the auto shut off on the burner. I got my turkey fryer pre-auto-shutoff so I am not sure if they make them without the auto shutoff anymore.