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First batch just bottled. Smells and tastes like band aids and veggies (not good ones). This is probably a water issue or fermenting temp issue or both. Can this taste be remedied? Longer bottle conditioning times?

I am a newer brewer and would like to find a way to control my temp in a way that is cost effective over the short term and long term. I am more than willing to start a DIY project. Thanks! V/R, BrewTech

So I was unable to repair my Xbox 360 and I cannibalized an old phone charger to begin the creation of my stir plate. After wiring it up I plugged it in and it works! The fan needs DC12V with 0.4A. The charger is rated at 5.1V with 0.7A. Will this cause a problem for me anywhere down the line? I...

I have read, and it was suggested to me, that I should reuse or wash yeast. I am not certain what this is or how it is done. Are we talking about yeast from the starter or trub? V/R, BrewTech

Fellow Brewers, I just transferred into the secondary this afternoon and now I see this little "gremlin" floating around in my beer! What is this thing? Should I remove it? Will it settle to the bottom? Thanks!

O.G. between 1.055&1.060. Current gravity 1.014-1.016. 2 weeks in primary. Tastes strongly if alcohol. Maybe a bit of pumpkin. Nearly no spice flavor and is watery. Boiled 1.5 heaping tsp of pumpkin spice and 2 heaping tbsp of brown sugar to add to secondary. What else can I do to make this a...

If I put a nylon bag into the end of my auto siphon will it prevent anything important from being racked from the primary to the secondary? Wanting to ensure excess hops floating as well as trub elements don't make it in. V/R, BrewTech

I have read online that pumpkin ales need two weeks in primary, two in the secondary, and 2-4 in the bottle. Does that sound correct? Next, if I used dry yeast and created a yeast starter with it and the airlock has come to a standstill, should I "stir it shake up" the primary? It's only been...

Have read online that pumpkin ales need two weeks in primary, two in the secondary, and 2-4 in the bottle. Does that sound correct? Next, if I used dry yeast and created a yeast starter with it and the airlock has come to a standstill, should I "stir it shake up" the primary? It's only been...

Here is my yeast starter after 15 hours. Is this normal/acceptable? It was just spun a little to aerate it. (since I have no stir plate). V/R, BrewTech

Looking around to get some terminology and a detailed description of the process of creating a yeast starter. The proper way to do it? How long until the yeast is at its peak of being "started?" Any and all info is appreciated. I am really looking to expand my knowledge on all things brewing...

#1: What should I fill my airlock with? Water, vodka, or sani solution? I keep reading any of the three but which is actually best? #2: Is an airlock enough or should I worry about needing a blow off tube? #3: If I have a bit of a blow over will a basin underneath the fermentation vessel catch...

Hello fellow Brewers, I recently received my Brew kit in the mail and it came with a few broken items. Midwest was more than happy to send me a replacement with no question and told me I could keep and try to use the broken items if I so chose. I have attached pictures of the crack in my...

I just ordered my brew kit this last week from Midwest and it comes with a recipe kit. I chose the amber ale (others were Irish stout and irish red) kit. I was wondering how much modification I can make to this kit in order to make it my own and start experimenting on recipes and such (what I...

I have done some research on copper kettles and how the copper imparts certain favors into the beer during the brewing process. I know that it is hard to keep clean and can be expensive. Some breweries still use copper equipment just like the breweries of the past. Does anyone know where to get...

How does one sanitize fruit before adding it to the fermentation vessel? Is boiling the only way? Thank you.