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I like to put a small amount of C02 on a keg when used for lagering. Not serving pressure, but to displace any O2. I burp it a few times and leave a small amt inside the keg.

I kegged up an APA about 3 weeks ago and am still getting a glass full of yeast after it sets a day or two between glasses. Telling me the yeast has yet to settle down at the bottom of the keg.

Everything you describe has been my experience as well.... It does need a slightly warmer air temp than US05 (3-5 DF). There is no real reason for me to move away from US-05.

Have you thought about corn flakes?

I wouldn't worry about anything. All of that material will settle into the yeast cake. You don't want to transfer until fermentation is complete. When you wash the yeast you will be able to tell the hop/break from the yeast and separate most of that material at that time.

That's my experience as well. Also, a blow off tube isn't optional once it gets going. I still have airlock activity after two weeks, so this baby is a slow finisher too.

I always look at crush and water supply. I buy all my water from the Culigan 'machine' in Walmart. I wonder if the city tap water profile could change with summer? I also have my mill set at .20 and this last brew, I actually run the grain through the mill twice (usually throw in some rice...

I bought a relatively inexpensive wired digital probe type for around $30 at Target. Works great 10 batches in.

I've done the math many times on the "free shipping" deal. I don't believe in Santa Claus and also am smart enough to know that any free shipping cost has to be built into the prices of the products I'm buying. I've ordered from most of the major online stores and to me Rebel is the best...

There are two processes, cleaning and sanitizing. Dishwashers are only for sanitizing. Cleaning? How "dirty"are the bottles? Only you know that. If they are "dirty" then soak with a unscented dw soap and or use a bottle brush on a cordless drill to clean them. Rinse well because soap can...

I recently started conditioning my grains, and have been able to tighten my mill down to .20. I have never used rice hulls and have never had a stuck sparge. Don't dismiss how helpful this can be because it leaves most of the grain husk in tact, aiding in the flow of the grain bed. in addition...

For those who haven't tried conditioning their grains, this is one of the best tips I have received on HBT for improving efficiency. I brewed up a Pale Ale (all hopped up of course) and got 71% efficiency for the first time. Conditioning allowed me to tighten up to .20 gap on my mill. I may...

I ran about 6 lbs through my mill last night and ended up with complete husk intact. I'm going to dial down the mill to .25 and run the other half through for my next batch. Thanks for the suggestion, I'll post back my efficiency next week. Cheers!!

Thanks for the feedback. I have researched the 5.2 topic and even mentioned it in my previous post that I have started to doubt the validity of the claims. I agree with you on "how could this work"? But got suckered in when I first started brewing and didn't know any better :) The water I...

"Try doing a batch with store bought water, see if you get any improvement. If so, you've found your culprit and can start working out how to address it." I have brewed two batches with my old 5 gallon cooler. One with tap water and one with store bought water 53 % efficiency on one batch...

Will do! Thanks for the suggestion. I will post back after my next batch

Our PH is 9.75. I use 5.2 but have just started hearing that stuff doesn't work?? Since I have been using it I haven't tested it. Any thoughts on what I should use to bring it down?

Since I do 5-gal batches in my 10-gal MLT, though, I've cut out a piece of thick styrofoam that rests on top of the mash. This not only cuts the dead-air head space in the MLT, further insulating the mash, but it gives me something to stick my thermometer probe in so it sits perfectly in the...

Patience is the most challenging part. I gave most of my first batch away (also an Amber kit) before I realized it was pretty good! Bottles harbor all kinds of goodies so make sure to clean and sanitize these really well. Enjoy the hobby. Don't be in any hurry to jump to all grain. There are...

How fine was the crush on your grains? Are they already crushed, or do you crush them in your own mill?