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Hydrometer shows FG=1.014...thanks, good call. That puts me around 5.64%. I forgot reading about refractometers measuring alcohol, glad I didn't get rid of old hydrometer. Damn, I love this forum, thanks BigPerm!!! Yeah, Pale Ale trial. Because my temps started high, I cooled down from 163...

1. 156F 2. Refractometer

My first time getting new equipment, BK, chiller, propane burner and out of the kitchen into the garage, it took me 7 hrs. After 4 batches, I'm down to 5 hours, although I take lots of time lautering, vorlaufing and sparging. You get more efficient with experience, and with cleaning as you go...

10# MO 1# Biscuit Columbus & Cascade hops BH Efficiency was 91% OG=1.057 FG=1.031 ABV=3.41% What happened? The yeast was 1056, harvested twice prior, so this was its 3rd brew. It took off after only 3.5hrs, and bubbled like mad for nearly 3 days (I had to use an overflow tube). The...

I went to that Denver liquor store that say they have corny kegs filled from the brewers...Please skip the following paragraph, as it's only a rant....... I explain on the phone "It's not a sanke tap, it has two posts on opposite sides of the top, which BTW the top and bottom are black...

The picnic valve had a slow leak, through the valve tab/spring, and I lost about a quart overnight, and now my garage smells like someone puked beer. I removed the outflow line when not in use, but what a hassle. I bought a chrome tower with two perlick valves, and I'm more happy now. Very...

Argonaut Liquor in Denver, they call them "Torpedos". A friend at work confirmed via photo his came in a corny. $30 deposit. Edited post: I'M WRONG ABOUT THIS. See later post.

I looked into this recently, and the local supplier said most people just rent the setup. That includes a cheap installation, and they service the filters and repair any problems for the life of the system. The monthly fee was very reasonable, as I recall.

A quick follow up... Using the technique just above, I'm posting a photo of what came off the bottom of my fermenter after 10 days. This was everything, not cleaned up, and it was my Maine Coon IPA, so lots of hops went into this. I like this, since I don't have to wash the yeast, which some...

I just found out that a coney keg from a local liquor retailer only charges $30 deposit on a keg. That's about as cheap as it comes!!!!! Edited post here.....I'M WRONG ABOUT THIS!!!!!! I'll explain in a later post.

I got a pilsner kit thrown in when I bought all the equipment. It was an extract/partial mash thing. It was the first and last extract, have been AG since.

I just have to boast........ I finally turned that garage 'fridge into a kegerator today. I bought two corneys, CO2 bottle, regulator, and all the hoses and fittings. After stripping the inside, I was able to fit two 5 gallon corneys (just barely) and the CO2 bottle inside. I'm currently...

Look up my "Maine Coon IPA" recipe. I use Maris Otter base and London 1028 yeast. I get all kinds of requests for more. I've tried the Nottingham yeast, and it's very tart/fruity. My go to is the Wyeast 1056. Have fun trying new stuff!!!!!

That looks like a good deal, until you see they charge $25/keg for shipping ( to Denver). I had a hard time finding anything for less than $65 in decent condition here. I just finished my kegerator today, spent $400 for two coneys, CO2 bottle, hose, regulator and fittings. I got the cheap-ass...

I suggest you serve this batch at your wedding...in a year. If she understands, she's a keeper. If not, she may be like any of my three ex's. Good brewing lasts a lifetime, wives......not so much.

If you're serious about continuing to brew, spend the $45 for a refractometer. It won't break like a hydrometer, and only uses about 6 drops to make a calculation on spec grav. A hydrometer needs WAY more, and it's faster to cool down a few drops. Don't worry about 5 points. Most calculators...

Use a refractometer on a cooled, well mixed sample. Continue boiling until you get your desired OG. The volume left will be a factor of your efficiency.

Interesting you ask this: I measured pre and post mash volumes very carefully my first several batches, then found similar numbers online. Add an extra .25-.35 qts water per pound of grain. My numbers work out between .3 & .35 consistently, but I live at altitude and it's drier here...

I multi-fold a cheesecloth bag (my old BIAB), give it a Star San dunk, and strain the cooled wort through it from my BK into my conical. When I harvest my yeast, there is virtually no trub, almost pure yeast, and I don't have to wash it.

I picked up three 50 lb bags of Great Northern 2 row for $117 today, added to the 40lb (originally 50) of Maris Otter, and I have my weight in barley in my basement. Should keep my brewing costs down.