Planning my first attempt this weekend. I've already learned a lot of valuable stuff here but have a few last minute questions.
It's an amber ale, 5 gallon, with LME, steeping grains and dry yeast, SG 1.042-46.
1. How much to boil. I have a 6-gallon stainless pot and 17,000 BTU propane burner on my stove. I was thinking of boiling 3 gallons and then top off to get 5 gallons. Sound doable?
2. Cooling the wort. I don't have a chiller so will be cooling in the sink with water/ice. I was thinking of boiling the top-off water ahead of time, covering it and then cooling it to 40 F or so to help cool the wort. Is it OK to add cold water to hot wort like that?
3. Fermenting. I have a finished basement on a separate thermostat I keep at 65 F. Is that about right?
4. Silly question what does boiling wort smell like? The Supreme Allied Commander has expressed concerns about me stinking up the house -- she is imagining a frat house on Sunday morning I think. I've assured it it won't be bad. Anyone had problems with this?
Thanks in advance for your expertise.
It's an amber ale, 5 gallon, with LME, steeping grains and dry yeast, SG 1.042-46.
1. How much to boil. I have a 6-gallon stainless pot and 17,000 BTU propane burner on my stove. I was thinking of boiling 3 gallons and then top off to get 5 gallons. Sound doable?
2. Cooling the wort. I don't have a chiller so will be cooling in the sink with water/ice. I was thinking of boiling the top-off water ahead of time, covering it and then cooling it to 40 F or so to help cool the wort. Is it OK to add cold water to hot wort like that?
3. Fermenting. I have a finished basement on a separate thermostat I keep at 65 F. Is that about right?
4. Silly question what does boiling wort smell like? The Supreme Allied Commander has expressed concerns about me stinking up the house -- she is imagining a frat house on Sunday morning I think. I've assured it it won't be bad. Anyone had problems with this?
Thanks in advance for your expertise.