Hello from Brazil - Any other female brewers?

[Yooper]

That would be a huge accomplish to turn out anything like you. Again, you're a big inspiration, thanks for rocking this much. :rockin:

Do you mind if I ask you when and why did you start brewing? Did you start with beer?

I was a winemaker, actually. For a long time.

I had tried brewing with a Beer Machine 2000, but I never made a decent beer and I though it was too hard.

My teammate accidentally broke my leg by skating over me (she's LOTS bigger!) and so I was in a wheelchair for about 18 months and I was bored so I started doing some brewing to supplement my winemaking. I have been making wine for about 25 years, more or less.

 

[camilagss]

Just wanted you all to know that I'm drinking a Brooklyn Lager and trying to figure out what to do with this pump that we had when I brewed with my three friends.

RIGHT NOW I'm kinda bummed reading all the forums and websites, because I kind of realize that I know NOTHING about this. I really wanted to begin brewing solo this saturday, but I'm realizing now that it may not be the best idea.

Sort of in a slump right now and a little demotivated.

 

[neilpcraven]

Just wanted you all to know that I'm drinking a Brooklyn Lager and trying to figure out what to do with this pump that we had when I brewed with my three friends.

RIGHT NOW I'm kinda bummed reading all the forums and websites, because I kind of realize that I know NOTHING about this. I really wanted to begin brewing solo this saturday, but I'm realizing now that it may not be the best idea.

Sort of in a slump right now and a little demotivated.

Then you need to read this: http://www.brewdog.com/blog-article/things-my-dog-taught-me

 

[Doctor_M]

Just wanted you all to know that I'm drinking a Brooklyn Lager and trying to figure out what to do with this pump that we had when I brewed with my three friends.

RIGHT NOW I'm kinda bummed reading all the forums and websites, because I kind of realize that I know NOTHING about this. I really wanted to begin brewing solo this saturday, but I'm realizing now that it may not be the best idea.

Sort of in a slump right now and a little demotivated.

There is a LOT to learn but don't let that discourage you. Every one has to start somewhere and only time and practice will help you gain confidence. You've already found the place to learn, now get to brewing! Remember screwing up a time or two is very much a part of the learning process it takes time to perfect this craft but with time and patience it will become second nature. Now read read read!

 

[camilagss]

Then you need to read this: http://www.brewdog.com/blog-article/things-my-dog-taught-me

Hahaha, that was EXACTLY what I had to read. Thank you so much.

 

[camilagss]

There is a LOT to learn but don't let that discourage you. Every one has to start somewhere and only time and practice will help you gain confidence. You've already found the place to learn, now get to brewing! Remember screwing up a time or two is very much a part of the learning process it takes time to perfect this craft but with time and patience it will become second nature. Now read read read!

You people are truly awesome. <3

 

[Doctor_M]

You people are truly awesome. <3

So what are your worries / doubts at this time? What is making you nervous/ unsure?

Are you going to be brewing all grain?https://www.homebrewtalk.com/wiki/index.php/All-grain_brewing

Or extract
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/wiki/index.php/Extract_brewing

This will help people direct you to better info.

(My guess is all grain)

 

[camilagss]

So what are your worries / doubts at this time? What is making you nervous/ unsure?

A number of things, actually. I've never brewed by myself, for starters. My husband is being sort of weird about the idea of brewing in the apartment and this worries me. I'm also concerned because I've always chilled the beer in a huge ice bath and now there's this chiller that everyone says I should use, because using an ice bath in an apartment would be really messy. This chiller has a pump and I have no idea how to use it. I still haven't decide if I'll bottle or keg this first batch. Etc.

In general, I just think I'm insecure about doing this by myself and then I'm overthinking the whole deal because I'll have no one else to blame in case it goes badly.

 

[Doctor_M]

If it goes bad it goes bad. Get that in your head now, making beer isn't hard.... making good tasting beer is a bit harder.

If money permits and you have access to kegs I say skip bottling. Nothing wrong with bottling but in the end you will likely end up with a kegging setup anyways. Not exactly sure the exact chiller your referring to, an immersion chiller will look like this http://morebeer.com/category/immersion-wort-chillers.html

A counter flow will look like this

http://morebeer.com/category/counterflow-wort-chillers.html

And a plate chiller will look like this

http://morebeer.com/search?search=plate+chiller&=Search

 

[camilagss]

If it goes bad it goes bad. Get that in your head now, making beer isn't hard.... making good tasting beer is a bit harder.

If money permits and you have access to kegs I say skip bottling. Nothing wrong with bottling but in the end you will likely end up with a kegging setup anyways. Not exactly sure the exact chiller your referring to, an immersion chiller will look like this http://morebeer.com/category/immersion-wort-chillers.html

A counter flow will look like this

http://morebeer.com/category/counterflow-wort-chillers.html

And a plate chiller will look like this

http://morebeer.com/search?search=plate+chiller&=Search

The one I have is an immersion chiller.

Regarding bottling / kegging, I sort of want to do both, you know? I want to be able to give the bottles to people, but at the same time I don't really want to have to go through the trouble of bottling litters and litters of beer every time I brew something.

 

[Doctor_M]

The one I have is an immersion chiller.

Regarding bottling / kegging, I sort of want to do both, you know? I want to be able to give the bottles to people, but at the same time I don't really want to have to go through the trouble of bottling litters and litters of beer every time I brew something.

http://morebeer.com/products/blichmann-beer-gun.html

Or this
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/we-no-need-no-stinking-beer-gun-24678/ Will allow you to bottle from your carbonated keg.



As far as the immersion chiller goes there is likely an adapter you can buy from a local hardware store (Maybe... I dunno what Brazil is like) that will allow you to hook your immersion chiller up to your sink. I don't think you'll need a pump for that. I think others may have recommended a pump to move your beer mash tun to boil kettle and maybe eventually to your fermenter but as strong as you look you can probably skip that (although it will make life easier but baby steps!)

 

[camilagss]

http://morebeer.com/products/blichmann-beer-gun.html

Or this
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/we-no-need-no-stinking-beer-gun-24678/

As far as the immersion chiller goes there is likely an adapter you can buy from a local hardware store (Maybe... I dunno what Brazil is like) that will allow you to hook your immersion chiller up to your sink. I don't think you'll need a pump for that. I think others may have recommended a pump to move your beer mash tun to boil kettle and maybe eventually to your fermenter but as strong as you look you can probably skip that (although it will make life easier but baby steps!)

Ohhhhhh. So you CAN use a keg to fill bottles! *MINDBLOWN*
I'm definitely kegging now. You rock! Thank you so much and sorry for being such a newbie.

 

[Doctor_M]

Ohhhhhh. So you CAN use a keg to fill bottles! *MINDBLOWN*
I'm definitely kegging now. You rock! Thank you so much and sorry for being such a newbie.

It's all good. Gotta go to sleep now I've had five of these http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/147/84596/ on draft at a local bar...soooo good but strong :rockin:. Hang in there we will make a great brewer outta you!

 

[camilagss]

It's all good. Gotta go to sleep now I've had five of these http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/147/84596/ on draft at a local bar...soooo good but strong :rockin:. Hang in there we will make a great brewer outta you!

<3 Stone. And you guys sure will. Thanks for all the help.

 

[Stealthcruiser]

The pump you speak of, post up a pic.........I'm betting it is submersible, and goes into your cooler full of ice and water, to pump through your immersion chiller, AFTER, you have used your "tap" water to lower the temp to a manageable level.

 

[jhoneycutt]

Just wanted you all to know that I'm drinking a Brooklyn Lager and trying to figure out what to do with this pump that we had when I brewed with my three friends.

RIGHT NOW I'm kinda bummed reading all the forums and websites, because I kind of realize that I know NOTHING about this. I really wanted to begin brewing solo this saturday, but I'm realizing now that it may not be the best idea.

Sort of in a slump right now and a little demotivated.

If you even have a pump you have more equipment than many of us lol. Good luck.

 

[krackin]

Wow Camila, you are one hardcore brewer. You broke 2 bones of your brewing pards and forced them out of town? Maybe lighten up on the ABV a little and things will lighten up some.

 

[JordanKnudson]

Hello Camila! Welcome to the forum.

I am impressed that you're even *trying* to brew in a SP highrise! I lived in Moema for awhile before I moved back to the US, and I didn't dare try to brew there. I had no idea where to get equipment, ingredients, etc., and definitely would have been freaked out to run a burner, even on my veranda!

I like the idea of substituting "Brazilian" ingredients when you can't get something. For example, I love the idea of erva mate instead of/in addition to hops. Boa sorte! A gente tá sempre aqui se vc precisar de ajuda.

 

[camilagss]

Hey everyone, I'm sorry I've been AFK today, big day at work.

I came up with a recipe for tomorrow and I was wondering if there's someone out there who can check it out to see if it's a good one:

I want to brew a hoppy pale ale using some of the stuff that a friend donated to me. So it should go as follows:

Type: All Grain
Date: 04/05/2014
Batch Size: 5.50 gal
Brewer: Camila Gadelha
Boil Size: 6.30 gal
Boil Time: 60 min


Amount Item Type % or IBU
9 lbs Pale Malt
1 lbs Abbey
1.50 oz Cascade [5.50%] (60 min) Hops 27.0 IBU
1.50 oz Cascade [5.50%] (45 min) Hops 27.0 IBU
0.50 oz Cascade [5.50%] (15 min) Hops 4.5 IBU
1 Pkgs Safale Ale Yeast (DCL Yeast #US-05) [Starter 50 ml] Yeast-Ale

======

Does that make sense? Hehe.

 

[BHebert]

I spent a couple of weeks in Itajai. Found an outdoor market that served Skol in one liter bottles. Drank way too much of it. My brother in law drank another beer, forgot the name. We toured the brewery one afternoon. It was a good trip.

 

[JordanKnudson]

I think you should move the 45 minute addition to later in the boil. The 45 minutes would not make any good flavor and aroma contribution and would just create more bitterness.

 

[Yooper]

Hey everyone, I'm sorry I've been AFK today, big day at work.

I came up with a recipe for tomorrow and I was wondering if there's someone out there who can check it out to see if it's a good one:

I want to brew a hoppy pale ale using some of the stuff that a friend donated to me. So it should go as follows:

Type: All Grain
Date: 04/05/2014
Batch Size: 5.50 gal
Brewer: Camila Gadelha
Boil Size: 6.30 gal
Boil Time: 60 min


Amount Item Type % or IBU
9 lbs Pale Malt
1 lbs Abbey
1.50 oz Cascade [5.50%] (60 min) Hops 27.0 IBU
1.50 oz Cascade [5.50%] (45 min) Hops 27.0 IBU
0.50 oz Cascade [5.50%] (15 min) Hops 4.5 IBU
1 Pkgs Safale Ale Yeast (DCL Yeast #US-05) [Starter 50 ml] Yeast-Ale

======

Does that make sense? Hehe.

If you want a hoppy pale ale, I'd take out the 45 minute hops addition, and do this:

1.50 oz Cascade [5.50%] (60 min)
1.00 oz Cascade [5.50%] (15 min)
1.00 oz Cascade [5.50%] (5 min)

Hops oils are isomerized during the boil, so the longer hops are boiled the more bittering units they provide, and the less flavor and aroma. By breaking them into a 60/15/5 addition schedule, you'd have bittering/flavor/aroma. A 45 minute addition would provide bitterness and not hoppy flavor or aroma.

I hope that helps!

 

[camilagss]

It sure does. That's what I'll do then.


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[camilagss]

So I spent this entire morning buying stuff and getting everything ready. Bought a new Mash Tun with Bazooka Screen, bought Cascade Leafs for the Dry Hop, bought ice, the whole thing.

It's 3pm and I was boiling my water for the mash, it got to the right temperature, I threw the grains and started to stir.

Until I realized I hadn't attached the Bazooka. =/

Lost all the grains and don't have a mill here at home, so no brewing for me today. I'm all kinds of upset at myself right now.

 

[Doctor_M]

So I spent this entire morning buying stuff and getting everything ready. Bought a new Mash Tun with Bazooka Screen, bought Cascade Leafs for the Dry Hop, bought ice, the whole thing.

It's 3pm and I was boiling my water for the mash, it got to the right temperature, I threw the grains and started to stir.

Until I realized I hadn't attached the Bazooka. =/

Lost all the grains and don't have a mill here at home, so no brewing for me today. I'm all kinds of upset at myself right now.

Bummer, chalk it up to one of those learning experiences I mentioned earlier. I forgot the diptube in my mash tun one time and since I run a rims system I didn't find out until my flow stopped. After a few minutes of scratching my head I realized what I had done and decided there wasn't much I could do until everything cooled down the next day. My system also utilizes 1/2" piping that I had to take apart piece by piece and had to shove a hose up against each section to flush all the stuck grain free.

It will get easier, it's like second nature to me now.

 

[camilagss]

Bummer, chalk it up to one of those learning experiences I mentioned earlier. I forgot the diptube in my mash tun one time and since I run a rims system I didn't find out until my flow stopped. After a few minutes of scratching my head I realized what I had done and decided there wasn't much I could do until everything cooled down the next day. My system also utilizes 1/2" piping that I had to take apart piece by piece and had to shove a hose up against each section to flush all the stuck grain free.

It will get easier, it's like second nature to me now.

Haha, yeah. I guess it is. But hey, at least I got to test most of my equipment, found a place to mill, got some cool new gear and have a recipe ready for the next time I get to do it. Also, that's probably a mistake I'll NEVER make again. :rockin:

 

[Yooper]

So I spent this entire morning buying stuff and getting everything ready. Bought a new Mash Tun with Bazooka Screen, bought Cascade Leafs for the Dry Hop, bought ice, the whole thing.

It's 3pm and I was boiling my water for the mash, it got to the right temperature, I threw the grains and started to stir.

Until I realized I hadn't attached the Bazooka. =/

Lost all the grains and don't have a mill here at home, so no brewing for me today. I'm all kinds of upset at myself right now.

All you have to do is dump the mess into a big container like a clean trash can, a few pots, whatever- rinse out the MLT and attach the bazooka screen and then throw the mess back in the MLT.

You may need to add a few quarts of boiling water to get back up to temperature, but don't give up. This is an easy fix!

 

[dryboroughbrewing]

All you have to do is dump the mess into a big container like a clean trash can, a few pots, whatever- rinse out the MLT and attach the bazooka screen and then throw the mess back in the MLT.

You may need to add a few quarts of boiling water to get back up to temperature, but don't give up. This is an easy fix!

And this is why Yooper doesn't have any stories that begin with 'And then I shoved my bare hands into the mashtun...'

 

[Yooper]

And this is why Yooper doesn't have any stories that begin with 'And then I shoved my bare hands into the mashtun...'

Oh, I have done that. Once.

Fortunately, I'm smart enough to not have done it twice.

I don't know what that is in celsius, but 153 degrees in farenheit is flippin' hot, in case you were wondering.

 

[camilagss]

All you have to do is dump the mess into a big container like a clean trash can, a few pots, whatever- rinse out the MLT and attach the bazooka screen and then throw the mess back in the MLT.

You may need to add a few quarts of boiling water to get back up to temperature, but don't give up. This is an easy fix!

I ALMOST got there and decided to do this. But I was afraid that if I did it and the wort wasn't good I'd lose all my pretty hops. Since I have this HUGE bag of out-of-date grains that I got as a donation, I thought I'd rather save the hops and ditch the grains and try again tomorrow.