Alex W
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- Joined
- Jan 23, 2018
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Hello all,
I am a fresh newbie to the homebrew game. In fact, my very first brew day was a couple days ago. I got a kit from Northern Brewer for Christmas and I got their Chinook IPA ingredient kit. As far as I was aware, everything seemed to go well. I've got it fermenting and I can tell the yeast is hard at work.
Despite my vast research and studying prior to getting started I still have some questions... (pardon my likely ignorance haha)..
1. I have read mixed things about secondary fermenting. My kit came with two carboys but I've seen a lot recently where some are saying there is no need to transfer to a different carboy for secondary fermentation. Would I be okay just keeping it in the primary? Maybe for longer?
2. I also was instructed to dry-hop this IPA. When would you recommend adding this?
3. I don't have a hydrometer at the moment so I didn't get a true OG. Is this a big issue or can it slide for the first go around?
4. What is the best way to clean my brew kettle and other equipment? I am assuming I should avoid dish soap...
5. Does anyone re-use old beer bottles? I have been thoroughly rinsing old bottles immediately upon finishing them and setting them aside. I felt as though as long as I was diligent with my cleaning and sanitation on bottling day, I should be fine.
I think that is all I have for now. Would love any feedback to help me as I embark on this exciting new hobby.
Thanks
I am a fresh newbie to the homebrew game. In fact, my very first brew day was a couple days ago. I got a kit from Northern Brewer for Christmas and I got their Chinook IPA ingredient kit. As far as I was aware, everything seemed to go well. I've got it fermenting and I can tell the yeast is hard at work.
Despite my vast research and studying prior to getting started I still have some questions... (pardon my likely ignorance haha)..
1. I have read mixed things about secondary fermenting. My kit came with two carboys but I've seen a lot recently where some are saying there is no need to transfer to a different carboy for secondary fermentation. Would I be okay just keeping it in the primary? Maybe for longer?
2. I also was instructed to dry-hop this IPA. When would you recommend adding this?
3. I don't have a hydrometer at the moment so I didn't get a true OG. Is this a big issue or can it slide for the first go around?
4. What is the best way to clean my brew kettle and other equipment? I am assuming I should avoid dish soap...
5. Does anyone re-use old beer bottles? I have been thoroughly rinsing old bottles immediately upon finishing them and setting them aside. I felt as though as long as I was diligent with my cleaning and sanitation on bottling day, I should be fine.
I think that is all I have for now. Would love any feedback to help me as I embark on this exciting new hobby.
Thanks