BillTheSlink
Well-Known Member
Two quick questions:
I am brewing my two first kits from Northern Brewer, Irish Ale (Dry Yeast Nottingham Ale Yeast. Optimum Temp 57-70) and a Scottish 80 Shilling (Safbrew S-33 Optimum 59-75). The question is, I have since been reminded most people don't use starters for dry yeast, they pitch two packs. I had read that, but with all the reading it escaped my mind. Can I just go ahead and pitch one pack OK (re-hydrated), or do I need to make a starter? If so, is there a way to make a starter with something found around the house (sugar maybe?). I've done placed my order and don't want to pay shipping again. Also, can you just make it in a covered bowl (I don't have a jug with fitting plug and air lock).
The other question refers to brewing outside. I am assuming there are more possibilities for infection out there. I have ordered a "Blowtorch type" burner that's adjustable and a 7 1/2 gal stainless pot and wort chiller and will be doing full extract boils. Are there any precautions I should take?
Oh, one other thing. It regards aerating the wort. I am using glass carboys as fermenters. Since you really can't fill up one of these and shake it and you have a relatively small hole your pouring through, how do you slosh your wort around?
Bill
I am brewing my two first kits from Northern Brewer, Irish Ale (Dry Yeast Nottingham Ale Yeast. Optimum Temp 57-70) and a Scottish 80 Shilling (Safbrew S-33 Optimum 59-75). The question is, I have since been reminded most people don't use starters for dry yeast, they pitch two packs. I had read that, but with all the reading it escaped my mind. Can I just go ahead and pitch one pack OK (re-hydrated), or do I need to make a starter? If so, is there a way to make a starter with something found around the house (sugar maybe?). I've done placed my order and don't want to pay shipping again. Also, can you just make it in a covered bowl (I don't have a jug with fitting plug and air lock).
The other question refers to brewing outside. I am assuming there are more possibilities for infection out there. I have ordered a "Blowtorch type" burner that's adjustable and a 7 1/2 gal stainless pot and wort chiller and will be doing full extract boils. Are there any precautions I should take?
Oh, one other thing. It regards aerating the wort. I am using glass carboys as fermenters. Since you really can't fill up one of these and shake it and you have a relatively small hole your pouring through, how do you slosh your wort around?
Bill