Who stops brewing during the summer?

[homebrewer_99]

It's that old joke that to everyone in Chicago, everything South of I-80 is Southern Illinois.

I live 1 mile north of I-80, but closer to the Quad Cities (Moline/Rock Island, IL/Davenport/Bettendorf, IA).

 

[Rhoobarb]

Yes, everything outside of Chicago is 'downstate' - including Beloit and Galena!

Yeah, it's been raining. Not steadily, but everyday rain is in the forecast and it clouds up as if a real downpour can happen at anytime. So, you're wary of moving outside for fear of getting rained on, hailed on or blown away by the wind!

We're getting our first 80 degree day today. When I left home it was 68oF in the house, but I turned on the AC, b/c, even though it's a newer house with lots of tight jambs and insulation, it has a southern exposure and it can go from the mid-60's in the morning to the mid 70's by late afternoon! And I've got a carboy full of a dortmunder lager sitting there in that environment waiting for me to bottle tonight!

I have no basement! My next house is a couple of years away and a basement is a must. And, it must be the biggest room in the house for my model trains, homebrew storage and a spare beer fridge!

 

[Ize]

a basement is a must. And, it must be the biggest room in the house for my model trains, homebrew storage and a spare beer fridge!

YES!!!

 

[RichBrewer]

I have no basement! My next house is a couple of years away and a basement is a must. And, it must be the biggest room in the house for my model trains, homebrew storage and a spare beer fridge!

and where does that woman in your aviator stay???

 

[Bernie Brewer]

Yes, everything outside of Chicago is 'downstate' - including Beloit and Galena!

Um, I know I don't get down to the IL border much, but isn't Beloit in WI, and once you cross into IL you're in South Beloit??

I'm hanging up my brew kettle for awhile, not because of temps, but because I will be doing battle with water problems that keep rearing their ugly heads in my basement and won't have time to brew. Sux, too because the Marzen that I wanted to start a month ago is still not brewed yet and now there is no way it will be ready by Oct.

 

[Rhoobarb]

Um, I know I don't get down to the IL border much, but isn't Beloit in WI, and once you cross into IL you're in South Beloit??

Yes, that's correct. But ya get my point!

That's the one worry I have with a basement - water problems. I feel for you. It can be a costly pain; I had a relative go thru it a few years ago. Had their basement waterproofed by a reputable contractor and it fixed the problem, but at quite a price, IIRC. Good luck!

 

[McCall St. Brewer]

In Wisconsin almost everyone has a basement. It stays a good temp for brewing all year around in mine. If I ever go to all grain, though, I'm not sure whether I will be outside in January brewing. I may have to do it inside in two pots. SWMBO would love it, though, if I would start brewing outside as she detests the smell (I think it's the hops that she doesn't like). Maybe I can score a turkey fryer off her for my birthday!

 

[wild]

If I can brew in summer everyone can; you just got to get creative and start early! Cooling the wort is my biggest PITA

I understand that. I find that brewing at midnight gives me the best chance at chilling the wort. And it sure beats the heck out of standing over a boil pot at 120°F.

Wild

 

[boo boo]

and where does that woman in your aviator stay???

Anywhere she wants to!

 

[Brewiz]

I will keep going but probably be doing night brrews up in the brewshed, just installed a exhaust fan using an old furnace blower that should help keep the hot Ga nights easier to cope with.

 

[Bernie Brewer]

In Wisconsin almost everyone has a basement. It stays a good temp for brewing all year around in mine. If I ever go to all grain, though, I'm not sure whether I will be outside in January brewing. I may have to do it inside in two pots. SWMBO would love it, though, if I would start brewing outside as she detests the smell (I think it's the hops that she doesn't like). Maybe I can score a turkey fryer off her for my birthday!

Aw c'mon, you're not a REAL Wisconsinite if you're not brewing in a subzero windchill!!!

Up near Amherst they have an annual ice brew- they drive their trucks and brewing rigs onto the lake and brew away. I hear some of them even use water from the lake to brew with. I dunno bout that, but I suppose with the water being so cold and then boiling it anyway.......

The turkey fryer is the key-start dropping hints to SWMBO!

 

[RichBrewer]

I will keep going but probably be doing night brrews up in the brewshed, just installed a exhaust fan using an old furnace blower that should help keep the hot Ga nights easier to cope with.
[/QUOTE]
Brew shed? omg! A fantasy come true. :mug:

 

[tnlandsailor]

I just read a post by Rhoobarb and he stated that he is going to brew his last batch before summer and won't brew again until it cools down.
Who else shuts down their brewery in the summer?
I don't skip a beat. I keep brewing all summer long. If I have to I will put the fermenter in ice water to keep the temps in control.
What does everyone else do?

Only wusses stop in the summer. There is ALWAYS a way to beat the heat. It may not be easy, but there is always a way. Do I like fall and winter brewing better? YES! Summer pretty much sucks, at least here in the deep south. That's why I start at the crack of dawn. Chilling is a challenge with 78 F tap water, but I make do with a couple extra steps. The brewing NEVER stops.:rockin: If I ran out of homebrew, it would be a tragedy beyond measure.

Prosit!

 

[Dude]

Up near Amherst they have an annual ice brew- they drive their trucks and brewing rigs onto the lake and brew away. I hear some of them even use water from the lake to brew with. I dunno bout that, but I suppose with the water being so cold and then boiling it anyway.......

WTF? That isn't too far from where I grew up.

Sounds like a recipe for disaster too....let's put turkey fryers on the ice! And then let's use sewer water to brew with!!!

:rockin:

 

[Bernie Brewer]

WTF? That isn't too far from where I grew up.

Sounds like a recipe for disaster too....let's put turkey fryers on the ice! And then let's use sewer water to brew with!!!

:rockin:

At the LHBS in Stevens Point they say it's a blast and the beer turns out great. I've never been to it (they've only been doing it a few years) but was thinknig of giving it a go next winter.........

 

[Sneakysnitch]

I would have to go with the good Baron. Brew Belgians! The yeast can take the heat up to 85 degrees!

 

[Schlenkerla]

Anyone with a cool temperature problem could start making ciders!

Ciders can brew 72-81'F. I plan to use the basement, when that gets too hot I will either make cider or use my 2nd fridge that I got for my birthday!!

Roper 20.4cuft ~ $428.

Primary: Northern Brewer Cream Ale
Bottles: Vienna-Style Ale, Blueberry Beer, Cali Pale Ale

 

[Beer Snob]

Just brew Belgians!

Must be real hard to do alone.... don't you need a Belgian woman to help out?

 

[Ize]

Must be real hard to do alone.... don't you need a Belgian woman to help out?

Methinks a Bavarian woman who knew about Belgian brews would be preferable... Rhoobarb may know...


Ize