You aren't learning unless you are experimenting?

[BobbiLynn]

If you've ever made bread before, you'll know if it needs more flour (IMO/IME, it's easy). Adding herbs and seasonings is also easy, since you add them to the liquid ingredients before adding the flour. I don't add cheese to the dough, that goes on top of it right before going into the oven.

Do you stay up at night worrying about things? All those "what if" type deals...

Maybe I was exaggerating but I've never baked bread or even baked a cake. I did try to make a pie once and added sugar and cinnamon to the crust and it DID kind of flake apart. One of the many reasons I love beer so much, keeps me from staying up all night worrying about stuff!

 

[Golddiggie]

Maybe I was exaggerating but I've never baked bread or even baked a cake. I did try to make a pie once and added sugar and cinnamon to the crust and it DID kind of flake apart. One of the many reasons I love beer so much, keeps me from staying up all night worrying about stuff!

I don't make deserts, that's the realm of my sister, mother, and nephew. I make the main part of dinner (most of the time) when over there and cooking. On holidays I'm also in charge of a couple of other things, like the gravy and/or mushrooms and onions (with pan drippings).

I have a sweet Kitchenaid mixer that I use for making bread/dough. Makes it far easier, and allows me to concentrate on what's important. Of course, you still need to knead it once mixed.

 

[BobbiLynn]

From reading more I have figured out that

1) 4 or 4.5 gallons in a 6.5 carboy for the primary(which is all I do) would be fine because there will be enough gases to fill the space

2) Secondaries aren't used so much any more. I probably won't even try it then. Most recipes I use say to just add another week in the primary if you aren't doing a secondary

3) Less water(like only filling to 4 gallons with a 5 gallon recipe kit) just means a stronger tasting beer, would be fine. Not sure if that also means higher alcohol content, but if it does, bonus!

That's 3 less things for me to worry about!

 

[45_70sharps]

I treated it like I was baking a cake or bread! I am learning now what things are just flavors, what contributes to fermentation and I think the yeast you use depends on the fermentables you use?

Yeast is more about the style of beer you are making.
Different yeast has different characteristics. Different flavors, different things they like.

Overall it sounds like you are getting the idea.
Mix it up some and try some things that sound good.

Did you say six ingredient kits coming!

I picked up grain, hops and yeast for two batches yesterday and figured I've got a busy weekend ahead of me.

 

[BobbiLynn]

Yes, 6! Scheduled for delivery Wednesday, right before the long holiday weekend. I'll be pushing it to have a bunch bottled and ready to drink by Christmas and New Years!

 

[45_70sharps]

Yes, 6! Scheduled for delivery Wednesday, right before the long holiday weekend. I'll be pushing it to have a bunch bottled and ready to drink by Christmas and New Years!

You will have lots of friends with a brew schedule like that.

I figure on having five types around Christmas and new years.
The difference is I'm not brewing them all in one long weekend!