Messages

1

Equipment and Software / Re: Stuck recirc in blichmann mash tun

« on: April 07, 2013, 12:24:19 PM »

What is the size of your hoses that you are using for your recirc?  Prior to switching to Blichmann kettles I was using 3/8" hoses, but had a similar problem. Switched out the 3/8" with 1/2" hoses and it made the difference.

When is the stuck recirc happening during the mash?

2

Pimp My System / Re: 1 BBL garage system with automation

« on: March 29, 2013, 11:32:19 AM »

I like the pallet dolly in the photo's... Really gives another perspective to the size of your system.

3

Pimp My System / Re: 1 BBL garage system with automation

« on: March 29, 2013, 10:00:07 AM »

Nice.

4

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Craft beer sociology

« on: March 29, 2013, 09:02:32 AM »

First of all mr fancy pants bartender hopefully didn't get a tip! Anyway, I brew because it is a masculine thing to do!

+1

5

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Water, by John Palmer

« on: March 26, 2013, 09:06:57 AM »

Just received an email from Amazon that they do not expect this book until November 13,2013

6

Equipment and Software / Re: Stout Tanks vs. Blichmann

« on: March 22, 2013, 05:54:08 AM »

I've done business with both. One of my RIMS modules is from Stout Tanks... Thought about also getting a mashtun, HLT and boil kettle from them, but it was going to take 2-3 months to get it since they come from China.  I have a buddy that bought a mashtun and boil kettle from Stout tanks.  It was the 10 gal. model... except that it only holds 9.2 gallons.... They are nice kettles, but I ended up splurging and buying Blichmann 20 Gal Kettles for my mashtun, HLT and boil kettles because I didn't want to wait + they are made in the USA.    A few other places you should take a look at is maybe www.glaciertanks.com or www.brewershardware.com .  Glacier Tanks is fast! They have a pretty cool RIMS module that is nice too.

7

The Pub / Re: Thanks Joe Bonamassa

« on: March 21, 2013, 10:54:41 AM »

He plays great music to brew (& drink too) to.

8

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Whatcha all drinkin on St Pat's day?

« on: March 17, 2013, 12:46:30 PM »

Guiness and a few of my barrel aged beers that are still around...  A Soured Scottish 80 and a recently bottled Old English Ale (aged in a bourbon barrel).

9

Equipment and Software / Re: Digital hydrometer kickstarter

« on: March 15, 2013, 09:41:28 AM »

I sure hope I get my Beer Bugs (wifi & bluetooth versions) soon - another Kickstarter project... It's a little less expensive..

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/parasitx/the-beerbugtm-digital-hydrometer?ref=live

10

Events / Re: Have your NHC entries been wiped out?

« on: March 08, 2013, 02:52:36 PM »

My entry is wiped out as well!  I have my labels printed out, and a receipt.

Come on AHA! Get this fixed!

11

Wood/Casks / Re: barrel recommendations

« on: March 05, 2013, 02:37:23 PM »

If you've moved your beer into a secondary prior to transferring into a barrel you should be fine. It sounds like you have given enough time in the secondary for things to settle down prior to transferring to a barrel. 

I just finished barreling out of my 3rd barrel project and I must admit it's alot of fun!

12

Events / Re: NHC 2013 Entry Problems - Possible Solutions?

« on: March 05, 2013, 02:27:40 PM »

Although I was able to register one entry this year before things were halted,  I'd take that process over what darwin18 just suggested.

13

Events / Re: NHC 2013 Entry Problems - Possible Solutions?

« on: March 01, 2013, 07:29:40 AM »

TL;DR: Get rid of the current competition system. Replace it with two separate comps, one which is judging/feedback ONLY (no winning awards) and another which is ONLY awards, but with no categories. BOS-type stuff.

Sounds like you might be due for a local brewclub meeting.... I doubt many people would invest any time to submit a beer or participate in that idea.

I'm founder & president of the Paris Homebrewers Club, so I attend every meeting. And funny enough, this is exactly the sort of comp structure we use.

Under the homebrew club umbrella that's pretty typical thing to have going on - and hats off to your club for doing that.... Anyone who is/has been in a homebrew club usually grows tired of having their beer judged in that environment and wants something more. Nationally it won't work especially when you consider the costs and time for something like that.

14

Events / Re: NHC 2013 Entry Problems - Possible Solutions?

« on: March 01, 2013, 06:28:27 AM »

TL;DR: Get rid of the current competition system. Replace it with two separate comps, one which is judging/feedback ONLY (no winning awards) and another which is ONLY awards, but with no categories. BOS-type stuff.

Sounds like you might be due for a local brewclub meeting.... I doubt many people would invest any time to submit a beer or participate in that idea. 

15

Events / Re: NHC 2013 Entry Problems - Possible Solutions?

« on: February 28, 2013, 12:00:34 PM »

I would not pay more to enter a beer than it cost my for ingredients to make the beer. At $30 an entry that is the case. At $12 an entry it is already the most expensive contest that I enter.

My recommendations

1) Limit entries to 5

2) Early registration for AHA members

3) Day 1 entry for AHA members only

4) Start on a weekend or at night

+1