Messages

1

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: The skinny on Denny's 1450

« on: January 10, 2013, 09:57:04 am »

Checked mine again this morning and I'm only getting airlock activity every 25 seconds or so.  I'll check gravity when I dry hop next week.
It's strange that I've posted this question on 3 beer forums and the answers are the same.....about half say that it acts pretty much normal as the other yeasts and the other half stating it's a slow mover.  Matters not to me as long as I have good beer. I'm patient and pretty much have my brewing down with excellent results and I don't expect this one to be any different in the end.

2

Yeast and Fermentation / The skinny on Denny's 1450

« on: January 08, 2013, 06:09:33 pm »

I've only used 1450 once before and it was good but it was weird as far as it's activity.
First time I used LHBS yeast and made a small starter.  This time I used washed yeast and I made a 2000 ml starter for a 1.069 beer.  Usually my yeast starters are beasts, go crazy and are easy to see activity for 3-4 days.
But both times, the 1450 starts anemic, and isn't that volatile and visible activity is only 2 days. Now it's too early for me to care enough to check gravity but is this what I should be seeing?

3

Kegging and Bottling / Re: Kegging newbie question.

« on: November 15, 2012, 01:22:20 pm »

Keep in mind that if your tank is in the kegerator, it will show as less full which confused me at first. But, like others have said, before you keg, charge the keg to about 30 psi and check for leaks. Grease the rings and keep the poppets clean and you should be golden.

4

Ingredients / Re: 2012 Hop Crop?

« on: November 13, 2012, 02:48:51 pm »

Farmhouse Brewing Supply should have some Simcoe in tomorrow.

5

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Dead yeast?

« on: November 13, 2012, 02:42:44 pm »

I've had 05 take as long as 36 hours but I underpitched.  I would definitely get more, rehydrate and re-pitch.

6

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: For the Love of Hops Pre-sale for AHA Members

« on: November 13, 2012, 02:39:38 pm »

This is very cool.  40% off if huge.
Thanks

7

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Making a starer using washed yeast

« on: November 13, 2012, 02:16:18 pm »

Thanks for the info guys.....

Hey, they let rats in here? 

8

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Making a starer using washed yeast

« on: November 13, 2012, 01:00:55 pm »

My beer will be just above 1.060 and I like to use a starter to kick things in faster.

9

Yeast and Fermentation / Making a starer using washed yeast

« on: November 13, 2012, 12:24:48 pm »

So I've finally decided to save some $$$ and wash some yeast. I have 3 varieties now and this week plan to use one for the first time.  So far, very simple and easy.....everyone should do it.
But, a stupid questions first.  When I make a starter, I know I should bring the jar to close to room temperature but aren't I supposed to pour off a good bit of the clear beer/water part before I shake the jar and add to my starter?
Also, I usually make a starter about 36 hours before I pitch but when using a starter with washed yeast that are under 30 days old, is 24 hours before pitching enough?

10

All Grain Brewing / Re: BIAB efficiency

« on: November 08, 2012, 03:12:53 pm »

I  don't get caught up on efficiency since I have my BIAB down but every now and again I check and am usually between 78 and 83%. I'm very pleased with my beers as are all my beer-snob friends.

11

All Grain Brewing / Re: First All-Grain Brewday - plus some followup ?'s

« on: July 30, 2012, 08:47:24 am »

I squeeze the crap out of my bag and not once have I had a problem. My friends rave about my beer but I'm just lucky so far.

In BIABing, I think the worse you can do to bring tannins out is to go over 170 in your mash out.  I try to stick to 168 just in case and it's worked very well for me. I get efficiencies in the upper 70's and lower 80's but really don't worry about that much at all.  I try to mash for 70 minutes plus the mash out and do a good squeeze after the bag drains and then boil away.

12

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Pics of recent brews?

« on: July 03, 2012, 11:04:11 am »

I love the last photo.....heaven sent!

13

Kegging and Bottling / Re: conditioning time in keg

« on: June 24, 2012, 08:12:51 pm »

I'm relatively new and was naturally conditioning but my last 2 kegs, I've gone 3 weeks in primary then to keg with some gas on it, a quick release, a bit more gas then at room temps for 2 weeks. Then it's in the kegerator for 2 days at 30 and then a few days at 8-10.  Seems to work ok but I am impatient.

I've heard some go 3 weeks then to keg and the shake 'n carb method and drink it the next day.  Surely the beer is still  somewhat green, huh?  I've not tried that and likely won't. Just do what you need to in order to enjoy beer the way you want to. 

14

Kegging and Bottling / Re: Kegerators--any suggestions?

« on: June 05, 2012, 07:14:55 pm »

My wife and mother in law bought me a Haier at Sam's for my birthday.  It's not what I would have gotten and I was looking to build one but I think the boss was worried how it would look in the house.
I have since updated to a tri tap tower and it holds 3 corny's and a Co2 tank.
So far, I'm pleased. It's quiet as hell and with 2 kegs inside, works well.
Of course, it's more fun to build and brag.  Maybe in the future.

15

Kegging and Bottling / Re: conditioning time in keg

« on: June 05, 2012, 07:05:36 pm »

I try to single primary ferment for 3 weeks, give or take a few days but I dry hop a lot and feel the 3 weeks help. 
Also, when I've fermented for only 2, I've found my beers to green and I have longer time in the kegerator.  Bottom line, either way for me, It's usually about 4 weeks from boil to first, good, tasty beer.
Sometimes I naturally carbonate but I'm quickly moving past that.