Messages

1

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Zymurgy Top-Ranked Beers

« on: Today at 02:01:59 PM »

I have had pliny once...even though it is distributed where I live.  It was kegged and to be honest I wasn't blown away but none the less it was a great beer.

Personally, I think two hearted is better but I am from Michigan and am biased.

Regardless, its a fun list and I find it fun to try to drink and check off the list.  This reminds me...I have to call the liquor store tomorrow to see if they received Pliny (they get it every 4-6 weeks) and sell out by the time they close. 

Cheers.

2

Beer Travel / Minneapolis?

« on: June 17, 2013, 09:00:51 PM »

Thanks everyone!

3

Beer Travel / Chicago in October?

« on: June 15, 2013, 06:01:21 AM »

Another vote for revolution and haymarket.  Have fun. Cheers!

4

Beer Travel / Minneapolis?

« on: June 15, 2013, 05:59:12 AM »

Headed to Minneapolis for a few days. I know surly is there but anyone have any suggestions for either beer bars or breweries not to miss?

Thanks!

5

Ingredients / Re: Calypso Hops

« on: June 11, 2013, 10:19:26 AM »

Thanks so much erockrph!  This is great.  I am not too crazy about using this hop but a little intrigued. 

Thanks again.

6

Ingredients / Calypso Hops

« on: June 11, 2013, 08:50:56 AM »

I can't seem to find a whole lot about them besides they are high AA and throw apple, pear and sometimes melon aromas.  I am going to be brewing a single hop batch with these as part of a club activity and was just curious if anyone has utilized this hop?  Good? Bad? Any suggestions or experiences you can share?

Thanks.

7

Equipment and Software / Re: Mash Tun size - I can't decide.

« on: June 09, 2013, 04:27:43 PM »

Well, luck was on my side.  Found a 70qt xtreme on amazon.  A little more expensive than a big box store (actually double the price) but only about $10 more than the 10 gallon igloo I just returned....so not too bad.  Plus they only had like 20 left, so I jumped on it. 

Thanks again everyone and I cannot wait for my first all grain batch!

8

Equipment and Software / Re: Mash Tun size - I can't decide.

« on: June 09, 2013, 03:44:27 PM »

Thanks for all the replies fellas.  I was unsuccessful in my cooler purchase.  After visiting all the stores that I could think of, I couldn't find one that fit all of my wants/needs.

I came home to find where I could locate a 72 quart coleman extreme and it seems that every homebrewer is buying them because I can't even find them in stock online.  It looks like I may end up just having to go the 52 quart route, even though I would love to find a 72 quart. 

Thanks again everyone.  Much appreciated. 

9

Equipment and Software / Re: Mash Tun size - I can't decide.

« on: June 09, 2013, 01:44:17 PM »

Alright...maybe one more question. I am actually in my 3rd store for a cooler as I type this. All the 60-70 quart coolers I have found either had wheels which make the interior odd shapes or the lid basically just sits on top making the quality questionable. Any thoughts of a regular rectangle cooler but it is only 52 quarts. Questionable for 10 gallon batches? Thanks again.

10

Equipment and Software / Re: Mash Tun size - I can't decide.

« on: June 09, 2013, 12:44:27 PM »

Thanks Denny!  I am going to go that route.  All I know is that I am going to be reading lots of dennybrew.com!  Time to get batch sparging. 

Thanks again. 

11

Equipment and Software / Mash Tun size - I can't decide.

« on: June 09, 2013, 12:16:55 PM »

Alright...I have spent basically all weekend reading up on mash tun sizes and have come here for the final word.  I am making the leap into all-grain  and am in the process (was in the process) of making a mash tun cooler.

I right away gravitated toward the round igloo 10 gallon cooler and started piecing together the ball valve.

Then I started to think about down the road.  What if I wanted to do a 10 gallon batch?  What if I wanted to do a 10 gallon batch with high OG?  All these questions started flying. 

Granted, I have yet to do a 10 gallon batch and don't really foresee myself doing one in the near future...but I wouldn't mind making one purchase rather than multiple. 

I am thinking that the 10 gallon cooler may not be enough for a 10 gallon batch (that has yet to exist).

So, my question.  If I was to continue to brew 5 gallon batches...which will likely be 99% of the time, would a 60-70 quart cooler be too big?  I would hate to buy a cooler with so much head space that I loose temp because of my grandiose idea that I will brew 10 gallons some day.

So, what do you all say?  Stick with the 10 gallon cooler and just know I am limited or is it worth to invest in a 60-70 quart cooler...assuming that maintaining mash temps would be maintained?

Thanks for entertaining a question that has been beaten to death.


Cheers!

12

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Well....it happened

« on: June 04, 2013, 11:27:48 AM »

Using nothing currently.  Didn't expect such a huge increase in temperatures (really just a few days were really warm).

Now I am debating on a swamp cooler utilization a Igloo Ice Cube cooler with some modifications or the Cool Brew bag...which is essentially a bag swamp cooler that totally incloses the carboy.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

13

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Well....it happened

« on: June 04, 2013, 09:43:22 AM »

it's only bad when you can't drink it. otherwise, it's just "different". i've made a lot of "different" beers. part of the leaning (freudian slip...that s/b learning) process.

haha. I like your style..."different".

Yeah, I'm going to give it some time to see how it mellows out.  US-05 has always been great to me but this time I didn't do it justice.

Thanks. 

14

General Homebrew Discussion / Well....it happened

« on: June 04, 2013, 09:07:34 AM »

a bad batch.  Last night I bottled my Falconer's Flight IPA and upon racking into the bottling bucket I was getting a alcohol aroma.  Taste was alcohol up front and bitter at the back. 

I think I know my culprit.  High fermentation temps.  I worked like crazy to keep them both consistent and below 70 but a couple of times it hit 70-71. Not a huge major issue but I know the beer could have been warmer in the carboy so who knows what the actual temp was. 

Oh well.  More reason to make a fermentation chamber.  I was excited about this batch but my excitement quickly turned to disappointment. 

I will see how it turns out after a couple weeks in the bottle.  Fingers crossed.

Just wanted to share and vent a little. 

15

Zymurgy / Re: Strutting Your Stuff - Unistrut Brew Stand

« on: May 30, 2013, 10:09:06 AM »

Great.  Thanks for the advice!  Also, thanks Drew for such a great article. 

Cheers!