Topics

1

Kegging and Bottling / Stuck Post

« on: March 31, 2013, 04:33:32 PM »

Sorry of this has been answered before...
But, I frequently get the female adapters (both grey gas and black beer) stuck on the posts.  I can usually get them off but only with a whole lot of force.   I had always thought the "in" and "out" were only to keep the dip tube straight from the gas inlet.  But, my LHBS owner let me know that the posts are different too.  Problem is he wasn't exactly sure how to tell.

Can someone help?  Sorry if the terminology is confusing.

2

Equipment and Software / First All Grain - Temperature Test

« on: October 17, 2012, 07:55:11 AM »

Finally got all the equipment I wanted for an all grain batch.  I plan to use a 10 gallon polarware pot with false bottom for the mash tun.  I am using silver foil wrap around the sides and top for insulation (installed AFTER the burner is off, I have learned... glad I tested).  I ran a test this morning using 6 gallons of water with the heat off and it dropped 10 degrees in 60 minutes.  I did stir the water with each 15 minute temperature measurement, so I think that threw it off a bit.  I am re-running the test without stirring.

My question is whether or not the addition of grain will significantly reduce the heat loss.  My assumption is that the grain would stop any convective heat loss to the pot sides.

I am also curious about typical frequency of hot water additions for anyone else with a similar setup.

Thanks in advance for your help.

3

Yeast and Fermentation / First Lager - Temp Advice

« on: August 28, 2011, 12:09:20 PM »

Started my Ocktoberfest Lager a week ago yesterday  (1.063 OG).  Slowly brought temp down to 50F over three days (thanks to Johnson Controls).  Fermented at 50F for 4 more days.  Then brought to room temp for 24 hours for diacetyl rest.  Very active krausen.  Racked into secondary today and gravity was 1.052.  Still pretty active (which makes sense with the gravity).

Plan was to start the lagering at 40-45F...

Should I keep at the higher temp (~50) to complete the fermentation?  Or, should I be okay?
Should I consider another diacetyl rest later in the fermentation.

Would appreciate any advice.