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Messages - bigchicken

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1
Yeast and Fermentation / Re: dry yeast temp shock
« on: May 19, 2013, 07:28:30 am »
Pay attention to your sanitation and they can sit there basically indefinitely. If you're getting antsy you can also attemper the yeast by adding a little cool wort, stirring, and repeating a few times.

+1
I rehydrate in a glass or measuring cup. I cover the top with plastic wrap and often let it set 1-2 hours. I sanitize whatever its in.

2

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For the 6.5 carboy I am using now (just started fermentation) how much krausen would be created? The reason I ask is that so far it doesn't look like it will go any higher than the 5 gallon mark.
[/quote]
This varries greatly. I like many others on this forum have blown out an airlock on a 5 gallon batch using a 6.5 gallon carboy or bucket.  Your best bet is to get some additional large fermentors.

3
Equipment and Software / Re: Cleaning of equipment
« on: May 03, 2013, 05:20:38 pm »
Of course it isn't free... You have to buy it ;D.
Seriously, your lhbs should have PBW or B-Brite available, which is a similar type product, but geared towards brewing equipment. I use dish detergent on most of my equipment, with no ill effects. Just be very thorough when rinsing. But for beerstone and hard to scrub areas, nothing beats the PBW.
+ 1
I use the exact same process.

4
I store everything in open buckets in my basement. I let them air dry after washing and then sanitize right before using.

5
Extract/Partial Mash Brewing / Re: Finishing hops question
« on: April 28, 2013, 07:57:16 am »
It looks like your kit has leaf hops. I'd recommend using a mesh bag for them to help prevent your siphon from plugging up. I've had this happen and can be a pain. Just sanitize the bag before adding the hops. I'd also just do this in the primary as others have advised.

6
Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Wyeast Old Ale alternatives
« on: March 29, 2013, 10:24:52 am »
I recently made one with Wyeast 1945 (Northern Brewer strain). I had excellent results with it. That is my go to yeast for several styles now.

7
All Grain Brewing / Re: Help in identifying off flavor
« on: March 27, 2013, 11:01:36 am »
Before we jump on sanitation band wagon: What temp are you pitching the yeast? What temp are you fermenting at? It could be an infection but high fermentation temps can also render many off flavors. Also, what yeast are you using? Some yeasts are sulphur producers, especially when not handled right, and that can smell like sewage.

I don't usually trust new brewer's when it comes to properly identifying off aromas, but woman usually have a better sense of smell than men. Sewage sounds like sulfur to me.

+1
I tend to ferment warmer than I should during warmer months and get a similar smell. It goes away completely with age. Length of time depends on the yeast strain too.
Also, what hops did you use? Sometimes I get unusual smells from different varieties.

8
General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Advice on teaching someone to brew.
« on: March 13, 2013, 05:29:06 pm »
Thanks for all the replies. I'm lucky in that he got a setup from Northern Brewer along with an extract kit there. I was surprised to see he even got an auto-siphon. I wish I'd had that when I started!


Then the brew day and I just hung out with him. helped lift heavy things and kept an eye on the brew day as it progressed so I could catch steps he might have missed.

Most important is to help your friend RDWHAHB (bring some of yours to this first brew day)

Don't get frustrated if he doesn't take all your advice and resist giving critique unless he asks for it.

after it's done sit down and drink a couple with him and see if he wants to go over the final product and ideas you have for changes/improvements.

I think this is great advise. I think he'll feel more confident just knowing he has someone to bounce ideas off of if he gets stumped. I also have my travel cooler already sitting out with a homebrew selection for him to try.



Finally, keep a few things in your car that typically help you through your brew day.  That way if the opportunity exists to improve something you can easily grab it and introduce it.

Best of luck!

That's an excellent idea. I'm not sure that he'll have every little thing he should have. I may throw a couple things in my truck, just in case.

Again, I appreciate all the replies. This is great stuff!

9
General Homebrew Discussion / Advice on teaching someone to brew.
« on: March 13, 2013, 10:38:35 am »
This weekend I'll be helping someone brew a 5 gallon extract batch for the first time. They've never watched a brew session either. They jumped in and bought a good equipment kit and they're super excited to get started. Any advice of how I should help him during the process? I'm self taught and would not necessarily want him to struggle like I did at first, but I don't want to take away from the self learning process either. Any advice you can give will be appreciated.

10
Equipment and Software / Re: deck planter box for hop rhizome
« on: March 13, 2013, 10:24:57 am »
I don't know how they'll do in the planter, but only put 1 rhizome in there for sure. I've read they should be planted 10 feet apart. My 2nd year Nugget hops had shoots coming up a couple feet from the rest of the plant. I imagine this year they'll grow even further from the plant site.

the 10' apart is for different varieties. you can plant rhizomes 2'-3' apart and they will be fine. If they are different varieties you are going to have a heck of a time sorting them out come harvest time and even more come root pruning time.

That's why I love this forum. I learn something from it every day! I appreciate the info.

11
If the weather cooperates I'll finally get to use up my 2012 hop harvest on an IPA. Hopefully the last brew session at my current house. Its been on the market a month and I'm hoping for an offer soon.

12
Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Yeast harvesting question
« on: March 05, 2013, 11:47:54 am »
How many times have you rinsed this jar of yeast? I typically rinse at least twice trying to leave as much of the bottom dark layer behind. The lighter layer above is what you're after. I also store the yeast after decanting. I've reused yeast like this after 6+ months refrigerated. The one time I didn't decant before storeage I developed a small layer of mold on the top of the liquid.

13
Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Open air fermentation
« on: February 11, 2013, 04:08:44 pm »
Brewing TV episodes 4 & 6 had some fairly good info on open fermentation. That spurred me to try it.

14
All Grain Brewing / Re: how long with crushed grain??
« on: January 19, 2013, 11:38:36 am »
I hate to say it, but I've gone 8+ months before. Beer turned out fine. I store my grain in sealed containers or bags in my cool basement.

15
General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Impending Doom or RDWHAHB?
« on: January 19, 2013, 11:20:44 am »
I have had similar issues with certain yeasts. None seemed to hurt the finished product. Mine were closer to krausen chunks, not dots.

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