Messages

1

Pimp My System / Re: Arctic Brewery and Mobile Fermentation Trailer

« on: September 09, 2010, 02:39:58 pm »

Just so happens there's a thread going on now at Probrewer.com about this same (lack of) customer service issue at St. Pat's!!

2

Kegging and Bottling / Re: Bottle Type?

« on: December 02, 2009, 04:14:55 pm »

To answer the original question, there is no reason you cannot re-use pry-off bottles.  I have been using those and also the crown type that are a twist-off cap, too.  I have never, ever, had a problem with either type.  Sometimes the screwoff bottles will feel different when you crimp down the cap with your capper, but they seal perfectly. 

Don't let anyone tell you that regular nonreturnable bottles are not good enough.

3

The Pub / Re: Lets get to know each other!

« on: November 13, 2009, 08:37:04 am »

I'm an old fart, I guess.  I'll be 55 in December, married since '83.  Two kids, 15 and 16.

Brewing for five or six years, making wine for 20.  My mashtun is a keg inside a wooden box, and I'm setting up to do 30 gallon batches.  I just invested in a 3 barrel fermenter.

I've done a bunch of SMASH recipes, my favorite being Maris Otter with Centennial.

I manage a OPE department at a Do-It Best Hardware store in southwest Michigan.

Glad to be here.

4

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Rousing Yeast

« on: November 12, 2009, 02:33:00 pm »

Wouldn't it be easier to rouse yeast just by screaming, "Hello, Yeast!"?

5

Beer Recipes / Re: I need help with a recipe

« on: November 07, 2009, 07:00:10 am »

Thanks kindly to all who responded!  Sounds like a plan.

6

Extract/Partial Mash Brewing / Re: Extract and DMS

« on: November 06, 2009, 03:18:02 pm »

If my memory serves me correctly, the biggest reason for late extract additions is to reduce the darkening/Maillard reactions that can occur with extended boiling of the wort.

7

Beer Recipes / Re: I need help with a recipe

« on: November 06, 2009, 03:14:28 pm »

I'd like to showcase the fruitiness of these hops......sort of like a Fruitbowl ale.  Does this sound stupid, or undoable?    Lots of recipes with high hopping rates end up with extremely high IBU's.

I'm not after bitterness.  I'd like to create something with an amazing fruit bouquet!

8

Beer Recipes / I need help with a recipe

« on: November 06, 2009, 01:51:21 pm »

I've just received some new hops:

Citra
Nelson Sauvin
Riwaka

I've got

Amarillo
Cascade

I'd like to create an ale with some or all of these, as they are supposed to impart a very fruity, aromatic essence.  Should I make the grainbill very malty, or should I try to create something crisp and clean to complement these hops?

I need help from the experts!

9

All Grain Brewing / Re: What kind of mash tun do you use?

« on: November 05, 2009, 06:41:28 am »

I took a 15 gallon keg, cut out the top (like for a boil kettle), drilled a hole in the bottom.  I welded a 1/2 inch threaded coupling over this hole, and installed a valve.  Inside, I put a circular false bottom.  I had to cut slots in my top opening to accommodate the screen's installation and removal.  

I built a wooden box, roughly a cube, around the keg and filled it with Great Stuff spray in insulation.  When I use it, my temps only drop about one degree in an hour.

My one mistake in engineering the Mashtun was welding another coupling in the side to accept a dial thermometer.  I made the hole too high, so when I'm doing a five gallon batch, the mash is actually below my thermo.