Messages

1

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: A simple way to organize boil additions

« on: May 07, 2013, 12:48:56 PM »

I just fly by the seat of my pants and measure them out right before I need them. Surely I can't be the only one!

You are not Amanda.  I do the same thing.

How do you know she's not Amanda? She Claims to be Amanda. I say we give her the benefit of the doubt! 

Give her the benefit of the doubt?!? Shirley, you jest....

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General Homebrew Discussion / Re: A simple way to organize boil additions

« on: May 07, 2013, 08:48:50 AM »

I do something similar, but your approach (including the time) is an improvement.  Thanks.

Coincidently, I looked at this thread right after one titled "Drinking while brewing."  Seems like they may work together nicely...

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General Homebrew Discussion / Re: One last question before my very first brew this weekend

« on: May 03, 2013, 09:51:16 AM »

A lot of folks don't move wort from a primary fermenter to a secondary.  But if you do, my impression is that it doesn't much matter how much trub (hops, etc.) get into your primary.

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General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Anybody familiar with PBW?

« on: March 18, 2013, 12:41:31 PM »

This is great to know.  I believe that the mixing instructions on the plastic jar call for a much higher concentration (in ounces, if I'm not mistaken - I don't have any around to look at right now).  And I have really dried out my hands at that level - plus you go throgh jars pretty quickly.

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General Homebrew Discussion / Re: maintaining temps in freezer

« on: February 26, 2013, 11:21:29 AM »

If the temp stays at or below your target during the winter, another option would be a big plastic tub full of water with an aquarium heater.  It's a little extra equipment, but it sounds more efficient.  (Less wear on the refrig. too.)

That wouldn't work if there is any cooling required though.

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General Homebrew Discussion / Re: BOTTLES, BOTTLES, BOTTLES

« on: February 20, 2013, 01:23:04 PM »

I started brewing 10 gal. batches, built up a big back log of beer, and ran out of bottles.  So I started scavenging on recycling day on my way into work.  I have identified several source houses.  It's amazing how consistent people are - some people never drink, some others always drink wine, beer in cans, or screw tops.  And there are some households that put out a couple of six packs of pry-off bottles every week.  (A subset of these include smokers who drop butts in their empties, etc. but you learn to avoid those houses quickly.)

Obviously, you need to give them a good rinse and a soak in PBW.  But they clean up just fine.  (Soaking in a bucket of warm water with a little amonia takes most labels off easily.)

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Equipment and Software / Re: Where to get specialized faucet adapters

« on: January 31, 2013, 02:29:40 PM »

I'd second the idea of a tee in the pipe under the sink.  It's a pretty easy change to make.  And if you have a friend with some rudimentary plumbing skills (and a few tools), I'll bet you could arrange a trade for some homebrew...

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Yeast and Fermentation / Re: oxygenation v.s. aeration

« on: August 29, 2012, 12:53:53 AM »

Hey, thanks folks!  I did not know the name "MixStir," but I'm definately familiar with those things.  (I've used them with paint.)  I'm going to pick up a clean one and give it a try.

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Yeast and Fermentation / Re: oxygenation v.s. aeration

« on: August 28, 2012, 02:11:41 PM »

By "MixStir" you mean the same thing as I do when I refer to "splash and stir," right?  I just ask because there are lot's of techniques and equipments that I haven't heard of...

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Yeast and Fermentation / oxygenation v.s. aeration

« on: August 28, 2012, 01:52:05 PM »

Hi everyone:

I'm considering upgrading from the "splash and stir" method of getting a little oxygen into my cooled wort before pitching yeast and I wondered what this group thought about the merits of oxygenation (i.e. pure oxygen from a tank) v.s. aeration (air pumped with an aquarium pump). 

My current, low tech method (splash and stir) is producing what I consider good beer.  But there's always room for improvement!

Clearly oxygenation would be quicker and provide more oxygen.  But it's going to cost more and require trips to a supplier (for refilled tanks of oxygen).  What are you folks doing?   

Thanks in advance!

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General Homebrew Discussion / Re: White House Brew Recipe

« on: August 27, 2012, 12:36:25 PM »

Signature # 9,730 - we're getting there!

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All Grain Brewing / Re: composting spent grain

« on: August 23, 2012, 09:59:18 AM »

Thanks for all the tips!  I also live in an urban area, so it's good to have these warnings going in.

I don't have a dog, but my daughter (who lives nearby) does.  How do you make dog biscuits?  Squish together and bake?

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All Grain Brewing / composting spent grain

« on: August 23, 2012, 03:04:06 AM »

Hi All:

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this question, so my apologies if not.  But I'm ending up with a fair amount of spent grain after brewing 5 gallon batches of beer (approx 11 lb dry is a lot heavier when wet!)  It seems like a waste to have the trash guys haul that away to a landfill.  Do you compost your spent grain?  Are there any other ways to dispose of it responsibly?  If you compost, do you have any tips for someone with little experience?  Thanks!

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Beer Travel / Re: Any good Beer/ Places in the Washington D.C. metro area?

« on: August 17, 2012, 02:31:57 AM »

Hi and welcome to DC.  As a 52 year old native, I can say there was a long stretch of dark days for beer in DC.  But I'm proud to say that those days are over and the beer scene is vibrant!  Let me add a few to the list (there are many more):

micro breweries:

Chocolate City Brewing
DC Brau
3 Stars Brewing

Someone already mentioned Port City (close by in Alexandria).  All of the above are in DC proper.  3 Stars is new, but I believe they are already doing growler sales and tastings.  The other two have both (growlers and tastings) on Saturdays and usually have a food truck or two in attendance.  Chocolate City is not too far from the Brookland Metro stop. 

There are a ton of pubs including several brew pubs.  A new one that I really like is called Menomale Pizza (I think that means "welcome" in Italian) on 12th St. NE.  They don't brew their own, but have approx. 20 taps with a great selection.  They specialize in very good pizza, but I recommend the cheese plate (includes bread made in their pizza oven, nuts, honey, etc.) as a great sampler.  They serve small pours so you can try a few.

There are lots of other places too.  Enjoy your visit!

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Kegging and Bottling / Re: Plastic crates

« on: August 09, 2012, 04:52:48 AM »

I have some of those plastic milk crates that I use for larger bottles too.  There is a lot of variation in the size and shape of bottles (I've never bought any empty bottles, so my collection is quite "varied"), but I believe I normally get about 1/2 a 5 gallon batch in each crate.  Some of the bottles I have are pretty tall though so that crate has to be on top of the stack.