Messages

31

Equipment and Software / Re: Vacuum Sealers? Can I get some recommendations-Need to seal hops

« on: June 05, 2013, 04:37:25 pm »

One thing no one has mentioned. These things are great for Sous Vide cooking, if you are into that kind of stuff. Most homebrewers already have all the equipment to do it.

+1! I actually do have all the equipment but why reconfigure when the SideKIC is so awesomely badass and affordable to boot? Yes- Sous Vide is one of the other things that the sealer will enable one to do.

My latest pastrami was smoked for a couple hours then immersed SV at 137F for 36 hours. Turned out fricken amazing.

If you want a SideKIC you'll have to be vigilant. They sell out almost immediately and you'll have to wait until they produce another batch for sale on Amazon- which seems to be every week or so...

32

Equipment and Software / Re: Do I really need a wort chiller?

« on: June 04, 2013, 06:51:31 pm »

I sanitize frozen 16oz bottles to drop them in to cool the wort from 100F to pitching temps for either ales or lagers.

33

Equipment and Software / Re: Vacuum Sealers? Can I get some recommendations-Need to seal hops

« on: June 04, 2013, 06:49:55 pm »

I'd buy the 3250 in a heartbeat because of the variable modes and the dry-moist options.

34

Equipment and Software / Re: Vacuum Sealers? Can I get some recommendations-Need to seal hops

« on: June 04, 2013, 04:27:51 pm »

...The best thing to deploy with.

Ralph Moran- FoodSaver V2460 Advanced Design Vacuum Food Sealer (Kitchen)

35

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: First Stuck Fermentation

« on: June 04, 2013, 03:29:43 pm »

I had a BW that was sickly sweet (extract batch of NB's Lord Fatbottom, so not a mash issue) - I bottled and stored it still and it improved over time (2 years).  I blend it with a simple ale (just a little) once in a while for serving and it comes out fine.

+ Eleventy billion! There is nothing wrong with blending. In fact, you often end up with an excellent beer that could not have been brewed singly.

36

The Pub / Re: Well, most brewery owners are cool...

« on: June 04, 2013, 04:05:55 am »

The best thing to come of it all is that the Celis brand is going back to Austin and hopefully will be a good wit again.

Really?! I knew it was still contract brewed on occasion but to see celis in this neck of the woods again would be a real pleasure.

37

The Pub / Re: Latest Beer Marketing Gimmicks

« on: June 03, 2013, 02:27:40 pm »

Now that beer is "Cool" it just doesn't seem so special anymore. I'm apt to resist such blatant appeals to buy their product more than ever...

38

Equipment and Software / Re: Vacuum Sealers? Can I get some recommendations-Need to seal hops

« on: June 03, 2013, 12:34:24 pm »

My Seal-a-meal by Rival promptly failed after a couple uses. I've had it's replacement (Foodsaver) for 5 years now.

39

Equipment and Software / Re: Cleaning keg exteriors

« on: June 03, 2013, 12:30:19 pm »

I figured Bar Keepers Friend should be good for this.

That's always worked well for me.

+1 on the BKF! Your kegs will look awesome!

As far as stickers go I heat them up with a heat-gun and they peel off fairly easily leaving little to no adhesive behind.

40

The Pub / Re: I brewed

« on: June 02, 2013, 07:44:54 pm »

Must be the oils going rancid then...

41

The Pub / Re: I brewed

« on: June 02, 2013, 04:31:59 pm »

like blue cheese?

42

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: First Stuck Fermentation

« on: June 02, 2013, 10:17:15 am »

I'd say 158F mash temp is a tad bit on the high side for an American BW. Any Barleywine for that matter...

43

The Pub / Re: Well, most brewery owners are cool...

« on: June 02, 2013, 07:23:52 am »

Just goes to show that when it comes to money there is no loyalty- certainly not from his son and bank.

44

The Pub / Re: I brewed

« on: June 02, 2013, 04:46:42 am »

Awesome!

45

Beer Recipes / Re: Good Ale for BMC Drinkers

« on: May 31, 2013, 06:19:58 pm »

A Cristal-weisse would work for sure. My gateway was a Paulaner Hefe-weizen though. I think if you could get a strict bmc drinker to try one you'd be off to the races!