Messages

421

Equipment and Software / Re: Propane Burners

« on: June 14, 2010, 05:04:23 am »

You can easily convert a NG burner to propane but no necessarily the other way around.  Something to do with the design of the jet requires the higher pressure of propane to suck enough air through the venturi.  Check this out for a cheap NG burner.

http://www.cpapc.com/store/23-Tip-Round-Nozzle-Jet-Burner-natural-gas-P469C244.aspx

422

Equipment and Software / Re: Propane Burners

« on: June 13, 2010, 07:19:34 pm »

http://www.webstaurantstore.com/bayou-classic-sp10-single-burner-outdoor-patio-stove-range/554SP10.html

The base is not good for converted kegs but if you have a conventional pot, it's great and fairly good in the wind.  I have one of these for my 11 gat pot, and a KAB-4 for my 20 gal pot.

423

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Ale Diacetyl Rest

« on: June 10, 2010, 10:57:43 am »

Smoga,
How long are you keeping the 1968 in primary and at what temp do you ferment? With a big starter (like in a commercial brewery) this yeast will go to FG in 4 days, but needs 6-7 days to clean up completely.  That is what Wyeast is talking about.  If you are fermenting at 66-68 for 7 days or longer, you don't have to worry about diacetyl.

Dave

424

Pimp My System / Re: 200L Automated Brewery Project

« on: June 08, 2010, 06:07:34 am »

Drool!

425

The Pub / Re: It's so hot...

« on: June 03, 2010, 01:57:02 pm »

"I never drink water.  Fish do unspeakable things in it!"

-- W.C. Fields

426

All Grain Brewing / Re: Help me make this Plate chiller work!

« on: June 02, 2010, 05:29:20 pm »

3/4" NPT is not garden hose, but there are lots of BRASS NPT-->Garden Hose adapters out there but I have not seen those in stainless.  I'd go with the 1/2" NPT or hose barb.

427

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Got the refrigerator thermostate, now 3 (quickish) questions

« on: May 20, 2010, 02:37:58 pm »

I think you guys are missing the point.  The analog controllers measure pressure, not temperature.  I don't know if there is a gas or liquid in the bulb, but there is a sensor in the controller detects the change in pressure of the substance, and makes/breaks a relay in the thermostat.  That is why, if you kink the coil, it seals off the bulb from the sensor.

428

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Wyeast 1187 (Ringwood Ale) Yeast Problems?

« on: May 20, 2010, 10:56:25 am »

That's odd, I use the White Labs strain WLP005 and I have NO problem with diacetyl!

429

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Got the refrigerator thermostate, now 3 (quickish) questions

« on: May 19, 2010, 08:28:28 pm »

I would hesitate manipulating the bulb on that controller.  That copper coil is hollow and if you kink or break it the controller is useless.

430

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Got the refrigerator thermostate, now 3 (quickish) questions

« on: May 19, 2010, 03:44:21 pm »

I have a digital controller but I put a 5 inch muffin fan in my fermreezer and blow air onto the carboy.  Much less temp deviation.

431

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Wyeast 1187 (Ringwood Ale) Yeast Problems?

« on: May 19, 2010, 07:05:35 am »

I regularly use White Labs WLP005 (same yeast) for all my ales.  The issue is that it is a bottom fermenting ale yeast, trained for conical fermenters.  I find that when I use a big (3-4 liter) starter for a 6 gallon batch, it finishes in 3-4 days and drops out.  As soon as the krausen starts to fall, I rouse the yeast a couple of times a day to complete the first week, then let it be still for another week.  Do not rack to secondary prior to two weeks!  If you underpitch/underaerate this yeast will not attenuate properly and if stressed will produce spicy/phenolic flavors.  I prefer to keep this yeast going by pitching a healthy amount of the slurry from a previous batch. Second and above generations finish faster and attenuate better, so don't pitch a first generation into a high gravity beer.

432

All Grain Brewing / Re: First All Grain Batch

« on: May 10, 2010, 08:42:59 am »

Are you sure you want to start with a 7% beer?

433

All Grain Brewing / Re: First All Grain Batch

« on: May 10, 2010, 08:28:01 am »

IMO:
Amount Item Type % or IBU
2oz Magnum [10.50 %] (90 min) Hops 31.5 IBU
1oz Fuggles [4.00 %] (60 min) Hops 6.2 IBU
1oz Fuggles [4.00 %] (30 min) Hops 4.8 IBU
1oz Goldings, East Kent [4.50 %] (30 min) Hops 5.4 IBU
1oz Goldings, East Kent [4.50 %] (15 min) Hops 3.5 IBU

total 51.3 IBU (That's a lot but will be very smooth with the magnum, but make sure you do the Magnum full boil)

Also 350 g DME in 3.5 quart for each starter (you need some shakin' room)

Make one starter with the whole vial, then make the other, while it's cooling, pour half the first starter into the second jug, then top off both to 3.5 quarts!

Dave

434

All Grain Brewing / Re: First All Grain Batch

« on: May 10, 2010, 08:00:45 am »

What is the AA% of your Magnum, EKG and Fuggle?

435

All Grain Brewing / Re: First All Grain Batch

« on: May 10, 2010, 07:34:26 am »

Without any adjuncts you have 11 gals. of 6% beer
Each lb of flaked maize adds .25%
Each lb of sugar (brown or otherwise) adds .5%
For ESB I would use light brown sugar.
For Brown Ale - dark brown.

If you are going with 7%, you probably need about 50-55 IBU to cover the alcohol warmth!

What kind of stir plate do you have?  Will it turn your stirbar in a 1 gallon jug or growler?