Messages

211

Kegging and Bottling / Re: seeking CO2 set up advice

« on: March 24, 2011, 09:16:42 PM »

if money is no object, buy another tank, but otherwise, 4 on tap isn't so bad.  I have a 7cf with a collar and can fit 3 cornys and a 5 gallon sanke (which is slightly bigger) with room to spare, but not enough for 5.  I don't own 5 cornys to test if I would have enough room for them without the sanke 1/6th barrel.  My collar isn't wide enough for the 5th keg on the hump.  My tank is 20# so, it doesn't even fit on the hump, so I drilled through the collar.

good luck.

212

Kegging and Bottling / Re: How Long Will It Last?

« on: March 23, 2011, 05:50:28 AM »

the only thing I can think of is that as you drink it down the surface to volume changes in the keg.....so fluctuation in carbonation is possible...beer does change over time, too.  Also, if you disconnect your serving hose and make sure it stays clean....I would personally go for it.  You have to taste it to make sure it is good enough for competition, right?

213

Kegging and Bottling / Re: air compressor fittings/hose for co2

« on: March 22, 2011, 06:44:15 PM »

I am using a quick disconnect, and that is the part I am watching for a leak.  My guess is that after a lot of use, it will start to leak....but, with teflon tape all connections seem to be holding.

Thanks for the input Oscar.

g

214

Equipment and Software / Re: Building a garage brewery

« on: March 18, 2011, 10:55:14 PM »

I hope you are not having girls.....they are tons of fun, but I am even more marginalized as the only dude in the house.  A real argument for man space out in the garage....you just won't get out there for a while.

Grinding off your own top is easy....it just takes time (depending on the equipment you have).  I bought a air compressor and grinder cheap from craigslist....but cheap meant it didn't have the capacity to do the job.  It took me over a hour of grinding to get a top off, but I use the compressor for so many different things (bicycle tires for kids...hint hint...if you make it about the kids, it is easier to get it past spouse), including cleaning my grain mill....well worth the purchase and the time.

good luck.  Post pictures and let us know about your experience of both your build as well as your brewing schedule with newborn twins (or not).

215

Kegging and Bottling / Re: air compressor fittings/hose for co2

« on: March 16, 2011, 09:54:24 PM »

Yeah, I thought of that, but my compressor is not one of those, and the fittings I have sitting are either never used, or lightly used (like once).

Thanks Tom.
ps, you and I are neighbors (so to speak).

216

Kegging and Bottling / air compressor fittings/hose for co2

« on: March 16, 2011, 08:59:03 PM »

Is there any reason I can not use fittings and hose from an air compressor for my CO2?  I have quick disconnects, fittings and hoses rated to 300 psi sitting around collecting dust....and the threads fit my co2 regulator and my gas manifold too....

Is there any compelling (or dangerous) reason not to?

217

The Pub / Re: Japan quake

« on: March 15, 2011, 10:49:21 PM »

the problem with Americans....is that 1. we like cheap and profitable, and 2. We don't like government telling us what to do.  Land of McDonald's and Walmart also likes Arrogant Bastard and has a puritanical rave about distribution and consumption of certain beverages....and has a obesity problem.

go figure.  I can't decide about America....and I was born here.

218

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Another oopsie

« on: March 13, 2011, 02:24:38 PM »

creepy.

219

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Another oopsie

« on: March 13, 2011, 02:06:10 PM »

I think if you've ever had a bad batch, you get more stringent about sanitation.  Over time, some of that strictness wears off.  But both sides are right.  It is unlikely that you might have an infection from a short exposure to a relatively clean surface...but unlikely  isn't good enough for most (at least brewers)...
unlikely to get her pregnant.
unlikely to catch anything eating food from a restroom floor.
unlikely to get caught.

Or, just do the right thing and know you can "Relax, Not Worry, and have a clean uninfected Homebrew".

220

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Beer Comp Entries Up?

« on: March 12, 2011, 07:58:54 PM »

I have been thinking about competitions lately....I have no real interest in entering them because while the feedback is nice, I don't brew to win, but rather to enjoy (making and drinking...beer crafted for and by me), but judging has my interest to grow my own knowledge of what is out there....so I may take the exam this year.

I think that capping entries and making them more expensive would work....also, perhaps NHC needs qualifiers.  If you score minimum of 30 in a qualifying comp, you gain entry for 1 beer in nationals.  I like the idea of each brewer bringing what they think is their best beer, rather than the shotgun approach to winning medals.

Obviously, if it cost $100 to enter one beer, you would bring only your best of best, but that is not the spirit of inclusion that the AHA has always been about....hence the two rounds and regional judging at NHC.

221

All Grain Brewing / Re: beer gas

« on: March 08, 2011, 08:31:20 PM »

I too experience this, and after a night on a Belgian bender.....whoa!  I know that the yeast is working overtime with the bacteria in my intenstines....I can almost feel it.  I figure it is just industrial strength digestion.

222

Kegging and Bottling / Re: Perlicks

« on: March 04, 2011, 07:24:42 PM »

Thank you all for your opinions.  I have been agonizing over the purchase of a few (since on sale).  I need to get at least one, huh?

223

Pimp My System / Re: Keezer build

« on: March 02, 2011, 09:24:04 PM »

Bravo!  We (all 100,000 of us) will be over on Friday.

224

Equipment and Software / Re: faucet spacing

« on: March 02, 2011, 09:18:34 PM »

My faucet(s) (faucet and future faucets) are (will be) on the front as (attempted to) shown.  As I said, I was thinking of waiting to buy the backsplash/drip tray combo with pre drilled holes, and that would inform my spacing....but if I can't wait.....I thought I'd ask.

Edit: Hey, awesome!  I got a photo to post!

225

Kegging and Bottling / Perlicks

« on: March 02, 2011, 09:13:34 PM »

So, Austin Homebrew has a nice sale on stainless forward sealing Perlick faucets.  I am meticulous about cleaning anyway, so I am wondering if they are worth the cost...also the BA's draught quality manual says that the drawback of the forward sealers is more foaming....

so, wise brethren, are the Perlicks worth the cost, and do you experience additional foaming?  You see the Perlicks in all the fine establishments (ie breweries)...and that alone is pushing me towards them, but I only serve 1 beer or so a day, does stainless even matter?