31
General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Brewing over Two days
« on: March 18, 2013, 04:02:02 PM »
A nice boil kills the bad guys. proceed.
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32
General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Ever have one of those beers.....
« on: March 15, 2013, 09:30:19 AM »
Simple answer: Yes....more often than I'd like.
Add: boilover the second you round the corner to do something else (after all a watched pot never boils, but an unwatched one explodes), stuck mash, and hops block transfer to fermenter.
Usually there is one injury as well....burn, cut, bump, bruise....
Thankfully the beer usually turns out ok.
Add: boilover the second you round the corner to do something else (after all a watched pot never boils, but an unwatched one explodes), stuck mash, and hops block transfer to fermenter.
Usually there is one injury as well....burn, cut, bump, bruise....
Thankfully the beer usually turns out ok.
33
All Grain Brewing / Re: Switching to All Grain
« on: March 14, 2013, 09:36:59 AM »Quote
Don't be afraid of all grain.+1,000
It is easy to accomplish but difficult to master every aspect of brewing, and that, besides the beer, keeps it fresh for a lot of us.
In so many ways, I thought that except for the time element (taking longer than extract) it was easier to just mash your own, and was a more relaxed experience (more to do, but more time to do it in).
I agree with Beersk, brew in a bag is the easiest way to try it out. Post your experience.
34
The Pub / Re: Bitter Brew
« on: March 08, 2013, 02:13:43 PM »
yes, just finished reading. It is both the good and bad about the business and family....there isn't a clear good guy and bad guy, just a whole lot of crazy, except maybe In Bev and the effects on St. Louis and employees of AB (the real losers in the end, imho).
35
Kegging and Bottling / Re: Kegging
« on: March 08, 2013, 01:19:41 PM »
There are a number of articles from Zymurgy avaliable on the web here for download, but the best general info about equipment and setup of pro systems is the Draft Quality Manual published by the Brewers Association. (google it to download). It gives an overview of all of the equipment, terminology, and concepts associated with draft equipment.
It doesn't talk about homebrew set ups (using corny kegs), though.
It doesn't talk about homebrew set ups (using corny kegs), though.
36
Equipment and Software / Re: Hoses....
« on: March 07, 2013, 09:49:04 PM »
I also use an air compressor, but didn't buy it for brewing. I also use the air compressor to clean out my grain mill, and blow liquid out of my herms coil and wort chiller. It is now indispensable during my brew day.
When doing things away from the compressor, clean, rinse and hang, sanitize before use.
When doing things away from the compressor, clean, rinse and hang, sanitize before use.
37
Equipment and Software / Re: promash vs beersmith vs others
« on: March 06, 2013, 03:47:17 PM »
I had been using a freeware program called qbrew, with much success for a few years. It is very basic.
I have recently upgraded to Beersmith2, but am still learning it, so the jury is out. It is far more complicated, but also does a lot more. But really, I have no complaints so far except that I haven't figured out how to customize it so it is just giving me the info I actually want (instead of everything I want and a bunch of other crap).
I have recently upgraded to Beersmith2, but am still learning it, so the jury is out. It is far more complicated, but also does a lot more. But really, I have no complaints so far except that I haven't figured out how to customize it so it is just giving me the info I actually want (instead of everything I want and a bunch of other crap).
38
Events / Re: NHC 2013 Entry Problems - Possible Solutions?
« on: March 06, 2013, 01:47:17 PM »
I wanted to give an update on the "second chance" registration process. I recieved an e-mail a few days ago saying that since I was able to register but didn't get the chance to enter beers, that I would be eligible for the second chance entry starting today at 1pm (runs until tomorrow or when slots fill).
I didn't have high hopes, because I am at work, was scheduled in a meeting until 1:30pm and didn't have the latest browser (that was needed last time)....but, I am pleased to say that I got entry numbers 386 and 394 (out of 900 or so, I think). It will fill quickly, it seems.
The system worked smoothly, payment was easy, and I got a nice confirmation from Janis immediately via e-mail. I entered two beers, representing both my brother and I (both AHA members), cognizant of others wishing to enter too. We are thankful for the opportunity to compete, and I look forward to helping at the denver site in April (and going to my first NHC in June).
So, whatever you learned AHA/BA, please remember it for GABF later this year.
My only questions left are: 1. I can't tell which region I entered into. 2. I looked for a place to download my bottle labels (or instructions/deadlines for getting my beer in), but didn't see (or didn't understand). 3. What can I expect next?
I didn't have high hopes, because I am at work, was scheduled in a meeting until 1:30pm and didn't have the latest browser (that was needed last time)....but, I am pleased to say that I got entry numbers 386 and 394 (out of 900 or so, I think). It will fill quickly, it seems.
The system worked smoothly, payment was easy, and I got a nice confirmation from Janis immediately via e-mail. I entered two beers, representing both my brother and I (both AHA members), cognizant of others wishing to enter too. We are thankful for the opportunity to compete, and I look forward to helping at the denver site in April (and going to my first NHC in June).
So, whatever you learned AHA/BA, please remember it for GABF later this year.
My only questions left are: 1. I can't tell which region I entered into. 2. I looked for a place to download my bottle labels (or instructions/deadlines for getting my beer in), but didn't see (or didn't understand). 3. What can I expect next?
39
Classifieds / Re: 3 Tap Kegerator For Sale in Denver - 500
« on: March 05, 2013, 01:41:19 PM »
oh, man! I wish I had $500 right now!
40
Events / Re: NHC 2013 Entry Problems - Possible Solutions?
« on: March 05, 2013, 10:00:38 AM »
Maybe it is also time to split out Mead and Cider to their own Nationals (their second round could still be at the conference) as they have their own qualified judges (and folks that are qualified to judge both mead/cider and beer could judge at both if they wanted instead of having to choose).
I mean no disrespect to mead/cider, if they were at a different time I might want to steward to learn more about them....as I am barely qualified to open these beverages let alone taste one. they are just specialized catagories.
I mean no disrespect to mead/cider, if they were at a different time I might want to steward to learn more about them....as I am barely qualified to open these beverages let alone taste one. they are just specialized catagories.
41
Events / Re: NHC 2013 Entry Problems - Possible Solutions?
« on: March 01, 2013, 08:03:27 AM »Quote
I'm founder & president of the Paris Homebrewers Club, so I attend every meeting. And funny enough, this is exactly the sort of comp structure we use.
American's don't collaborate very well (look at our government today).
I do think we need to revisit relaxing and having a homebrew. If we look at even this thread, there are only 20 or so people having this conversation....maybe 1000 more are upset or concerned.
That leaves 30,000 others. Perhaps they are relaxing, and having a homebrew?
42
Events / Re: NHC 2013 Entry Problems - Possible Solutions?
« on: February 28, 2013, 01:18:44 PM »Quote
Last year I had an O'fest that got a 42 in a local competition with >1000 entries. In the first round it got a 33. Sent a keg to club night, and some guys named Mitch Steele and Tasty McDole were behind our booth when I got back, with lots of questions about the beer along with a lot of praise. That was my reward last year.
That is the coolest story ever! I would trade a medal for that feedback (of a couple of people that I hold in high regard/respect) any day. Unfortunately, I don't brew enough to share so prolifically, so a couple bottles here and there make more sense (perfect for a competition).
I am very close to being done with NHC, as a competitor at least, beer is a social thing anyway.
43
Events / Re: NHC 2013 Entry Problems - Possible Solutions?
« on: February 28, 2013, 09:00:15 AM »
Maybe we just need to slow down the registration process. If we limited the registration to one beer per member at a time (and then you need to get back into the cue and start all over), then more people would have a chance to register their 1st beer. You could limit 5 individual entries per day, as well (if 5 is the magic number, it could be more or less).
If we staggered the region time slots less people would be entering at the same time (if this is/was the problem), or do a lottery or priority system (again that thing!) to get into the cue at certain times. I remember when my college went from a card/stand in line system for registration, to a phone registration system. As a freshman, I couldn't register until a certain time, as Senior's had priority.
I think it also needs to be closed to non-members now (not that that would change the landscape at all, but we have gotten to the point where membership has to have priority).
If we staggered the region time slots less people would be entering at the same time (if this is/was the problem), or do a lottery or priority system (again that thing!) to get into the cue at certain times. I remember when my college went from a card/stand in line system for registration, to a phone registration system. As a freshman, I couldn't register until a certain time, as Senior's had priority.
I think it also needs to be closed to non-members now (not that that would change the landscape at all, but we have gotten to the point where membership has to have priority).
44
Events / Re: NHC 2013 Entry Problems - Possible Solutions?
« on: February 27, 2013, 12:23:58 PM »Quote
But that potentially means 30K entries
I guess the real question is, how many enteries would we have this year if there was no cap? And how many entrants? My brother and I are both members, brew exclusively together, and equally collaborate on all of our beers, and (try to) enter as one. We intended to put two and possibly 3 beers in.
How many members are not actually brewers but maintain membership for the awesome discounts at local establishments (that pays the price of my membership for sure) or to get into GABF on Saturday afternoon?
How many members are former homebrewers turned pro, that just like to stay connected to their roots and get Zymurgy? I imagine that they are ineligible to enter, or it would be pretty embarrassing for Ken Grossman to win a gold at NHC for an American Pale Ale?
How many are like Kai and don't compete?
If we gave 1 beer entry to everyone who wanted a slot, how many would we have?
As for me, I don't like competing all that much, but it would be nice to have a shiny medal to validate my efforts. I entered my first beers in competitions only a few (like 10) years ago after I felt my beers hit a plateau. I got great feedback (and follow up when I asked for it) from judges which helped me as a brewer. I like the NHC as I wanted to support and benefit from a group I am a member of.
I don't put beers in every year either.
To be part of the solution (and to get better at tasting and brewing, I admit) I started volunteering as a steward for the 1st round NHC in 2010, and finally took my first BJCP exam this year. The NHC 1st round is only sort of fun to be involved in....it is far more work than fun. My impression is that it is already too big....too many beers (at least in certain catagories), too few judges, not enough space or time at the location to comfortably judge beers.
It is also my understanding that other local competitions held by some of the bigger clubs is bursting at the seams with entries pushing the limits of their own entry caps....many of those are like 300+ entries, and the guys running those comps are the same ones volunteering and organizing at the NHC sites. So the qualifier idea may not work, either.
We could do a winter and summer olympics style with certain catagories only judged at one or the other....but then we'd be complaining twice a year about this.
45
Events / Re: NHC 2013 Entry Problems - Possible Solutions?
« on: February 27, 2013, 10:41:00 AM »Quote
I personally wouldn't enter under any scenario where I'm limited to a small number of entries.
But if you medaled three out of three we would bow....even batting 1.000 into the second round is an accomplishment beyond reproach. Winning where the odds on getting into the competition are equal is better than winning because you put the odds of entering in your favor. Entering 14 crappy beers and one good one does the same to improve your odds on that one beer by removing 14 other potential competitors from the field. Imagine if those 14 other competitors were planning entering in the same catagory as you. This is perfectly ok by the rules as they stand.
I like the radical idea of 1 beer per membership. You have to judge the beers you have in your stable, and pick your strongest. This tests the skill of the brewer as well as his/her own palate and judgement. You have to have a good beer, you have to know it is your best beer, and you are playing against a field doing the exact same thing. Draconian yes, but very inclusive.