Messages

46

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Bottling prep

« on: May 13, 2013, 07:16:44 AM »

All bottles should be cleaned and sanitized, new or reused.  I drop my bottle caps in star san and then cap.  If they are wet, they are sanitized (let them soak for about 30 seconds).  There's no need to sanitize the emily capper. 

I place the sanitized cap on the bottle, doing several at a time, and then do each one with the capper.

47

Equipment and Software / Re: Mesh bags for hops?

« on: May 10, 2013, 11:31:08 AM »

Wouldn't the bag melt if it touches the bottom? Or do you keep the bag off the bottom somehow?

I use a hop spider now and the bag doesn't touch but when I used the plain bag, I would tie the string to the handle and make sure it was high enough.  I got sick of trying to untwist the bag when adding more hops (that sucker got hot!!) which is why I went to the spider.

I don't feel like I'm losing anything using the spider, but there is a ton of room in a 5 gallon paint strainer bag and the hops do get tossed around during the boil.

48

Kegging and Bottling / Re: Handle on 20 LB CO2

« on: May 10, 2013, 07:38:07 AM »

That's what I wanted to hear...thanks.

I'm amazed that I can fill the 20 lb tank for less than what I can exchange one 5 lb tank.  I figured out that each time I fill the 20 lb, it would be a savings of about $49 over 4 exchanges.  Since I'm planning to move the tank outside the kegerator anyways (and free up space for 1 more keg), it seems like a no brainer.

49

Kegging and Bottling / Handle on 20 LB CO2

« on: May 10, 2013, 07:19:34 AM »

Ok...dumb Friday question.

I'm looking to get a bigger co2 tank and I'm thinking of the 20 lb (mostly because I can get it filled locally for $15).  These bigger tanks have a handle on them, and every promotional shot online makes it look like the regulator will have trouble connecting because the handle is in the way.

Anyone that has one of these tanks, do the handles spin so you can connect most regulators to it?

I told you...dumb question but my mind is already in the weekend 

50

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: AHA Action Alerts and other Government Affairs info

« on: May 10, 2013, 05:02:14 AM »

Congratulations to Alabama for officially legalizing homebrewing!!!

http://www.alahomebrewing.org/news
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/05/gov_robert_bentley_signs_home.html

51

Kegging and Bottling / Re: Bottling for Competitions?

« on: May 09, 2013, 01:16:52 PM »

When I bottle for comps, I use the Beergun and brand new bottles, and hit it with a little CO2 just before capping (very easy to do with the Beergun).

I'm not sure how well you can control with carb tabs, especially since you've already carbonated in the keg. 

52

Yeast and Fermentation / Starter: Step Up or Two Separate

« on: May 09, 2013, 12:24:51 PM »

In about 10 days, I am going to brew a doppelbock with an OG of  about 1.085.   I just purchased 2 packets of Wyeast 2124 that I was going to make a starter with.  I have a 2L flask and a stir plate that can handle that volume (i.e. it will not run a 5L flask) and I don't have time to brew another smaller beer and repitch the yeast.

I was on yeastcalc.com and see there is a new setting that Kai had developed.  After inputting required info, it looks like I would need to step up the starter a couple times (3 2L starters to be exact, although it's a little too close to the amount...I always like a little cushion) to get to the amount of yeast I need. Funny thing is with Kai's formula, if I only use 1 pack of yeast, the end result is almost the same, about 661B cells.

Now I have time to do this, but I noticed the first starter grows the cell count to about 352B cells.  Would it be possible to get a second 2L flask and do 2 separate yeast starters and combine them on brew day for a total of 700B cells instead of trying to grow up a starter with a couple other steps? 

It would definitely save time, and give me a little more insurance that there is enough yeast available.

Thanks.

53

Kegging and Bottling / Re: Sticky taps

« on: May 09, 2013, 11:07:03 AM »

I have Perlick forward seal taps, and squirt star san when done for the dayand use the Kleen plugs.

54

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Almost there - AL senate gives passage to homebrew bill

« on: May 09, 2013, 05:15:11 AM »

The really strange part of it all is after 20 years I'm starting to fit it.

But which part?

55

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Give this guy some beer

« on: May 08, 2013, 10:07:15 AM »

Target practice with a 30-30...pretty cool seeing them explode!

(and then recycle the cans of course)

56

Beer Recipes / Re: For my next stunt

« on: May 08, 2013, 07:47:29 AM »

Cool reply. Help me out on acronym CAP ?

Classic American Pilsner

(Bud = CrAP)

57

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: i'm brewing a beer for a movie

« on: May 08, 2013, 06:01:51 AM »

As long as you wait until July 1st to brew it 

Congrats!!

58

Equipment and Software / Re: pH Meter

« on: May 08, 2013, 05:17:53 AM »

I've been happy with the Milwaukee ph600 el cheapo ph meter.  I had consistently hit my ph number each time, so I don't even bother checking anymore.   I still keep it around to test out Star San that's been left out to see if it's still good.

59

The Pub / Re: Best TV theme song

« on: May 06, 2013, 05:29:20 AM »

Anyone with young children will like this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2nVcuwF_0A

60

The Pub / Re: You know you're a homebrewer if............

« on: May 06, 2013, 05:12:13 AM »

When you see this headline:

"NH sale features EKG of Armstrong's moon heartbeat"

and the first thing that comes to mind is East Kent Goldings.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/new-hampshire/2013/05/05/sale-features-ekg-armstrong-moon-heartbeat/OrS70RUcyRYWlsrOQkR3NL/story.html