Messages

76

Equipment and Software / Re: Looking for ideas for refrigerator/freezer for Sabco Fermenter.

« on: April 18, 2012, 05:36:05 am »

Sears sells a "freezerless" refrigerator which I use for by bbb conical. To get it to fit, I had to remove the door and replaced it with lightweight plastic panels (inexpensive corrugated plastic panels used for outdoor signs, got at Lowe's or HD) with strip magnets around the edges.

This pic doesn't show the panels.  I originally used plexiglas, but it is heavy, the magnet strips don't adhere well to it, and it deflects (warps) slightly if the temp is cold inside.

http://home.comcast.net/~midnighthomebrewers/Newsletters/2009No.3.pdf

77

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Starting a homebrew club

« on: April 13, 2012, 07:29:33 pm »

Start your club with just the two of you if you have to.  If your internet service provider gives you a free web site, use it and create even a simple page.  List your club with the AHA club directory.  We get at least a few new member referrals every year through that channel.

78

Beer Travel / Re: Things to do in Baltimore, MD?

« on: April 10, 2012, 08:41:06 pm »

In Federal Hill, first stop shoulld be Pub Dog.  Not a brewpub but they only serve their own house beers which are brewed at Dog Brewing in Westminster.  Good locally-brewed beers (try the new Begian Blue Corn Tripel), great pizzas.  FYI, Dog Brewing in Westminster (where I live) also brews many of the Stillwater Ales.

http://pubdog.net/beers.html

Second stop is only a few doors away, at the Abbey Burger Bistro.  Belgian beers and the best burger menu anywhere...choice of meat, bread, cheese, a bazillion toppings.  I'm tellin' ya...a beef burger with peanut butter and fresh jalapeno peppers is *it*!

Also second the vote for Brewer's Art which is an upscale, comfy brewpub with great "European Country" fare.

if you have wheels, then get thee to Victoria Gastro Pub in Columbia.  The beer menu is literally a book of beers from around the world, with a solid emphasis on Belgians.  The duck fat fries will help you think your way through the beer menu.

Max's Taphouse if you're just looking for the sickest choice of drafts and bottles.

79

Homebrew Competitions / Re: Maryland Microbrewery Festival 2012 Homebrew Competition

« on: March 21, 2012, 06:06:59 am »

All fixed now. Thanks again!

80

Homebrew Competitions / Re: Maryland Microbrewery Festival 2012 Homebrew Competition

« on: March 20, 2012, 07:24:05 pm »

Thanks for the clarification  .

81

Homebrew Competitions / Re: Maryland Microbrewery Festival 2012 Homebrew Competition

« on: March 19, 2012, 09:33:47 pm »

Thanks, that would be me  .  I thought I had changed the name of that page, and I'm not seeing 2009 anywhere right now, at least not on this tablet, but I'll look closer when I get on my 'puter.

Cheers!

82

Homebrew Competitions / Maryland Microbrewery Festival 2012 Homebrew Competition

« on: March 17, 2012, 11:59:50 pm »

Entry Period is September 1 - 15.

Judging will take place during the festival, September 29, on the grounds of historic Union Mills Homestead in Westminster, MD.  Winning brewer's recipe is brewed commercially by Dog Brewing Company for bottled sales and exclusive draught sales at Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants throughout Maryland.

Categories: Big Beers 6-10% a.b.v., judged against BJCP 2008 Style Guidelines.

Restrictions:
- No smoked beers or sour beers, please
- Maryland resident brewers, or
- Member of a Maryland-based club

Most current info: http://home.comcast.net/~midnighthomebrewers/competition.htm

83

Equipment and Software / Re: Run any Mac/PC desktop brewing program on tablet or phone

« on: March 17, 2012, 06:44:44 pm »

I don't really think so.  To connect with your desktop, (1) the desktop app (Streamer) has to be running, and it can only connect with another device that (2) is also running Splashtop Remote Desktop and (3) has the unique passcode which you created on the desktop app and (4) is either connected directly to your wireless network or (5) over the internet via your Google account login and password info.

84

All Grain Brewing / Re: Chloramine

« on: March 17, 2012, 11:31:15 am »

Easy and cheap chlorine/chloramine test strips here:

http://www.oceanproaquatics.com/shop/lifegard-chlorinechloramine-test-strips-p-3427.html

A good local aquarium/pond supply center might also have them, where I originally found them.  I have also seen other brands. 

The strip has two test pads, one shows total chlorine and the other shows just free chlorine.  If free chlorine is clean (white) but total chlorine is pink, then you still have some chloramine in there.

85

Equipment and Software / Run any Mac/PC desktop brewing program on tablet or phone

« on: March 17, 2012, 08:55:16 am »

No ad here, just a crazy happy user of Splashtop Remote Desktop.  You install the Splashtop Streamer program on your Mac or PC computer, and the appropriate app (iOS, Android, webOS, Mac/Windows, Kindle Fire, Nook, BB Playbook...) on your phone or tablet that is WiFi enabled.  The Streamer running on your desktop will give your mobile device full access to your entire desktop.  It's very cool and works great.

You do not have to be directly connected to the same network, either.  On my HP webOS TouchPad and a WiFi connection anywhere, including the WiFi Hotspot app on my phone, my TouchPad finds my dssktop by registering thru Google.  Then I'm off, running SUDS directly, with full control, on the TouchPad from my deck, or a buddy's house miles away.

http://www.splashtop.com/remote

86

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Bottling with more yeast

« on: February 28, 2012, 09:57:23 pm »

The last two Saisons I brewed, I re-yeasted, with additional sugar as well.  I used White Labs 565 for primary (let it rise above 90°) and for bottling.  Bottled most of each batch in Belgian 750ml bottles with corks & wires.  Kept them at about 70-75° for a month, laying on their sides after bottling to condition.  (Those which are in 12 oz. bottles for competition entry were left upright). 

These have both turned out to be the best of the many Saisons I have brewed (NHC, here we come!).  Just wonderful, authentic, results.  I've never re-yeasted before, so I used Farmhouse Ales and Yeast books as my references for how to do it and how much yeast to add.

87

Homebrew Clubs / Re: AHA helping Brew Clubs with membership

« on: February 24, 2012, 06:40:02 pm »

As an AHA member, it's a bad idea.  There is enough information about clubs already available to the AHA's membership, for anyone who is interested to find a local club.

And under no circumstances would I want the AHA giving my contact info to anyone, for any reason.

88

Equipment and Software / Re: Installing Taps in Fridge Door...Parts?

« on: February 14, 2012, 11:20:44 pm »

I used a nice SS drip tray with a removable grate, for a few years.  If you don't clean it very regularly, it turns into a stinking, sticking, festering mess.  Took a tip from a lady brewer in our club who just puts nice throw rugs on the floor in front of the fridge, under the taps.  Catches drips, comes clean in the washing machine.  Been doing it that way for years now.

89

Equipment and Software / Re: Installing Taps in Fridge Door...Parts?

« on: January 30, 2012, 09:55:00 pm »

The connector on the back end of the shank (where the hose connects) is called the tailpiece.  Typically they are barbed, but you can buy a tailpiece with a 1/4" flare fitting which fits a swivel nut, allowing you to screw and unscrew the hose instead of pulling the hose off a barbed fitting.

Also, cut a piece of 1/4" thick plywood or something similar to sort of fit the inside cavities of the door panel where your shanks enter the fridge, to create a "backer board".  The shank will pass through the board as well (a 7/8" or 1" hole saw is needed).  Then you can screw the tightening nut down against the backer board instead of just the plastic inside the door.  It'll let you tighten it down snugly without cracking the plastic.

90

Equipment and Software / Re: Blichmann 14 Gal Conical

« on: January 02, 2012, 03:48:26 am »

I own a lot of Blichmann gear, but for the 12.2 Gallon Stainless Steel Conical Fermenter I prefer the morebeer 12.2 basic model for one primary reason: the cone can be lifted out of the stand.  Plus the whole thing fits inside a Kenmore freezer-less refrigerator where I can control temp exactly with the addition of a space heater.  But this is in my basement where I don't have running water or a sink for cleaning.

The empty cone of my bbb conical is lightweight and lifts out of the stand very easily.  I carry it up to the kitchen sink and set it on a modified bottling bucket (with cut-out to accommodate the side port).  Then I can fill it, soak it, and drain it into the sink.