Messages

136

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Sunleaves Oxystones Usage

« on: March 17, 2012, 02:41:08 PM »

I don't know about Sunleaves, but this is a good one: http://www.williamsbrewing.com/22-AERATION-WAND-P490C106.aspx

I've been using it for years without issue, and you can boil it.  The stainless wand makes it really easy to use.

+1 to this one. I have been using for about a year and works great. Also agree that the wand makes very easy to use.

137

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: How to Add Vanilla

« on: March 17, 2012, 02:38:45 PM »

I have done both splitting and adding to the keg or secondary and splitting soaking in vodka and adding. Both have worked very well.

138

All Grain Brewing / Mike McDole...Brew System...Recipes?

« on: March 15, 2012, 09:21:16 AM »

I've met Mike several times and he is super friendly and open to helping. If you are on Facebook hit him up there I am sure he would be happy to answer any questions for you.


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139

General Homebrew Discussion / What's Brewing This Weekend - 3/16 Edition

« on: March 15, 2012, 09:15:29 AM »

Nothing sadly. I am traveling out to DC with some of my students for a few days.


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140

General Homebrew Discussion / Condo Brewing

« on: March 13, 2012, 09:32:33 PM »

I moved down to smaller batches, 4 gallons or so.  When I do bigger I use a heat stick, got it off amazon works great.  You can find it searching "bucket heater", it was about $30. I know you can build them but I don't trust myself to build anything that I will plug in then put in liquid.


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141

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Got the cops called on me!

« on: March 12, 2012, 01:37:10 PM »

My uncle was a cop for 30+ years (including being Chief of Police in Vallejo, CA) and over the years I have has several good friends in law enforcement. The problem is while we know we are doing something innocent and legal, the officer at your door doesn't necessarily know that. They are taught to be suspicious (usually for their own safety), add to that they are lied to almost all the time (oh, I didn't know I was speeding, that is my friend's weed, I only had two beers!). So in the end he isn't just going to take someone's word.

Yep, there are cops out there that will give anyone a hard time just because they can, but in my experience the last thing most cops want to being doing is bugging someone. Maybe I've been luck but anytime I have been harassed by a cop it was usually because I was doing something stupid.  I will happily give up some of my time if it helps a cop do his job, which should be ensuring that we are all safe. Yes, we have the right stop them at the door... but if showing them around ensures they don't have to come back, well fine by me. Of course, if the cop demands to come in vs asking professionally (which is not always nice but professional works for me) I might tell him to stuff it (politely). But if the guy is just trying to do his job, well...

142

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Got the cops called on me!

« on: March 11, 2012, 05:30:15 PM »

I think that's a great higher road to take, Tom. But you can explain everything you are doing at the door with the officer. Not saying don't show them respect, but they know very well that they have no right coming into your home if you don't invite them. They can return to the precinct and investigate the laws more closely and see if they have reason enough for a warrant. but coming into your house and trying to find something you are doing that is illegal - that's beyond the scope of what law enforcement is intended for.

I can see what you are saying but at the end of the day I would rather let them in so I can clear the matter up than have them get super suspicious and come back with a warrant. Instead of just looking around for anything in plain view (which is the only thing they can do without a warrant), once they come knocking with a warrant they rip everything apart and confiscate anything they deem "suspicious". Yes they will issue you an apology etc, etc. but it would be a pain in the ass.  Like I say about every right we we have, just because you CAN do something doesn't always mean you SHOULD.

143

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: What's Brewing This Weekend - 3/9 Edition

« on: March 10, 2012, 09:53:50 AM »

Did a double batch yesterday. A Vanilla Latte Stout (Sweet Stout) and a Blind Pig clone (which I am calling Deaf Badger). Rest of the weekend will be planning to see if I can get do another brew session in the next week or two. 

144

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: WLP 002 High Temp Fermentation

« on: March 09, 2012, 10:59:15 AM »

Thanks guys! That is exactly what happened. Actually the beer tastes fantastic... the higher fermentation temp gave a little banana ester on the finish that reminds of Boddingtons. Actually the beers tastes a LOT like Boddingtons so I am fairly happy camper. Less then a week from brew to keg to my mouth. A bit of rush but it's good never the less. 

145

Yeast and Fermentation / WLP 002 High Temp Fermentation

« on: March 07, 2012, 09:58:56 AM »

So over the weekend I brewed a English Extra Special Bitter using 002. Usually I ferment with this yeast at about 65 degrees, but wanted to play with a higher fermentation temp to see how I like it. Unfortunately, it ended up a little higher than I wanted 69/70. I kept it steady so the yeast didn't flock out but now I am wondering what to expect. I am sure the beer will turn out fine but wanted to use this as a learning experience. What kinds of flavors can I expect?

Thanks!

146

General Homebrew Discussion / Should I....

« on: March 03, 2012, 11:10:19 PM »

Thanks guys. I do have a second set of stuff for sours. I just got careless. Ah well.


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147

Equipment and Software / Cheap IR thermometer

« on: March 02, 2012, 06:46:24 AM »

I bought the same one off amazon and have used in quite a bit. It is pretty accurate (within a degree of two), cheap, easy to use, and also makes a great cat toy . I use it a lot for cold side temp readings when I don't want to be sticking things in my wort or beer anymore but don't need a super accurate reading. Ferm temps (to check that my controller is correct), checking the wort when cooling, checking starter temps when cooling, etc. For $15 it has been very handy. It doesn't how every work well on the mash or hot side stuff.


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148

Beer Recipes / What makes a recipe "yours"?

« on: March 02, 2012, 06:38:06 AM »

I've used JZ's recipes from Brewing Classic Styles quite a bit. As a newer brewer the book has been very helpful over the last year or so. At first I would look stuff up on the internet but realized that only god knows how good that beer would turn out. Like others said after brewing it once I start making changes to suit my tastes. I think at that point it becomes mine.  It's been a great learning experience... brewed his Cal Common and discovered that I am not a big fan for Northern Brewer hops .

I also have brewed a couple of Denny's recipes (thanks Denny!!) which have found very little to change because they come out so damn good.


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149

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Should I....

« on: March 01, 2012, 07:21:47 PM »

Pretty sure they where fine going in, almost positive. I know where f'ed up... I also kegged a sour about the same time. I am pretty sure I got some cross contamination from my plastic wine thief. Anyway long story but I am pretty sure I know when and how...

150

General Homebrew Discussion / Should I....

« on: March 01, 2012, 06:42:54 PM »

So I naturally carbed two beers in kegs a couple weeks ago and went to put them on tap tonight. To make sure they were carbonated I pulled a bit to check the level. THEY WERE BOTH TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY INFECTED!!! It's been a while since I had an infection and sadly had to dumped both batches.

Here is my question: I am worried about the next beer I put in those kegs... totally sure it was not the kegs the gave me the infection but don't want it to spread to my next beer now that something infected was in there.

Should I replace all the "O" rings and such? They are in good condition but I do have extras on hand and don't mind doing it. Just asking because I hate to waste when I don't need too.

Second, should I replace the beverage line in the kegerator too?

Thanks!