Messages

631

Commercial Beer Reviews / Re: Sierra Nevada Estate & Tumbler...New Belgium Ranger IPA

« on: September 28, 2010, 09:26:56 AM »

I just had these brews on tap at a local fair/homebrew comp.

For the first time, I had brews (Estate and Tumbler) by Sierra Nevada Brewery that I really didn't care for, especially the Tumbler-zero complexity.  A dud in my book.

I thought the Ranger IPA was decent, if not overwhelming.

Oddly enough, one of the breweries (I forget which one) had a keg of Smithwicks.  It seemed a tad flat, but the flavor was still very balanced and thoroughly enjoyable to me.  I'd like to take a crack at brewing a clone of that.

I like the Ranger IPA as well.

632

Commercial Beer Reviews / Re: Alaskan Double Black IPA

« on: September 28, 2010, 09:26:01 AM »

Well, another brewery gets on the CDA bandwagon.

September 1st they released this beer.  I'm in Washington State and had a devil of a time finding this beer.  Actually, I haven't found it YET.  I live in the boonies, and each of the two (yes I said only two) that will carry this western washington (at least according to the Alaskan salesman) are each over 100 miles from my house.  (I guess one Tavern in Seattle, got ONE keg)

This may all be bull, but, that's what I was told. 

Anyway, a buddy is visiting his mother in Seattle, and driving right by the Ballard QFC where they have this in 22oz bottles.  They gave me a deal because a bought a full 12 bottle case.  He called me last night, and has it.  But, I won't get 'till 6pm PST tonight.

Has anyone had this?  I love the new CDA beers.  (Or whatever you want to call them, I don't care)  Did I just waste $100?

OK, so I got the Alaskan.  It's one of the better CDA's out there.  Very similar to Dechutte's.  Although my tasting partner said it was a bit too sweet.  (she's a hophead, one reason to keep her around)

633

Equipment and Software / Re: Quick disconnects

« on: September 28, 2010, 09:19:46 AM »

I drilled the center "corss hairs" out of my CPCs and never had them clog. They are "nice enough", but go stainless if you can.  The CPC ones, while they handle heat well, never felt sanitary. Especially after I drilled them out.

The thing about the Tri Clamps, they are pricey but they will last almost forever if you take care of 'em. And they are truly sanitary.

I started with SS.  But then at a beer fest in Yakima, saw the demo brew guys were using plastic.  I switched over.  SS get's hot.  (I have a bunch of SS ones to sell, PM me if interested.)

634

Commercial Beer Reviews / Alaskan Double Black IPA

« on: September 25, 2010, 09:26:45 AM »

Well, another brewery gets on the CDA bandwagon.

September 1st they released this beer.  I'm in Washington State and had a devil of a time finding this beer.  Actually, I haven't found it YET.  I live in the boonies, and each of the two (yes I said only two) that will carry this western washington (at least according to the Alaskan salesman) are each over 100 miles from my house.  (I guess one Tavern in Seattle, got ONE keg)

This may all be bull, but, that's what I was told. 

Anyway, a buddy is visiting his mother in Seattle, and driving right by the Ballard QFC where they have this in 22oz bottles.  They gave me a deal because a bought a full 12 bottle case.  He called me last night, and has it.  But, I won't get 'till 6pm PST tonight.

Has anyone had this?  I love the new CDA beers.  (Or whatever you want to call them, I don't care)  Did I just waste $100?

635

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Glassware

« on: September 24, 2010, 03:30:16 PM »

I have mostly normal pint glasses, but I prefer the nonic.  (I only have two)

636

All Grain Brewing / Re: what do you do with all that grain?

« on: September 24, 2010, 11:29:15 AM »

I put an ad on Craigslist for the local chicken farmers.  Now, I get a dozen eggs as a barter every other brew........ (10 gallons each)

637

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: What's Brewing This Weekend - 9/24 Edition

« on: September 23, 2010, 12:54:46 PM »

Time to brew a Christmas ale.

638

Ingredients / Re: Paying for hops is worth it !!!

« on: September 16, 2010, 10:20:00 AM »

I just spent 2.5 to 3 hours picking one set of hops. 
Five more varieties to go - I'm starting to think the prices out there aren't that bad.

I guess if the others harvest about the same, I will get about a 5 gallon bucket full of hops in total.
No clue what the weight of that comes out to.

Am I slow, too thorough, or is that about right?

That's why I had kids.  Of course I had to feed and house them for 10 years before I would trust them to work the harvest season.  LOL.

639

Equipment and Software / Re: Prices for 1/2 barrel keg

« on: September 15, 2010, 04:24:59 PM »

My local brewery is selling used 1/2 barrels with the tops cut off for $60, is this a fair price?  I'm thinking about stepping up to a homemade barrel system.  What is the going price for used kegs with the top and without?
Your feedback is appreciated!
Tom

Where do you live, and what brewery?   LOL. 

+1 on everything the other two have said.

640

Equipment and Software / Re: Two equpiment questions

« on: September 15, 2010, 01:22:59 PM »

Is there a thread comparing the Johnson analog and digital controllers? Or do you have an opinion preferring one over the other?

Next question, on one of the other threads someone said they used a pond pump to recirculate ice/cold water through their IC. Any recommendations on what kind of pump works best for this?

Thank you!
Dano

Can't remember the thread, but many have opened that the analog controllers last longer and are much more durable.  I have two digitals.  a one phase and a two phase.  Had them about two years.  No problems. 

Just go to homedepot and get one.  I use a 1/3hp for my keg cleaners as described on the AHA mainpage.  (or it was)

641

Equipment and Software / Re: Blichman top tier

« on: September 14, 2010, 05:58:55 PM »

it came today. and now the fun can begin.

It helps to have a friend when sliding those burners down the T-slots.......   

642

Questions about the forum? / Re: what happened to wanted to buy and sell?

« on: September 13, 2010, 09:42:20 AM »

Classified!

643

Questions about the forum? / what happened to wanted to buy and sell?

« on: September 13, 2010, 09:41:27 AM »

I can't find these forums?

644

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Drinking my first brew as I type

« on: September 13, 2010, 09:40:33 AM »

This time I plan on leaving the kits behind and am looking for a good recipe.

Check out JZ and Palmer's book Brewing Classic Styles.  I've used a few as starting points for some beers, and they've all been great.

+1

645

Equipment and Software / Re: Blichman top tier

« on: September 11, 2010, 10:09:30 PM »

you'll love it dude.  The quality of the burners is amazing.