Messages

31

Extract/Partial Mash Brewing / Re: First Christmas Beer - Got questions!

« on: September 12, 2012, 06:57:15 am »

Seems like a lot of crystal to me too, although if you're looking for a sweeter finish, you're ok.
In truth, it's probably a bit late to be doing a big ale for this Xmas season since usually beers like this are better with at least 8 months aging...but then again, any beer is ready whenever your tastebuds say it is.

Do next year's Xmas brew in January or February...to consume no earlier than November and you will probably experience an epiphany of some sort. 

Other than my editorializing, let me say that you probably have a pretty tasty brew about to happen there.  Don't give in to any temptation to add more hops, either!

Well this is my first year brewing and my third recipe that I have come up myself.  I personally don't like to brew clones.  Why brew what someone else is already making. 

Thanks professor on the comments.  I'll brew another one in January and let sit.  What I would love to do is to age it in rum barrels one year.  Who knows! 

32

Classifieds / Re: WTB All Grain Equipment

« on: September 12, 2012, 06:26:51 am »

Thornton, North Denver. 

My bad! 

Question - Plate Chiller or Immersion Chiller?

33

Equipment and Software / Re: Oh no! All grain!?!?

« on: September 11, 2012, 04:50:02 pm »

I've got a buddy who can weld stainless steel so I would love to get one from a restaurant store new or used.  Plus with my birthday coming up, I should have some money to spend on equipment.

Plus, plate chiller or immersion chiller?  Don't have one of either yet.  I used a buddy's immersion and want my own.

34

Equipment and Software / Re: Oh no! All grain!?!?

« on: September 11, 2012, 04:40:13 pm »

Thanks!  My goal is to buy now but plan for the future.  I know I want to get to brewing 10 gal batches.  Currently I am doing a lot of reading to understand the use of a cooler for mashing.  Still don't get why its better than a pot. 

Anyone?

35

Extract/Partial Mash Brewing / Re: First Christmas Beer - Got questions!

« on: September 11, 2012, 04:21:52 pm »

Find out the breakdown of your extract. It may contain crystal. If so, you may want to dramatically reduce your 2.25lb of additional crystal.

Good idea but I want to get the ABV up to 10% so if I reduce the Crystal wouldn't I have to increase the extract?

36

Equipment and Software / Oh no! All grain!?!?

« on: September 11, 2012, 04:15:03 pm »

Yes I have the bug!  I want to go all grain but with so many different set-ups I am confused.

Pots or Keggles?
March or Chuggar pumps?

What misc. piece of equipment did you wish you had when you first went all grain but didn't know about till later?

Any help is appreciated!

37

Classifieds / WTB All Grain Equipment

« on: September 11, 2012, 04:11:10 pm »

Looking to go all grain so I need some more equipment.

Who's got extra pots or pumps?

38

Extract/Partial Mash Brewing / First Christmas Beer - Got questions!

« on: September 11, 2012, 04:09:53 pm »

So I am brewing my first Christmas/Strong Ale Beer.   Really feel challenged to do well with this.  I was thinking of placing cinnamon sticks, nutmeg and cloves in secondary.  Any challenges with this?  Here is my first draft of my beer.

12 lbs Amber Extract
2.25 lbs of Crystal 80
1/2lbs of Black Patent Malt
1/2 lbs of Chocolate Malt
1 lb of Flaked Wheat

1lb Dark Belgium Candi Sugar

1 oz Cascade Hops
1oz Northern Brewer Hops

Belgium Strong Ale Yeast

Thoughts?

Thanks!