16
General Homebrew Discussion / Re: An introduction....
« on: April 11, 2012, 04:39:39 PM »
Hook us up with your Sahti recipe! I've been wanting to brew one for a while now. Welcome!
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17
The Pub / Re: So i have this "friend"...
« on: March 14, 2012, 06:59:39 PM »I was under the impression the DT was still a work in progress.
really? maybe I need to read it again. The impression I got from the 'last' book Dark Tower was a clear message that it was an iterative reality and everything was going to happen again and, in fact had happened many times before. I didn't think that he would actually keep telling the story. But hey, if it's good King it's a good thing (hey that rhymes, I'm a poet and I didn't even know it (hey that rhymes...))
Hey! Watch the spoilers! We're trying to get Weaze going on the series here! FWIW, Book 8 actually takes place between books 4 and 5, I believe, and it's essentially a long story Roland tells the others. So in my mind, yes, the series is finished. I think SK just identified a gap in there that could be filled more clearly. I'm certainly not going to argue if he wants to write a few more!
BTW, I really enjoyed 11/22/63. That's some quality King! Last year's Under the Dome, not so much.
18
The Pub / Re: So i have this "friend"...
« on: March 13, 2012, 07:52:23 PM »
Here's a link to the Dark Tower movie page, with info. It sounds like they're planning to do 3 movies, with a miniseries in between each movie, to develop the characters further and cover the material in between. But yeah, I agree that the sheer scope and size of the saga will make it very difficult to cover adequately.
SK should translate to the screen fairly well, but a lot of what I've seen is hit-and-miss. Dreamcatcher was pretty darn good, and it sounds like Bag of Bones is getting a shot. Of course Stand by Me and The Shawshank Redemption were great too. Pet Sematery was pretty creepy as well, and The Shining freaked me right out back in the day...
Anyway, getting off-track here, but it's cool to know I'm not the only DT junkie on here.
Book 8 is coming out very soon now... The Wind Through the Keyhole.
SK should translate to the screen fairly well, but a lot of what I've seen is hit-and-miss. Dreamcatcher was pretty darn good, and it sounds like Bag of Bones is getting a shot. Of course Stand by Me and The Shawshank Redemption were great too. Pet Sematery was pretty creepy as well, and The Shining freaked me right out back in the day...
Anyway, getting off-track here, but it's cool to know I'm not the only DT junkie on here.
Book 8 is coming out very soon now... The Wind Through the Keyhole.
19
The Pub / Re: So i have this "friend"...
« on: March 12, 2012, 07:37:59 PM »
I read this trilogy last year and enjoyed the heck out of it. I teach middle school, so I read a lot of young adult books.
Sounds like we're into the same genre. I highly recommend you read the "Gone" series, by Michael Grant. I think they're even better than Hunger Games, because in some ways they're more realistic. I think there are four books now with more on the way, but these books totally suck you in. Hard to put down!
My main criticism of Hunger Games is that the third book, Mockingjay, was way too plot-driven. The author knew what she wanted to happen, and then forced her characters to take those actions, regardless of whether or not it fit their character. I felt almost like I didn't even know any of the characters anymore. Like, what the heck is going on now? They wouldn't do that!
I took a look at the webpage for One Second After, and it looks like a cool story idea. The website is full of typos though, which makes me kind of doubtful about the author... I'll probably check it out though.
You've probably heard this before, but you should read Stephen King's Dark Tower series if you haven't yet. Ron Howard is working on a movie trilogy/TV miniseries to cover that massive story. I hope he does it justice!
Sounds like we're into the same genre. I highly recommend you read the "Gone" series, by Michael Grant. I think they're even better than Hunger Games, because in some ways they're more realistic. I think there are four books now with more on the way, but these books totally suck you in. Hard to put down!
My main criticism of Hunger Games is that the third book, Mockingjay, was way too plot-driven. The author knew what she wanted to happen, and then forced her characters to take those actions, regardless of whether or not it fit their character. I felt almost like I didn't even know any of the characters anymore. Like, what the heck is going on now? They wouldn't do that!
I took a look at the webpage for One Second After, and it looks like a cool story idea. The website is full of typos though, which makes me kind of doubtful about the author... I'll probably check it out though.
You've probably heard this before, but you should read Stephen King's Dark Tower series if you haven't yet. Ron Howard is working on a movie trilogy/TV miniseries to cover that massive story. I hope he does it justice!
20
General Homebrew Discussion / Re: centennial hops
« on: February 15, 2012, 08:20:54 PM »I've found that too much Cents give my beer an unpleasant candy-like sweetness, so I've started to shy away from them. Maybe I just need to crank up the sulfates with some water treatment.
Really? Maybe it is your source? Mine are always bright, clean and citrusy. I do like to blend them with columbus at the very least because they can be a little one dimensional on their own.
Mine are all homegrown. I plan to tweak my water profile first, and if I'm still unhappy I'll buy some commercial cents and brew a batch. I've had good yields with centennial and excellent aroma. They're also notorious for sending out lots of vigorous shoots far away from the main crown - they're always trying to take over my hopyard!
21
General Homebrew Discussion / Re: centennial hops
« on: February 14, 2012, 05:56:52 PM »
I've found that too much Cents give my beer an unpleasant candy-like sweetness, so I've started to shy away from them. Maybe I just need to crank up the sulfates with some water treatment.
22
All Grain Brewing / Re: How careful are you?
« on: February 13, 2012, 05:48:24 PM »
I'm kind of hopelessly meticulous about brewing, but I think it has paid off for me. I have a split personality - really creative and easygoing, but also a big analytical/logical streak. So my life tends to be a battle for balance 
After several years of making good beer, I'm working on refining my practices to consistently (and easily) make great beer. At the same time, I'm trying to really dial in my system where I know what efficiency to expect on a regular basis. I'm also brewing a whole slew of new beer styles, and doing my best to brew them to style the first time. Finally, working with water chemistry has added a whole ton of other "complications."
I live about 90 min from Minneapolis/St. Paul so I get down to the brew shop only 2-3 times per year. I plan my brewing schedule anywhere from 6 months to a year in advance, so I spend a lot of time studying and tweaking recipes to fit my efficiency, making lists, etc. Once I get all my ingredients and have the recipes planned, I enjoy making up the kits in advance so on brewday I can just grab the bag and go. I'm even thinking about packaging up brewing salts for each kit to really streamline my brewday.
I've done a few off the cuff brewdays and it was a nice change, but I've found that planning things in advance is kind of a fun lead-up to brewing. And having it all ready to go makes for an easy brewday.
That said, my ultimate goal is to have a set of solid recipes and repeatable brews nailed down to the point where things become predictable and automatic, and where I don't have to calculate things out every time.
After several years of making good beer, I'm working on refining my practices to consistently (and easily) make great beer. At the same time, I'm trying to really dial in my system where I know what efficiency to expect on a regular basis. I'm also brewing a whole slew of new beer styles, and doing my best to brew them to style the first time. Finally, working with water chemistry has added a whole ton of other "complications."
I live about 90 min from Minneapolis/St. Paul so I get down to the brew shop only 2-3 times per year. I plan my brewing schedule anywhere from 6 months to a year in advance, so I spend a lot of time studying and tweaking recipes to fit my efficiency, making lists, etc. Once I get all my ingredients and have the recipes planned, I enjoy making up the kits in advance so on brewday I can just grab the bag and go. I'm even thinking about packaging up brewing salts for each kit to really streamline my brewday.
I've done a few off the cuff brewdays and it was a nice change, but I've found that planning things in advance is kind of a fun lead-up to brewing. And having it all ready to go makes for an easy brewday.
That said, my ultimate goal is to have a set of solid recipes and repeatable brews nailed down to the point where things become predictable and automatic, and where I don't have to calculate things out every time.
23
General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Opinion about posting Jamil's recipes
« on: February 09, 2012, 07:53:12 PM »
I've been brewing my way through BCS and have been extremely happy with each batch of beer. I think the recipes are well-written, and the short style profile that accompanies each is helpful. I've been recommending this book to any brewer that I can, because I see the value in a proven recipe, and like I said, they're turning out to be fantastic recipes.
You should try to convince your friend to take them down.
You should try to convince your friend to take them down.
24
General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Paint Strainer Bags...Effective?...
« on: January 08, 2012, 05:46:36 PM »
I mainly use them for whole hops, because they absorb so much wort. After the boil, I kind of twist the bag up and squeeze out as much wort as I can with my spoon (not bare hands). I have thrown pellets in there too, and haven't seen problems. BUT, I've never used 6-8 oz of pellets so I can't say for sure. They're nice though.
Another option would be to just throw the hops in, and then at the end, sanitize a strainer bag and line your brewing bucket with it (they bags have elastic at the top to hold onto the top of your bucket). If you dump your wort through the bag, it will filter out virtually all of the hops and break material - very convenient as long as you can be sure it's sanitized. Pull out the bag slowly and carefully, and you have a bag full of schmoo and a bucket full of clear wort!
Another option would be to just throw the hops in, and then at the end, sanitize a strainer bag and line your brewing bucket with it (they bags have elastic at the top to hold onto the top of your bucket). If you dump your wort through the bag, it will filter out virtually all of the hops and break material - very convenient as long as you can be sure it's sanitized. Pull out the bag slowly and carefully, and you have a bag full of schmoo and a bucket full of clear wort!
25
General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Beer in Motortrend
« on: January 08, 2012, 05:42:17 PM »
That must have been an awesome trip - you made the right decision when you chose to skip past the South Dakota/Wyoming portion of the tour!
I would have liked more detail on the New Glarus tour - it was likened to something out of Willy Wonka. What was so cool about it? Also, I haven't had a problem getting the New Glarus Belgian Red in WI. Did you guys pick up the Raspberry version too? Did you have to buy all those brews yourself, or did Motortrend pick up the tab?
I have to admit that I skipped past all the car stuff and only read the beer parts. I'm jealous!
I would have liked more detail on the New Glarus tour - it was likened to something out of Willy Wonka. What was so cool about it? Also, I haven't had a problem getting the New Glarus Belgian Red in WI. Did you guys pick up the Raspberry version too? Did you have to buy all those brews yourself, or did Motortrend pick up the tab?
I have to admit that I skipped past all the car stuff and only read the beer parts. I'm jealous!
26
General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Beer in Motortrend
« on: January 07, 2012, 10:23:31 AM »
Fun article - sounds like a pretty sweet trip. Where in MN did you get your speeding ticket? Maybe you were gone by that point. I'd like to know what the officer said when he pulled over "the black Nazgul" loaded down with that much beer.
27
Kegging and Bottling / Re: bottling from a keg
« on: December 17, 2011, 09:02:22 PM »
Wow. I can't believe I just read this entire thread. That's 10 minutes of my life I'll never get back!
Pinnah- give the picnic tap/bottling wand/rubber stopper method a shot. That's what I do. A couple nights ago I bottled a bunch of hard cider for coworkers and it worked like a charm. And, like others have said, it's essentially free. I had all that stuff just laying around.
I didn't bother to chill the bottles, because I've tried that and still had foaming issues. I think having a wet interior on the bottle makes more of a difference, so I tend to sanitize my bottles and then bottle right away. Of course, cider doesn't really foam up in any situation, so it was much easier. I've had foam issues with beer, but it's really a tiny bit of beer wastage, all things considered.
Enjoy your kegs! I would bet that your beer disappears a lot faster. When I made the switch, my wife said, "If I had realized this would mean no more bottles laying around, I would have bought you a keg setup years ago!" Keg hopping is the bomb.
Pinnah- give the picnic tap/bottling wand/rubber stopper method a shot. That's what I do. A couple nights ago I bottled a bunch of hard cider for coworkers and it worked like a charm. And, like others have said, it's essentially free. I had all that stuff just laying around.
I didn't bother to chill the bottles, because I've tried that and still had foaming issues. I think having a wet interior on the bottle makes more of a difference, so I tend to sanitize my bottles and then bottle right away. Of course, cider doesn't really foam up in any situation, so it was much easier. I've had foam issues with beer, but it's really a tiny bit of beer wastage, all things considered.
Enjoy your kegs! I would bet that your beer disappears a lot faster. When I made the switch, my wife said, "If I had realized this would mean no more bottles laying around, I would have bought you a keg setup years ago!" Keg hopping is the bomb.
28
All Grain Brewing / Re: FLOW RATE INTO BOIL KETTLE
« on: December 17, 2011, 08:03:02 AM »
I can only speak to batch sparging....it is possible to compact the grain bved if you start the runoff too fast, although "too fast" will depend on your own lautering system. The best way to make sure you avoid compaction is to start the runoff slowly. I just barely crack the valve during vor.lauf, which is usually about 2-4 cups. After I return the vorlauf portion to the tun, I open the valve fully without problems.
+1. Malt conditioning helps a lot in regards to avoiding stuck runoffs. I only had one stick - Jamil's Dry Stout which calls for flaked barley as well as roasted grains "ground to dust." I used to fly sparge exclusively, and would spend an hour or so babysitting the water level in my mash tun. It was a huge (unnecessary) PITA. I finally gave batch sparging a shot and have never gone back!
29
General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Things Picking Up in the Carolinas
« on: December 16, 2011, 08:05:40 PM »
Gosh, I don't know why some of you are getting so fired up over this! Sierra Nevada has an unblemished track record, putting quality and accountability above all else.
It seems really unnecessary to be so negative about it - what a bunch of naysayers! I live smack dab in the middle of the nation, so I don't have any regional bias whatsoever. Take a close look at how things are run at SN before you jump to a bunch of conclusions that this is a money-grab that will result in poor quality, and put aside your west-coast pride for a minute.
I just can't believe that people are smack-talking the business motives and the beer quality of one of craft beer's true pioneers. Get over yourselves!
It seems really unnecessary to be so negative about it - what a bunch of naysayers! I live smack dab in the middle of the nation, so I don't have any regional bias whatsoever. Take a close look at how things are run at SN before you jump to a bunch of conclusions that this is a money-grab that will result in poor quality, and put aside your west-coast pride for a minute.
I just can't believe that people are smack-talking the business motives and the beer quality of one of craft beer's true pioneers. Get over yourselves!
30
General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Kegerator or beer fridge placement?
« on: December 16, 2011, 07:41:32 PM »
When I was a homeowner, I kept it down in the basement/fermenting room. It was good exercise, and a reminder to check the water softener and furnace filter from time to time.
Apartment living this year, it's in the kitchen/dining area. The thing is constantly staring me in the face, offering me four delicious options, and I'm working on my seasonal 10 lb weight gain. I'll work it off (and more) next summer though!
Apartment living this year, it's in the kitchen/dining area. The thing is constantly staring me in the face, offering me four delicious options, and I'm working on my seasonal 10 lb weight gain. I'll work it off (and more) next summer though!