Topics

16

Homebrew Competitions / My first Comp

« on: July 28, 2011, 06:28:10 AM »

I finally enterd my first homebrew competition at the county fair.  I've always had an excuse for not entering - I hate bottling, but the truth is I've been too lazy or maybe intimidated that if I compete it will take the fun out of my brewing.  Well I decided that it was time and what I really wanted was good feedback on my brews especially the negative comments (friends don't give negative comments when they are drinking free beer).  I received 1st place for my American Barley Wine and 3rd place for my Amber Ale.  The Barley Wine came in a close second for best of show - I was so close to having my Barley Wine brewed at the local brewery.  Anyway, I don't want to just toot my own horn, but I would like to thank all of you on the forum who have helped me with tips, hints, and ideas that have helped me brew better beer(not a commercial for Gordan's book ).  It is nice that accomplished homebrewers take the time to help others out like myself.  Thanks again

Dan

17

Beer Travel / Best Nashville Breweries?

« on: July 14, 2011, 09:25:22 AM »

Going to Nashville for a couple of days and was wondering where to stop by for a couple of pints.

18

Beer Travel / Traverse City, Michigan breweries

« on: June 27, 2011, 04:07:30 PM »

I'm going to the Traverse City area for the fourth weekend and I was wondering what's good, great, and not worth my time.  I have heard of North Peak and Right Brain, but any good suggestions would be nice.

19

Yeast and Fermentation / Wyeast 1728 Scottish Ale

« on: May 29, 2011, 07:19:18 AM »

I just picked some of this up and I was going to use it for a Scottish 70 and possibly for a IPA or IIPA.  I have never used this strain before and I was wondering if anyone could give me some idea of what to expect.  Any comments would be appreciated.

20

Beer Recipes / Bert Grant's Perfect Porter

« on: May 05, 2011, 02:43:17 PM »

Does anybody remember Bert Grant's Perfect Porter.  I loved this beer and I was wondering if anyone has a clone recipe for this?  Also, when did this brewery close?  Any details?

21

Kegging and Bottling / Astringent taste a few days after tapping

« on: April 30, 2011, 07:39:54 PM »

I kegged an IPA and the first two days it tasted great.  Then, it started tasting astringent I think.  I can describe it as a lingering bitter aftertaste and almost dry.  I know IPA's are suppose to be bitter, but this is just different.  What really has me stumped is that it tasted great the first two days and now it's not good.  I dry hopped with Columbus and the aroma is considerably down than before.  Any suggestions as to what happened?

22

Ingredients / Blackprinz malt

« on: March 18, 2011, 01:35:40 PM »

I just bought some of this because my LHBS didn't have any Carafa left.  Is this a good substitution?  What is the flavor like because I plan on making an India Black Ale?

23

Ingredients / Vanilla Beans

« on: January 09, 2011, 04:27:49 PM »

I plan on making my regular porter next week, but I want to add a couple of vanilla beans.  My question is when should I add the beans?  I thought that I read somewhere on here that they should be added to fermenter, but I can't remember if you should wait until most of the fementation has been completed.  One more, should I split the beans open as well?

24

The Pub / Spinal Tap

« on: December 28, 2010, 12:38:17 PM »

I really like the Spinal Tap references from Denny   When my brothers and I get together and drink a few brews we start reciting lines from the movie back and forth.  This of course makes our wives 

25

Ingredients / Rye Malt

« on: July 23, 2010, 08:05:12 PM »

I just tasted my first Denny Rye IPA and I love the wonderful spiciness of the rye malt combined with the Columbus hops. I was just wondering if anybody has used rye malt in other beer styles besides IPA?