Messages

1216

Equipment and Software / Re: New Carbonator Caps

« on: August 25, 2011, 07:54:31 AM »

However, it is very easy to install schrader valves on soda pop caps, and very easy to make up a chuck-to-ball lock (or chuck-to-pin lock) connector too.  They can't stop you from DIY if you aren't selling them.

I did this years ago, maybe even before I had kegs.  I still use the caps on a somewhat regular basis.

I also put some quick disconnects on my gas lines so I can swap off the ball lock connector for the chuck super easy.

I don't remember the price of the tire valves, but you can pick them up at NAPA pretty cheap.

The best thing (which I learned from a post from Denny) is to fill a liter bottle when you're kegging, blast in some CO2 and toss it in the freezer for 30 minutes.  Instant fresh carbonated beer.  Maybe I'm impatient, but it's awesome to sample it so quickly.

1217

Extract/Partial Mash Brewing / Re: Rye Malt Extract

« on: August 25, 2011, 07:33:40 AM »

Gee, sorry about coming off like a salesman....not my intent.  I was just really excited by how much I liked the rye extract.

I was just yanking your chain and didn't mean anything negative.  Sorry that didn't come across.

I'm impressed with how informed you are on all the "new" products.

Keep the reviews coming!

1218

Extract/Partial Mash Brewing / Re: Rye Malt Extract

« on: August 24, 2011, 02:46:29 PM »

You're like a salesman, Denny.  A good salesman.

Since I'm planning my next brew session, I'll have to add this to the list of possibilities.  Along with the D-180.

1219

Extract/Partial Mash Brewing / Rye Malt Extract

« on: August 24, 2011, 02:12:11 PM »

Just saw that Northern Brewer released a rye malt extract.

If anyone tries it out please post your experience.

1220

The Pub / Re: East coast earthquake

« on: August 23, 2011, 12:39:17 PM »

Nope.  Not here in Chicago, though there are posts on the Chicago Tribune site of people who say they did.

1221

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Danstar dry yeast, prices are nuts!

« on: August 23, 2011, 12:29:04 PM »

For less than $2 per package these yeast have been great insurance to keep around.  I've usually got a small stack in the fridge even though I don't do much spur of the moment brewing anymore.

At prices comparable to Wyeast, one of the main incentives for me to buy them is gone.

However, I think they certainly had room to bump up their price and still be a deal.

1222

Kegging and Bottling / Re: Dispensing Soda

« on: August 22, 2011, 01:05:47 PM »

Well, I seem to have made a pretty big mistake. Even though 20 feet of hose does a good job of restricting the flow rate, I forgot to consider that there's still 50–55 psi coming out of the end of it. And the Cobra picnic taps just aren't made to deal with that kind of pressure. (Don't ask how I found that one out.) So now I've got a half-full keg of knockoff soda and I don't know how to dispense it. I'm guessing the standard tap faucets can contain the high pressure, but I don't have a place to mount one of those.

Umm.  You may have 55 psi in the keg, but the pressure at the tap should be significantly less by the time the soda travels the 20 foot of hose.

I haven't had ANY issues with my root beer keg and the cobra tap, and this keg has been more or less full and dispensing for at least 4 years.

I don't think I'm at 50 psi, but it's got to be 40+.

Maybe something else is going on.  Especially since you say your pour is inconsistent and goes in fits and spurts.  Perhaps something is restricting the flow in the keg.  Are you sure the dip tube is clear?

You also might try pouring into a pitcher (or growler) and see if it settles down after the first pint.  I believe that all of the soda in the line will be at somewhat of a different pressure than the soda in the keg.  I find with all my kegs that the first pint pours somewhat foamy and then the pour settles down.

Bottom line, if you've got issues with the pour you will have the with a Perlick faucet just as you have them with a cobra tap.  The faucet is not/should not be the issue.

1223

Kegging and Bottling / Re: Dispensing Soda

« on: August 16, 2011, 09:30:09 AM »

I don't recall the length I have hooked to my keg of root beer, but it's long enough that I coiled it up and secured it with zip ties so it won't uncoil.

I suppose you could try a smaller diameter tubing.

1224

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Pithed Fermentis 10 hours ago, not much/no vigorus activity - see picture

« on: August 16, 2011, 08:47:40 AM »

That photo look to me like it's fermenting.

That's also a lot of head space, so maybe you're not seeing much activity in the airlock yet.

1225

Ingredients / Re: Standard white rice in an extract recipe.

« on: August 16, 2011, 08:39:52 AM »

My goof.  It was the pre-cooking I meant.

Thanks for correcting me.

1226

Ingredients / Re: Standard white rice in an extract recipe.

« on: August 16, 2011, 07:52:33 AM »

Can't you use Uncle Ben's or other "instant" rice without mashing?

I've tried the rice solids, but I agree with Euge.  The price is high and it doesn't bring much flavor-wise.

If I ever tried rice again, I'll probably use instant rice.

1227

The Pub / Re: "Never Again" beers

« on: August 16, 2011, 07:33:15 AM »

Cherry Wheat - ewww.  I'm not even sure I tried it, so I can't say "never again" but I have most definitely refused it.

Goose Island Pepe Nero.  Never again.  Just nasty, but YMMV.

1228

Kegging and Bottling / Re: Need to downsize my Kegerator. Any Ideas?

« on: August 15, 2011, 09:08:03 AM »

Here's the DIY stainless tap tower: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/diy-stainless-twin-tap-tower-61-bucks-221823/

1229

Kegging and Bottling / Re: Need to downsize my Kegerator. Any Ideas?

« on: August 12, 2011, 09:44:45 AM »

Btw, is there a place to get cheap towers?

There's actually a thread on, I think, Homebrew Talk where someone used a metal toilet brush holder (available at Linen's and Things or someplace like that) to build a DIY tap tower.

The photos looked good, but I don't know how sturdy it is.  If I had the link, I'd share it.  You ought to be able to google it though.

1230

All Grain Brewing / Re: Small batches?

« on: August 12, 2011, 08:52:39 AM »

in wanting to go up a little further, menards sells water in 4 gallon carboys. these are pet and not the number 7 plastic that is used for most water carboys.

Aren't Better Bottles PET?  Would these water bottles be essentially the same deal?

Not that I need more carboys, but now and then I'll split a batch and a smaller vessel would be nice...