Messages

376

All Things Food / Re: Beer Dough - Pizza

« on: June 29, 2010, 12:59:58 AM »

Had to revive an old thread...

I made pizza dough last weekend. I used the boring bread machine recipe I usually use, substituted about half of the white flour with whole wheat and most of the water with flat beer. It was lovely.

377

The Pub / Re: Got a new job

« on: June 29, 2010, 12:43:00 AM »

Only stipulation is, you have to take 1 call every 42 days.

You got a job in France?

378

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Brewing with limited space

« on: June 29, 2010, 12:38:21 AM »

Space has nearly always been a problem for me, from my 600 sq. ft. apartment years ago to my current tiny townhouse. I did own a 2100 sq. ft. house for a few years, but oddly, I didn't brew much then. Maybe I prefer the challenge. I do have the advantage of a small cellar where I'm at now. The temperature changes aren't too extreme and I can store a couple batches at a time. I guess that doesn't really answer your question about dealing with the lack of space. I never really did much to "deal with it" except for designing my beers and using yeasts based on the most likely ambient temperature.

379

Beer Travel / Re: London, Munich, Prague, Brussels

« on: June 27, 2010, 03:20:40 AM »

Holy crap, where to begin? Look into the 80 beers books. There's Around Prague in 80 Beers and Around Brussels in 80 Beers. I think there's one for London, too. I own the Brussels version and it's excellent. Also for Brussels, if you like, drop me a PM with some details and I'd be happy to show you around a bit (if I'm here). Same goes for anyone else.

380

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Homebrewing Abroad (Germany)

« on: June 27, 2010, 03:13:58 AM »

It'll be possible, but not as easy as you're used to. There's Brouwland in eastern Belgium that seems to be the supplier for homebrewers in the surrounding countries (I get my stuff from them - I'm in Belgium). They do have distributers all over Europe. If a nearby distributer doesn't carry what you want, they can usually special order it or you can mail order direct from Brouwland. For yeast, you might want to consider expanding your use of Safale 05.

381

General Homebrew Discussion / Re: Probably infections right? Excessive / climbing head.

« on: June 25, 2010, 12:15:26 PM »

I always add the priming sugar dissolved in boiling water and syphon on top, too. One thing that might have happened is what I'm afraid of with my latest brew. I calculated the sugar for 20 liters and only got 16 or 17 pulled off to mix with the sugar. I guess that would be one advantage to the syringe method.

382

The Pub / Re: Another 'Beer Makes You Smarter' thing

« on: June 23, 2010, 12:30:56 PM »

We can say s*** on this forum?

383

The Pub / Re: Anyone following any of the World Cup?

« on: June 18, 2010, 02:13:05 AM »

I definitely dig the World Cup. I enjoyed some Tripel Karmeliet during the USA vs. England match. I might have to bring out the New Glarus Raspberry Tart for the Slovakia match. It's the only American beer I have (I have an American pale ale I just bottled that I'll probably crack on July 4).

I'm participating in a pool at work. I drew Cameroon, so I'm cheering for them as much as the US. I think the US has a better chance.

I'm also a fan of the MLS, though I follow it much less now that I'm not in the USA. Go Rapids!

384

The Pub / Re: Long live beerfest!

« on: June 06, 2010, 08:20:41 AM »

So I see it's too late for the advice I just posted in your other thread. Anyway, glad you enjoyed it!

385

The Pub / Re: My first beer fest.

« on: June 06, 2010, 08:19:15 AM »

Definitely pace yourself. Whether you think so or not, you will have plenty of time to try plenty of beer.

If you don't like a beer, dump it. That's a hard one, I know. But trust me...

Try to have a plan. You probably won't end up following it, but it's good to start with one.

386

Equipment and Software / Re: Post images of your brewing system

« on: June 06, 2010, 06:23:32 AM »

Here's my current wort chiller.  The blue tub holds ice water that is recirculated through an immersion chiller.


Deege

That's awesome! I might have to borrow that idea. It drives me nuts how much water I waste during chilling.

387

Beer Travel / Re: Brussels - where to shop for beer?

« on: June 06, 2010, 06:13:48 AM »

Beer Planet (www.beerplanet.eu) - if you spend 100 euros or more on beer, you get a bottle of Westvleteren 12 as a gift. Beer Temple is a good option. If you're a fan of lambics, go straight to the Cantillon brewery, easy walking distance from the midi station. There's also Beer Mania (www.beermania.be) and Delices et Caprices.

Those places should help fill your suitcase. If you have a car, there are more options, of course.

When will you be in Brussels?

388

General Homebrew Discussion / Floating seeds?

« on: May 29, 2010, 05:09:55 AM »

This is a new one for me. While brewing a couple days ago, I suddenly noticed a bunch of hemp-looking seeds floating on top of the wort. I assume these are from the hops. I'm not really alarmed or anything, just a bit surprised. Has anybody else had floating seeds?

I just let them float, but I kinda wish I would've fished them out and had a taste.

389

The Pub / Re: Who ARE You?

« on: May 29, 2010, 04:59:47 AM »

Ha ha, Black Label in the can... I stole plenty of those from my old man. Lucky for me I'm a quick learner. My first trip to Belgium (or anywhere, really) was when I was 18. On that trip I learned a bit about good beer. I also learned a bit about not trying all of them in one night.

390

All Grain Brewing / Re: Questions after first all grain

« on: May 09, 2010, 09:18:45 AM »

Congrats on going all-grain!

I had a bit of the opposite problem with my latest batch. I was going for a nice, easy drinking, low-alcohol pils. My efficiency is normally in the low 70's, so that's what I planned for. For this batch, I tightened my grind a bit, added a stir to the mash, let it rest a bit longer before sparging and slowed the sparge down compared to what I normally do. I accidentally got near 85% efficiency.