Messages

1471

Homebrew Competitions / Re: NHC

« on: April 22, 2014, 02:04:47 PM »

I'm not that broke up about it.  Only my second competition.

One of the beers scored really well in KC though, so I was hopeful.

1472

Homebrew Competitions / Re: NHC

« on: April 22, 2014, 01:40:06 PM »

Well, that was fun while it lasted.  Disappointed that I have nothing moving on.  Haven't seen the scores yet, though.

On the upside, I can go home and drink whatever I like as I need not save any.

1473

Equipment and Software / Re: One freezer - double duty as kegerator and fermentation chamber?

« on: April 21, 2014, 08:09:31 AM »

I like those prices.  But I don't "need" more kegs...

1474

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Have you harvested yeast from a commercial bottle?

« on: April 21, 2014, 06:45:33 AM »

I'd probably step it up a few times, store it, and then do the final step up when I'm ready to brew.

I've stored yeast in the fridge for extended periods of time.  However, you'll not want to just take it out of the fridge and pitch it directly.

1475

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Have you harvested yeast from a commercial bottle?

« on: April 20, 2014, 02:12:23 PM »

It's easy enough to culture up if you start with a small amount of low gravity wort.  I say go for it.  I've done it a few times, though I have once or twice gotten bottling yeast (Victory Golden Monkey and maybe Franziskaner).

1476

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Another Starter Question

« on: April 17, 2014, 02:26:39 PM »

If I'm not mistaken, the review of this group of peers is that not transferring to secondary is just fine.

I'm sure there's valid science in SC's arguments, but scientific inquiry and brewing practice are not the same thing.  I don't need peer reviewed data to come to my conclusions because I'm a home brewer.  My own personal observations and the consensus of others I trust are sufficient for me. 

But, like I said before, if you really want to go ahead and transfer there's nothing stopping you.

1477

Commercial Beer Reviews / Re: Victory Swing - Session Saison

« on: April 17, 2014, 11:28:28 AM »

3711 throws so much character off that is tastes nice and refreshing everytime I make one.

Yes.  Swing is so lifeless it makes me think they used whatever house yeast they have and called it a saison.  I'm a big fan of many of their beers, so this was very disappointing.

1478

Commercial Beer Reviews / Re: Victory Swing - Session Saison

« on: April 17, 2014, 10:56:16 AM »

I struggle making low ABV beers I really enjoy, in general.  But I've made a pretty good very simple low ABV saison.  I believe I used T-58.  Came out great.

1479

Commercial Beer Reviews / Victory Swing - Session Saison

« on: April 17, 2014, 10:13:51 AM »

Ew.  I really wanted this to be good.  It is not.

Almost no aroma.  Almost no flavor other than "soapy" followed by a lingering hop bitterness.

If I brewed this, I would be disappointed.  And it actually reminds me of a light lager that I brewed a number of years ago that I dumped.

I gave the glass to my wife, she said "it tastes like soap."  I poured it out. I have five in the fridge for anyone who wants them.

1480

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Another Starter Question

« on: April 17, 2014, 07:29:29 AM »

the claim is nothing but conjecture masquerading as fact.

I think you're drawing bright lines where reality is a continuum.  Rather than go by "rules" I will follow my experience.

My beers typically sit in the fermenter for up to a month.  I have not experienced autolysis.  Perhaps, as you say, my beers are not getting better by being exposed to the trub but experience tells me they are not getting worse.  I'm sure there is an outside date at which this would change, but I haven't hit it yet (not that I am trying to or tempting fate).  I do my aging in cornies, so for anything that will get extended aging it comes off the yeast.

Bottom line is you should try it both ways and do whichever you prefer.  But I don't think anyone is well served by being alarmed at bugaboos that may not be relevant at the home level.

1481

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Another Starter Question

« on: April 16, 2014, 07:12:15 PM »

Go ahead and transfer if that's what you want to do.

I've yet to observe off flavors from autolysis and I haven't used a secondary in years.

So, in my experience your facts are irrelevant.  They may still be facts but not ones  concerned with.

1482

Homebrew Competitions / Re: NHC

« on: April 16, 2014, 02:30:44 PM »

Hey, we're all adults, in a way.

I may be aging, but I am not maturing.

1483

Homebrew Competitions / Re: NHC

« on: April 16, 2014, 01:37:21 PM »

Janis,
How about a ball park on when the other judge centers results will be posted. I'm afraid we'll all wear out our refresh buttons LOL

Hi Jim,

It's going to take a lot longer if I have to keep answering Forum posts and e-mails asking me about this.  As of this afternoon there are 7 sets of results posted.  I'm stuck on one competition today, so that may be all that gets posted tomorrow.  I was hoping to get all of them posted this week.

Cheers,
Janis

Ok, I took one for the team there guys. Leave Janis alone.

I was going to say we clearly have you to blame, but you're faster at typing than I.

1484

Homebrew Competitions / Re: NHC

« on: April 16, 2014, 01:25:54 PM »

Woo Hoo! it's official, I got two out of four through to finals. my 16E (1st) entry and my marzen(3rd.. but with a 41.5) are headed to grand rapids without me. Take good care of them Mr. UPS guy.

Congrats.  Waiting to see Chicago.  Hopeful, but not expectant.

1485

Yeast and Fermentation / Re: Another Starter Question

« on: April 16, 2014, 12:23:17 PM »

I dunno.  I like my LHBS and the people there seem really nice.  But the couple of times I've had questions (one was about the Belle Saison yeast, I think) they haven't been particularly knowledgeable.  I've come to the realization that I probably have more brewing experience than they do. 

Of course, their largest customer base is also new brewers, so simple easy answers are probably the best way to go.

That said, they're probably fed up with know-it-all douches coming in and acting like they know everything.