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re: Homebrewing: In-Process Thread

Posted on 12/30/13 at 9:03 am to
Posted by BugAC
St. George
Member since Oct 2007
55613 posts
Posted on 12/30/13 at 9:03 am to
quote:

You're going to need to try a lot harder than you did to really doom a batch.


This. The brew process is a lot more forgiving than you think. I believe the brew books tend to over-exaggerate the mishaps to help the brewers start out using good practices.
Posted by LoneStarTiger
Lone Star State
Member since Aug 2004
16238 posts
Posted on 12/30/13 at 9:44 am to
quote:

I feel like this batch is doomed.


nah
I cleaned part of my first batch off the ceiling, and it was still a drinkable beer
Posted by EnglebertHumperdink
Club Med
Member since Nov 2009
283 posts
Posted on 12/30/13 at 12:28 pm to
Thanks for all of the advice guys. This is why I came here for some guidance. I can definitely tell homebrewing is something I want to really get into.






Posted by BugAC
St. George
Member since Oct 2007
55613 posts
Posted on 12/30/13 at 1:13 pm to
quote:

Thanks for all of the advice guys. This is why I came here for some guidance. I can definitely tell homebrewing is something I want to really get into.



Posted by BMoney
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2005
16663 posts
Posted on 12/30/13 at 1:50 pm to
quote:

TL,DR I botched my first batch and need advice.


Not even close. Your beer will turn out just fine. These are all issues that every one of us ran into when making our first batch. And likely, all of us had a pretty good beer that first time.

Others have already answered, but turn the heat down a bit and use Fermcaps to prevent boilovers. Those are like magic drops. I can fill my boil kettle within 2 inches of the top and not even come close to a boilover.


Posted by BMoney
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2005
16663 posts
Posted on 12/30/13 at 10:40 pm to
Made my first yeast starter tonight on a brand new stir plate. Gonna brew my first all grain batch on New Year's Day (after the LSU game, of course). It will be a coffee porter.

Checked out LA Homebrew tonight, and I like the place. I will absolutely buy everything I can there from now on. Glad to be able to support a local business.
Posted by SouthOfSouth
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2008
43525 posts
Posted on 12/31/13 at 8:00 am to
Installed a weldless valve to my 15.5gallon brew kettle last night. Still have to install my thermometer, but the process took longer than I expected.

Posted by LSURoss
Dragon Believer
Member since Dec 2007
16168 posts
Posted on 12/31/13 at 9:00 am to
Looks great! I'm too nervous to do that to mine.
Posted by HurricaneDunc
Houston
Member since Nov 2008
10472 posts
Posted on 12/31/13 at 9:09 am to
So I am getting ready to venture on my very first homebrew. My wife bought me a Mr Beer setup and the "How to Brew" book. After reading the first third or so of the book, I've returned the Mr Beer setup and have been researching a better startup kit. I've found this one on Northern Brewing ( LINK). It seems to be a good starter, easily expandable and pretty cheap. Of course I've got to buy a 5 gallon kettle now so that adds some cost. Also planning to buy a thermometer.

Any thoughts on that setup? Sufficient for or a first timer?
Posted by LSUGrad00
Member since Dec 2003
2428 posts
Posted on 12/31/13 at 9:18 am to
quote:

Any thoughts on that setup? Sufficient for or a first timer?


'How to Brew' is a great book and will definitely get you started on the right path.

That's a decent little starter kit and what a lot people start with. I'd check out a local restaurant supply shop and find a 5 gallon aluminum stock pot. Most homebrew stores are going to try and sell you a more expensive stainless steel kettle, but I know plenty of people who make great beer in aluminum pots.

If you're in Houston, I'd suggest running by DeFalco's homebrew shop. They should have this same kit or something very similar on hand and will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Posted by BugAC
St. George
Member since Oct 2007
55613 posts
Posted on 12/31/13 at 10:09 am to
quote:

Any thoughts on that setup? Sufficient for or a first timer?


Can't see it, but it's from Northern Brewer so it should be similar to what i started with. Also, check out Austin Homebrew's website. If you live in Louisiana, it could ship to your house much quicker, and probably cheaper. Or, if you live in BR, run to either Cuban Liquor or LA Homebrew, they have plenty of supplies.
Posted by BugAC
St. George
Member since Oct 2007
55613 posts
Posted on 12/31/13 at 10:40 am to
General Beer Question: Does anyone else keep a notepad or a word file for potential beer names, brewery ideas?

Right now I have a list of about 33 brew names, and most of them have a beer style relative to that name. I also have seasonal release ideas, label ideas, a list of notable beer facts and history, a list of adjuncts to try, marketing ideas, funding plans, etc...

This post was edited on 12/31/13 at 10:41 am
Posted by SouthOfSouth
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2008
43525 posts
Posted on 12/31/13 at 10:45 am to
quote:

Looks great! I'm too nervous to do that to mine.


I got my 15.5 gallon pot for 80 bucks and bought a $25 valve and a $20 thermometer for it. That will make me a kettle that normally costs over $200. Plus I really like the Bayou Classic kettles.
Posted by Zappas Stache
Utility Muffin Research Kitchen
Member since Apr 2009
41014 posts
Posted on 12/31/13 at 10:45 am to
quote:

Looks great! I'm too nervous to do that to mine.


I've drilled out several pots and installed valves. Takes about 20 minutes. Helps to have a step bit.

quote:

Does anyone else keep a notepad or a word file for potential beer names, brewery ideas?



No one is as anal as you.
This post was edited on 12/31/13 at 10:47 am
Posted by SouthOfSouth
Baton Rouge
Member since Jun 2008
43525 posts
Posted on 12/31/13 at 10:46 am to
quote:

General Beer Question: Does anyone else keep a notepad or a word file for potential beer names, brewery ideas?

Right now I have a list of about 33 brew names, and most of them have a beer style relative to that name. I also have seasonal release ideas, label ideas, a list of notable beer facts and history, a list of adjuncts to try, marketing ideas, funding plans, etc...


I have a folder on ym computer with picture ideas, labels, label ideas etc. I want to make a better journal of what I've already brewed. I have most of it on my iBrewMaster app, but I want to move alot of data to a word file.
Posted by BMoney
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2005
16663 posts
Posted on 12/31/13 at 11:08 am to
quote:

General Beer Question: Does anyone else keep a notepad or a word file for potential beer names, brewery ideas?

Right now I have a list of about 33 brew names, and most of them have a beer style relative to that name. I also have seasonal release ideas, label ideas, a list of notable beer facts and history, a list of adjuncts to try, marketing ideas, funding plans, etc...


I keep it in the old noggin. I should write them down though. Seems like I always think of great beer names when I'm running or driving and not in a place to write it down.
Posted by BugAC
St. George
Member since Oct 2007
55613 posts
Posted on 12/31/13 at 11:16 am to
quote:

I keep it in the old noggin.


This device has proved unreliable. Therefore i use microsoft word, or type it into my notes on my phone, then transfer it to word.

Some of my favorite brew names i've come up with

Bastard Calf Milk Stout
BPIPA (British Petroleum IPA) - Black IPA
or Gulf Sheen IPA
Kalevala - Oak Aged Barleywine
Posted by BugAC
St. George
Member since Oct 2007
55613 posts
Posted on 12/31/13 at 11:19 am to
Also, i'm brewing a French saison in a couple weeks, that i plan on adding some light to medium toast oak chips soaked in white wine. Should i just rack my brew onto the oak chips, or would you suggest secondarying after primary fermentation.
This post was edited on 12/31/13 at 11:20 am
Posted by BottomlandBrew
Member since Aug 2010
28502 posts
Posted on 12/31/13 at 11:21 am to
quote:

General Beer Question: Does anyone else keep a notepad or a word file for potential beer names, brewery ideas?


Bottomland Brew is about as far as I've gotten with naming things. All my beers are named what they are. Hibiscus chamomile rosemary farmhouse. Wine/Saison hybrid. Belgian IPA. You get the picture.

If I ever opened a brewery, I'd name them Farmhouse #1, Farmhouse #2, and so on. I wouldn't be making the same recipes twice and I also like the idea of clean, simple labels.
Posted by LSURoss
Dragon Believer
Member since Dec 2007
16168 posts
Posted on 12/31/13 at 11:25 am to
I've just been naming mine what they are as well. Been toying with brewery names but don't have anything I like so far.
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