re: Homebrewing Thread: Volume II

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I just tested the gravity while preparing to transfer into the secondary and it was at 1.036

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Did you already transfer it?

Move it somewhere warm. Wait a few days. Test is to see if it's going down. Wait some more.

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London ESB ale yeast (Wyeast 1968)
Mash Temp - 156
No starter for yeast
Fermentation temp - 68

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These are your problems.

1) it's a low attenuative strain
2) Mash temp is very high, IMO.
3) You definitely underpitched your yeast. I would have used 3 packets with no starter, assuming these were newer vials of yeast. Just a tip, always use a starter. Makes your life so much easier, IMO.
4) Your ferm temp seems low, though the vial says 64-72 degrees.

I'd pitch a 1 liter starter of Irish ale yeast and give it another week. Irish Ale has always worked great for me with stouts/porters. Or, you can try using the same yeast again, but build up a starter for a couple days before pitching. Your beer is not lost, just add more yeast and give it another 7-10 days.

So my slow build to full electric brewing is on it's way. I am getting the Hot Rod Heat Stick from brewhardware.com for Christmas.

LINK



And I also am buying the InfuSSion Mash Tun from SS Brewtech.

Brulosophy review
SS Brewtech


This will get me started. I should be able to plug the heat stick into a timer and set it to kick on in the morning. I'll be able to put the heat stick in the mash tun, get my water to the correct mash temp, then mash in. I'll also be able to use this to get my sparge water up to temp. The problem now, would be i would still have to transfer to my cooler, so a new kettle will be in order and i'll use my old kettle as my HLT.

The next step would be to buy a march pump and the Mash recirculation/vorlauf attachment for the mash tun. Recirculation wouldn't be needed until later.



This would then allow me to start my vorlauf, and conduct the mash out without need for gravity.

The next step, i'd like to be able to get one of the brewtech kettles, and later, with the correct attachments, turn the kettle to an ekettle that i could incorporate into the ebrewing system from brewtech. However, i'm not sure if their regular kettles can be retrofitted to electric. Eventually, i'd like to have this setup i posted about earlier.



However, with the heat stick, InfuSSion mash tun, a couple pumps, and a new kettle, i may or may not decide to go with a complete electric system with a control panel. We'll see. It'll be fun figuring out my new equipment as i get it.

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I'm still to afraid of putting glass over direct flame, even tough i know these flasks can handle it. I still make my starter wort in a pot and transfer to the flask.

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that glass on these flasks are specifically designed for that.

Man that is a ton of money for a 10 gallon mash tun. I still planning on my build and upgrading to a keg for my mash tun. still have to get that electricy fed before i start buying parts for the recirc system.

i got these cheap ebay foodgrad hot water pumps that have worked great.


until i broke them i just put a cam lok on them and attacked them to the valve on my keggle and was able to pump out/mash/recirc. I need to order some more. there are 12v and 24v and the 12v just didnt have a lot of power.

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I'm still to afraid of putting glass over direct flame

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I've been using an Erlenmyer on my gas cook top for years with no issues. The only thing with an Erlenmyer is the liquid will boil over very easily so you really have to watch it. I've gone to a 5L flask to make 1 or 2L starters and the larger size has helped. I really want to get a Boiling Flask like Walt White had. I don't know if it would help with the boil overs but it would give me street cred.

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Even with Fermcaps?

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Yes....not as bad but you still have to watch it. And I don't like putting condom lubricant in my beer.

I generally do 4L starters so I've been using a 5L flask as well. You do have to watch it, even with foam control. I usually stand there as it's coming to a boil and as soon as I get a vigorous boil, I shut the fire off. Then I let it stand for 15 minutes and put it in the sink to cool. I'll admit I do cringe a little bit when I plunge near-boiling wort into cold tap water but I've never had an issue.

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I do cringe a little bit when I plunge near-boiling wort into cold tap water but I've never had an issue.

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Why? you get a quality flask , these are designed to do this.

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a Florence flask?

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I think Walt called it a boiling flask. And when I search "boiling flasks" I find them.....

Walt>>>>CarRamrod

Walt explaining different flasks