Brewcommune

Collectively, the grain behaves very much like a liquid, although constraining it with a bag would restrict that somewhat. When the mash first comes together there will be grains that are exposed to the air, that's perfectly normal. As the grain settles and breaks down you will end up with a layer ...

Thanks!!! Everytime I've tried a beer made with Maris Otter, I've loved it. That's a great idea. I wonder how an IPA would taste with Maris Otter? About the mash tun, I don't think it's a problem, just would make it easier being I'm still minimash. But the reason why is that wider tuns would have le...

bwarbiany wrote:Gelatin helps clear it quite nicely...

I'm looking for polyclar, if anyone has a connect. (it fines and also takes care of tannins. )

maltbarley wrote:Brad, I think you should lead a class...

+1

Excellent advice guys! Thank you! I'd rather put in an extra pound of grain for $1.00 and have a good beer, than worry about maxing my efficiency. I need to start getting grain in bulk, lol. What would be the default grain to buy if I were to buy a 50-lb sack? 2-row? Also, you mention vorlaufing for...

Brahn totally stole my thoughts. I would suggest someing that showcases the yeast and/or barley like an ale, wheat, or doppelbock. Maybe even go nuts with a Belgian? Lol. I'm very anxious to see the results. I'm also down to help on brew day if you want the help and I'm available.

brahn wrote:The best three beers should get 1, 2, 3.

+1,000,000

(I think that's the definition of "beer-snobbery," which only a few people know is Latin for "douchebaggery." After all, you're not competing against the world and all it's history, lol.)

US-05 is great, but it is super powdery. Having a more flocculant alternative with a similar flavor profile would be a definite plus. Totally agree. Certain things I can taste in beers that stand out for me, US-05 is usually one of them. It's almost TOO bland for me and indeed powdery. It almost ad...

In case anyone didn't see this... it's pretty exciting to me, a new West Coast Ale DRY yeast! It's available from Williams's Brewing . Looks like it's time to place another order! BRY-97 American West Coast Yeast BRY-97 American West Coast Yeast was selected from the Siebel Institute Culture Collect...

I think I figured out one of the problems with this last batch and astringency, I ended up using too much water in the mash in order to cover the grains. I was using a small 2.5 lunchbox-style cooler and the grains weren't covered with water, so I heated up more water and filled it to about 2gals fo...

Thanks for sharing Sam. How much did all that SMS mesh cost?

People on homebrewtalk seemed to generally like 38x38 or 40x40 but I'd like to hear the results of Sam's experiences.

backhousebrew wrote:Tim and Scott tried to roll away with my extract brewstove while I wasn't looking.

I don't blame them! I would have done the same thing, except I would have found a bottle of your sarsaparilla stout and ganked that too!

Thanks for sharing! Wish I could have been there.

Pffft. You'll buy *way* more stuff in the next four years! :lol: But seriously, a fridge is cheap. Here's what I found in 30 seconds of searching... http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/ele/3260982572.html Sure, you have to add a temp controller to that (another $50-70), but it's one of the most wort...

RDWHAHB is sage advice for the new brewer who likes lots of details .. Relax. Don't Worry. Have a Home Brew... Thanks man. While there are ways to mess up a recipe (like using 100% crystal malts, 0% base malts), most of the time all you can do is be 'out-of-style' for a particular beer, or end up w...