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Waldo
Joined: 29 Nov 2006
Posts: 22679
Location: The ATL
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 Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2011 10:00 am Post subject: |
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| scar988 wrote: | | I've homebrewed quite a bit recently, and this may sound crazy to some, but in a hefeweissen instead of going orange, I decided to go with a lime. IT came out SOOOO much better. it's not as sweet and a slice of lime in the beer at the end of it fermenting and sitting the fridge for a couple of months it's pretty friggin awesome. |
Nice. Great idea.
I recently picked up a digital thermostat that can switch an outlet. Got it for 2 uses, to control the temperature in my smoker and to control the temperature in a refrigerator for lagering. I still need to get the fridge, but the thermostat was the hard to find part (should use a better thermostat than the regular fridge ones which typically can't hold a temp well and they keep things excessively cold). I know that you can get a thermostat along these lines from homebrew supply places, but they don't have the range to also control a smoker.
I haven't homebrewed much recently because the vast majority of beer I drink are lagers. I just don't care for ales as much anymore for whatever reason. Once I get a fridge for lagering I'm back in business.
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| Title Town USA wrote: | | Waldo was right! |
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The LBC
Joined: 12 Jan 2008
Posts: 15541
Location: Long Beach, CA
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| Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 5:21 am Post subject: |
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| Waldo wrote: | | scar988 wrote: | | I've homebrewed quite a bit recently, and this may sound crazy to some, but in a hefeweissen instead of going orange, I decided to go with a lime. IT came out SOOOO much better. it's not as sweet and a slice of lime in the beer at the end of it fermenting and sitting the fridge for a couple of months it's pretty friggin awesome. |
Nice. Great idea.
I recently picked up a digital thermostat that can switch an outlet. Got it for 2 uses, to control the temperature in my smoker and to control the temperature in a refrigerator for lagering. I still need to get the fridge, but the thermostat was the hard to find part (should use a better thermostat than the regular fridge ones which typically can't hold a temp well and they keep things excessively cold). I know that you can get a thermostat along these lines from homebrew supply places, but they don't have the range to also control a smoker.
I haven't homebrewed much recently because the vast majority of beer I drink are lagers. I just don't care for ales as much anymore for whatever reason. Once I get a fridge for lagering I'm back in business. |
I probably won't even have the opportunity to finish the project until after Christmas - and even then until well after X-mas because the wife and I are going to Costa Rica from the 26th through the 3rd - but I've already got my wife working off a shopping list of little bits and parts I need to finish my fridge to full-size kegerator project (actual full-size 1980's fridge that I'm setting up to hold two 23 by 9's with taps on the front - i.e. mounted on the fridge door side-by-side). I'm so over bottling my homebrew - such a pain in the butt - and all about kegging it now.
On a non-beer side-note, I've got a batch of apple wine (it's called apple "wine" but it's really more of a hard cider based off a German appleweiss recipe) I made back in mid-October that should be ready for tasting just after Thanksgiving, I may wait till early December (that way if it's only mediocre I can bottle it and give it as X-mas presents). I'll keep everyone posted on how my first venture into cider-making goes.
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MrDrew
Joined: 10 Apr 2008
Posts: 14525
Location: Evil League of Evil
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| Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 7:28 am Post subject: |
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| The LBC wrote: | | I probably won't even have the opportunity to finish the project until after Christmas - and even then until well after X-mas because the wife and I are going to Costa Rica from the 26th through the 3rd - but I've already got my wife working off a shopping list of little bits and parts I need to finish my fridge to full-size kegerator project (actual full-size 1980's fridge that I'm setting up to hold two 23 by 9's with taps on the front - i.e. mounted on the fridge door side-by-side). I'm so over bottling my homebrew - such a pain in the butt - and all about kegging it now. |
Stay away from the old fridges. They're a pain, and cost a lot to run. A chest freezer with a thermostat is the way to go. It will save you a ton of money in the long run, and it actually fits more.
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Waldo
Joined: 29 Nov 2006
Posts: 22679
Location: The ATL
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| Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 3:49 pm Post subject: |
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| MrDrew wrote: | | The LBC wrote: | | I probably won't even have the opportunity to finish the project until after Christmas - and even then until well after X-mas because the wife and I are going to Costa Rica from the 26th through the 3rd - but I've already got my wife working off a shopping list of little bits and parts I need to finish my fridge to full-size kegerator project (actual full-size 1980's fridge that I'm setting up to hold two 23 by 9's with taps on the front - i.e. mounted on the fridge door side-by-side). I'm so over bottling my homebrew - such a pain in the butt - and all about kegging it now. |
Stay away from the old fridges. They're a pain, and cost a lot to run. A chest freezer with a thermostat is the way to go. It will save you a ton of money in the long run, and it actually fits more. |
I was thinking about getting one of the little mini-fridges that is big enough for a glass primary fermenter (thus also big enough for a cornelius keg), just watching craigs list until a suitable model pops up cheap.
Bottling sucks. When I first started homebrewing we had a full CO2 kegging system, I really miss those days. Takes all of 15 minutes to rack a beer from the secondary into the keg (including all sanitizing) then pressurizing the keg to force pressurization levels. And you've got ready to drink fully pressurized beer in 2 days instead of 2 weeks with bottling.
That and it is just my personal opinion, but I think that natural pressurization via a 2nd fermentation adds a negative flavor to the beer, whether it is because there is more yeast in solution or off flavors from the sediment, IDK, but I can tell the diffence and like force carbonated beer (or giant batch natural pressurization) better.
Bonus side effect was that a tap attachment for regular kegs for parties was dirt cheap (much more simple tap than the pumps that the less fortunate have to use), having a keg on CO2 for a party is a huge step up from pumps, pours so much faster, and it keeps (pumped kegs go flat). I'm not sure why more college kids don't splurge on a $150-$200 CO2 tapping system if they know they are going to have a lot of parties. It is WELL worth it. The tap attachments for the various keg types don't cost but $20 each, if that. Any parties that weren't ours, beer was free for us if we brought our tap. And after college....you've got one of the primary components for a kegerator.
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| Title Town USA wrote: | | Waldo was right! |
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MrDrew
Joined: 10 Apr 2008
Posts: 14525
Location: Evil League of Evil
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| Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 4:13 pm Post subject: |
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| Waldo wrote: | | MrDrew wrote: | | The LBC wrote: | | I probably won't even have the opportunity to finish the project until after Christmas - and even then until well after X-mas because the wife and I are going to Costa Rica from the 26th through the 3rd - but I've already got my wife working off a shopping list of little bits and parts I need to finish my fridge to full-size kegerator project (actual full-size 1980's fridge that I'm setting up to hold two 23 by 9's with taps on the front - i.e. mounted on the fridge door side-by-side). I'm so over bottling my homebrew - such a pain in the butt - and all about kegging it now. |
Stay away from the old fridges. They're a pain, and cost a lot to run. A chest freezer with a thermostat is the way to go. It will save you a ton of money in the long run, and it actually fits more. |
I was thinking about getting one of the little mini-fridges that is big enough for a glass primary fermenter (thus also big enough for a cornelius keg), just watching craigs list until a suitable model pops up cheap.
Bottling sucks. When I first started homebrewing we had a full CO2 kegging system, I really miss those days. Takes all of 15 minutes to rack a beer from the secondary into the keg (including all sanitizing) then pressurizing the keg to force pressurization levels. And you've got ready to drink fully pressurized beer in 2 days instead of 2 weeks with bottling.
That and it is just my personal opinion, but I think that natural pressurization via a 2nd fermentation adds a negative flavor to the beer, whether it is because there is more yeast in solution or off flavors from the sediment, IDK, but I can tell the diffence and like force carbonated beer (or giant batch natural pressurization) better.
Bonus side effect was that a tap attachment for regular kegs for parties was dirt cheap (much more simple tap than the pumps that the less fortunate have to use), having a keg on CO2 for a party is a huge step up from pumps, pours so much faster, and it keeps (pumped kegs go flat). I'm not sure why more college kids don't splurge on a $150-$200 CO2 tapping system if they know they are going to have a lot of parties. It is WELL worth it. The tap attachments for the various keg types don't cost but $20 each, if that. Any parties that weren't ours, beer was free for us if we brought our tap. And after college....you've got one of the primary components for a kegerator. |
Even in your situation, I would go with a small chest freezer and digital thermostat. The freezers are insulated enough to keep food frozen for hours without power. Keeping the temp in the 40's-50's is easy. It all means the motor is running less, so you're not getting colder than you want air blowing on your fermenter all the time, and the motor will only run a few times a day so your power bill will be a lot cheaper.
Kegging is the far better method. You can always bottle a gallon, and keg the rest, if you want to give some away.
Most important thing about brewing? Sanitation. You have to clean your lines, and taps, regularly. For a college kid that's not looking for his next drunk, it's a pretty good idea. For the rest, it would never work. All the beer would come out tasting like Rock Bottom's.
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steferfootballd
Joined: 13 Sep 2008
Posts: 11277
Location: Welcome to the Hotel California
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| Posted: Tue Nov 22, 2011 2:08 am Post subject: |
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I saw the UberFridge and thought of the nice people here.
Basically it is a 100 euro fridge mod that controls your fridge temperature to .1 degree Celsius and does some other stuff like logs the temperature. It actually uses the fridge lightbulb as a heating element. lol
More importantly, I was wondering if such accuracy is really necessary for fermentation. Would there be a noticeable difference in quality?
Seems like too much work, but kinda cool nonetheless.
Also somewhat off topic, has anyone ever tried free beer? I've always wondered if free beer or open cola are legitimate.
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Ramster
| SoS wrote: | (Remember, I like that Steven Jackson style best  ) |
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MrDrew
Joined: 10 Apr 2008
Posts: 14525
Location: Evil League of Evil
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| Posted: Sat May 19, 2012 3:24 am Post subject: |
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Been a while, so it's time to bring this thing back to life.
Panty Peeler
Brewer: Midnight Sun Brewing Company (Anchorage, AK)
Style: Belgian Style Tripel
My Thoughts:
Pours a light copper color, with a 3-finger slightly off-white head. Scents are orange, sweet malts, spice, light grass, and Belgian yeast. Taste was big on the sweet malts and spice, orange, lemon grass(?), and distintive flavor of the yeast. Full body, minimal lacing, and the head took a while to thin out.
Lucky enough to have a buddy bring some back for me when had to work for a month in AK. A lot of characteristics of a Dubbel, but with the fruitiness and spice of a Tripel. Very easy drinking. One of the coolest names ou'll ever find for a beer.
Brewer's Notes:
| Midnight Sun wrote: | 8.5 % Alcohol By Volume
15 International Bittering Units (IBUs)
Free spirited Panty Peeler Tripel pours rambunctiously into your glass, releasing its engaging aroma. Curacao (bitter) orange peel and coriander create a beautiful yet bolder tripel by infusing color, citrus and spice. Belgian yeast adds playful character. Bottle conditioning assures a perfectly heady experience.
Brewed as a Belgian tripel but with American boldness, Panty Peeler is delicious yet spirited. |
My Score: 8.0
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MrDrew
Joined: 10 Apr 2008
Posts: 14525
Location: Evil League of Evil
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| Posted: Tue May 22, 2012 1:41 am Post subject: |
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Wee Heavy
Brewer: AleSmith Brewing Company (San Diego, CA)
Style: Scotch Ale
My Thoughts:
Pours a deep, oil-colored, brown, with a thick tan head. Scents are caramel, sweet malts, light bread malts, alcohol, and dark fruit. Flavors are rich malts, caramel, toffee, alcohol, and light bitter hop finish. Very heavy palate, no real lacing.
Big beer, which is to be expected from AleSmith. Rich flavors, a ton of malts. It's a 10% beer, and it noticeable, but not so much that it hurts the beer. Big bottle + 10% = a good time.
Brewer's Notes:
| AleSmith wrote: | Bottle conditioned
J.P. Gray's Wee Heavy Scotch Ale Scotland's bone-chilling winters command a strong, richly-flavored brew. J.P. Gray's Wee Heavy is such an ale. Named for Brewmaster Skip Virgilio's maternal grandfather, J.P. Gray's is a blend of the prized Maris Otter barley and dark roasted barley which imparts a slightly smoky flavor and a deep chestnut appearance. In the style of a classic Scottish wee heavy, this fine ale is remarkably smooth and malty with background flavors of chocolate and molasses. Warmth is provided by a substantial 9% alcohol by volume. The high alcohol and fresh ingredients allow this ale to age well over time. Appearance: Deep mahogany color, sparkling clarity, and excellent head formation and retention when properly served. Flavor: Deep caramelly malty flavor with just a hint of smoke in the finish. Aroma: The aroma is sweet and voluptuous, reflecting the flavor with malt, hop and yeast characteristics. Mouthfeel (body/texture): Lush, full, rounded, almost chewy. This is a BIG beer! |
My Score: 8.3
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CWood21
Joined: 27 Jun 2008
Posts: 30533
Location: 'Merica
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| Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 11:41 pm Post subject: |
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| MrDrew wrote: | | Been a while, so it's time to bring this thing back to life. |
So I recently turned 21 and want to expand my beer horizons past the beers at the local convenience store. Can anyone direct me to a book or website that I can see to learn about the basics of beer. Like distinguishing IPAs from Pale Ales, etc. I'm clueless and it's something I'd love to know more about.
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| iPwn wrote: | | If I was going to blow $2,600 on a night of fun, the last thing I would be thinking to do was play skee ball. |
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FlyLikeAJet
Joined: 22 Jun 2011
Posts: 3483
Location: Getting FLAJ'd in The Peoples Republic of Queens
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| Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 11:42 pm Post subject: |
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I has a Miller High Life tonight, i gotta admit I enjoyed it 
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Woz
Joined: 10 Mar 2006
Posts: 17421
Location: in a land where the furniture folds to a much smaller size
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| Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 11:45 pm Post subject: |
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| CWood21 wrote: | | MrDrew wrote: | | Been a while, so it's time to bring this thing back to life. |
So I recently turned 21 and want to expand my beer horizons past the beers at the local convenience store. Can anyone direct me to a book or website that I can see to learn about the basics of beer. Like distinguishing IPAs from Pale Ales, etc. I'm clueless and it's something I'd love to know more about. |
It's too bad he passed away because I don't know if his stuff still holds, but if you can find some of the books by Michael Jackson, they're pretty good.
No, not that Michael Jackson. The other one. Just add "beer" to your search. |
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ravens_rool28
Joined: 05 Sep 2009
Posts: 15124
Location: I FOUND THE CURE FOR COMAS!!!
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| Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 11:52 pm Post subject: |
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Anyone tried "Flat Tire"? I've seen it around in a few stores, but have yet to try it. Should I?
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| latinoaustino wrote: | | The to dri I away that Marquette lsoss |
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MrDrew
Joined: 10 Apr 2008
Posts: 14525
Location: Evil League of Evil
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| Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 12:21 am Post subject: |
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| CWood21 wrote: | | MrDrew wrote: | | Been a while, so it's time to bring this thing back to life. |
So I recently turned 21 and want to expand my beer horizons past the beers at the local convenience store. Can anyone direct me to a book or website that I can see to learn about the basics of beer. Like distinguishing IPAs from Pale Ales, etc. I'm clueless and it's something I'd love to know more about. |
Somewhere in this thread there's a link that shows all of those details.
Here's a detailed one
http://482256.cache1.evolutionhosting.com/attachments/0000/7526/2012_BA_Beer_Styles_Final.pdf
This one shows beers in each style
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/
IPA's are going to be more malty up front, and real hoppy on the back. You'll get breaddy, caramel, and maybe a little syrupy flavor to start. It will finish wit a lot of hops, which can have a bitter, pine, floral, grass, or pepper flavor. Most IPA's use multiple hops.
A pale will be lighter in color, and flavor. You'll get that breaddy malt up front, and usually just a bitter hop on the back.
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MrDrew
Joined: 10 Apr 2008
Posts: 14525
Location: Evil League of Evil
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| Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 12:23 am Post subject: |
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| ravens_rool28 wrote: | | Anyone tried "Flat Tire"? I've seen it around in a few stores, but have yet to try it. Should I? |
Flat Tire, or Fat Tire?
Fat Tire is one of the better Ambers out there. Well worth trying.
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ravens_rool28
Joined: 05 Sep 2009
Posts: 15124
Location: I FOUND THE CURE FOR COMAS!!!
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| Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 2:00 am Post subject: |
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| MrDrew wrote: | | ravens_rool28 wrote: | | Anyone tried "Flat Tire"? I've seen it around in a few stores, but have yet to try it. Should I? |
Flat Tire, or Fat Tire?
Fat Tire is one of the better Ambers out there. Well worth trying. |
It is Fat Tire, my bad. I'll for sure give it a try though.
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| latinoaustino wrote: | | The to dri I away that Marquette lsoss |
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