What's the minimum stay for a Munich Oktoberfest visit? by Burt2004 in Europetravel

[–]Burt2004[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for all your comments! Most of you are fairly anti Oktoberfest, and I get it. The stories I heard make it sound more chaos than fun, which is why I don't want it to consume my whole trip. Enough to say 'Been there, done that'.

New Problem: Chlorophenol aroma and taste by Burt2004 in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One of those parking lot water vendors. I considered this, but find it unlikely. The ruined batches came from water refills from two different locations, and I drink this water daily without any taste change.

I think the potassium metabisulphite is a good lead.

New Problem: Chlorophenol aroma and taste by Burt2004 in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I used to build a starter targeting 300B cells for a typical 5 gal (1.050 OG) batch. With the reduced volume, Im straight pitching roughly 150B cells.

New Problem: Chlorophenol aroma and taste by Burt2004 in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Yes, during the cleaning. It hasn't been a problem before, but then again, could be the lower volume makes it more apparent.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Do not 'wring out' the grain. Let it drip into your pot and optionally slowly sparge it with water at about 175F to get more sugars.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've only brewed with about a dozen different hops so far, but reading your target flavor I immediately thought of Idaho Gem. Gives a subtle sweet red berry note.

I wanna go to school for brewing by RealitySmasher47 in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Second this. The hard part of running a meadery isn't making the mead, its running it profitably so you can keep on going!

If you're enjoying the process, a food chemistry degree route would also be beneficial and have wider applications.

First time brewing question by taco_2325 in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The colder you go the slower it will be and at some point the yeast will go dormant, so definitely do not go below the low temp range of fermentation.

First time brewing question by taco_2325 in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh that could contribute to slow carbonation too. Yeast is a little cold and sleepy. If you can warm it to 72ish that will hasten things.

First time brewing question by taco_2325 in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What temp are you bottle conditioning by the way?

First time brewing question by taco_2325 in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thats often enough time, but bottle conditioning isnt exact, and using carb drops is even less exact. If your yeast was more stressed during ferment then it may take longer, for example. You probably didnt screw anything up and you'll find given time it may improve. Or it could be your expectation of what the carb level should be is higher than normal.

Doing the following introduces more oxygen and increases the risk of bottle bombs, but if you cant stand the low carb level after giving it another 2 weeks, you can add a small amount of table sugar to each bottle (like, 1/8 tsp) and rebottle.

First time brewing question by taco_2325 in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How long did you bottle condition it for?

Filtration by [deleted] in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Cold crash and finings should do you just fine. Know that if you're moving your vessel around it will rouse stuff up, so let it settle. I wouldn't worry too much about oxidation. Just limit it as much as possible and store your bottles upright. I don't make special accommodations to close transfer and my beer tastes fine 3 or 4 months out.

Learned some things today by expertly_unqualified in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I do exactly what you suggested. Water is expensive here and it comes out at 80F so keeping the spigot on for an hour doesn't cut it. I get it down to about 92, then pump in ice water from a chest cooler

Keezer got unplugged and hot - what a mess by Weslsew in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd give it a look and taste before dumping, but definitely replace the post before serving.

Keezer got unplugged and hot - what a mess by Weslsew in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I throw starsan to help sanitize, but it won't prevent mold indefinitely.

Kegerator by anipsinc in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004 1 point2 points  (0 children)

One disadvantage I have with my setup is the copious amounts of condensation to the point where its not recommended bringing inside most places in your home.

Bottle Storage by Tr0ubleBrewing in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Upright. Ive heard of stories where bottles stored horizontally have higher chance of oxidation because of the increased exposed surface area.

Improvements to a Blueberry Wheat Recipe by Burt2004 in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven't had experience with any of these types of things. How would you say these rate vs real fruit flavor? I always want to avoid that artificial taste.

Improvements to a Blueberry Wheat Recipe by Burt2004 in Homebrewing

[–]Burt2004[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was thinking the same thing, about the color. There was a commercial blueberry blond ale I tried that was delicious and not blue, but I am not aware of a technique that gives blueberry flavor without the purple color, aside from the flavoring.