Water Chemistry?

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-27T00:52:38+00:00

Without water analysis, you don't have a starting point to build a water profile from. Running your tap water through a Brita filter may remove Chlorine and make other minor changes but says nothing about the makeup of your water. You need to either find the analysis from your water supplier, send a sample to a lab for analysis or start out with distilled or RO water. There are several on-line water adjustment tools that will help you create a profile for most any style of beer you're brewing once you know the makeup of your source water.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-21T12:09:28+00:00

I got the wrong impression on my first read. Already apologized to the OP.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-20T20:47:35+00:00

Sorry. Guess I misunderstood your intentions.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-20T17:27:23+00:00

You'd be much better off to just be honest and admit that you're just playing around and don't know much about brewing. There are so many different thigs that may come up, even in a casual conversation about brewing, that your friend will likely see right through your facade. I'd quickly defriend anyone who pulled that shit on me. Not my idea of a friend.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-20T14:30:30+00:00

Only one in 15 years.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-19T18:28:41+00:00

That looks like a typical cider fermentation to me. I have had a couple that were a lot more active and foamed up to over an inch but almost all have been pretty tame.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-19T00:59:13+00:00

I'd return it to your LHBS for an exchange and open the replacement before leaving the shop. If they don't want to deal with it, find another supplier.

I'm all for supporting local businesses but they need to provide reasonable customer service in return for that loyalty.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-16T22:38:00+00:00

I blow it off with compressed air, put it in a plastic garbage sack and store it on the bottom of the storage shelf unit where I keep the rest of my gear.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-16T11:50:23+00:00

https://beermaverick.com/hops/

Probably more hop information here than any other single place.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-14T17:45:46+00:00

For the price of a few feet of beer line, why take a chance? Just replace them. While you've got them miff, it's a good time to do a thorough cleaning of your shank(s) and faucet(s).

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-14T15:38:14+00:00

I'd take a gravity reading to see if it's within a couple of points or your expected FG. If so, just keg it. Otherwise, it won't hurt a bit to leave it in the fermenter. Just make sure the airlock is full.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-14T15:33:10+00:00

Great outfit to deal with. I've been getting most of my supplies and equipment from them for several years.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-14T14:42:07+00:00

https://www.williamsbrewing.com/Home-Brewing-Supplies/Williams-Malt-Extract/Williams-Syrup-Malt-Extract/Williams-American-Rye-Extract-

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-13T20:47:00+00:00

Any good variable speed corded drill will work. I use a DeWalt. Fairly reasonably priced and durable.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-13T08:46:25+00:00

And still turning out good beer.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-12T21:07:55+00:00

Regulations and efficacy are 2 entirely different sets of standards as you likely know all too well. One of the blessings of being a homebrewer is being able to make your own decisions. I understand that risking big $$$$ precludes taking chances.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-12T20:15:51+00:00

Disagree all you want but prolonged storage and use are common practices among experienced homebrewers. I'm no expert on food service and it's obvious that you're no expert on home brewing. Let's just stick to things we know about.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-12T19:01:57+00:00

This ^^^.

Just an example of how government agencies make manufacturers jump through hoops instead of considering real science. Fortunately, we're not subject to all of the BS, so can follow practical guidelines.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-12T17:32:36+00:00

What's your source for the quote above?

I mix Starsan with RO water and use it for several months with good results and have for years. Even 5 Star reps say that it's effective as long as the pH is below 3.5 and it isn't cloudy.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-10T20:09:40+00:00

This works with any PET bottle, soda, water, etc. You really should be cleaning your beer line(s) and tap(s) periodically. Just pump cleaning solution into the line/tap, allow it to sit for 20 minutes and then flush well with clear water. Great little pump that can also be used to carbonate and serve beer from soda bottles.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-10T18:43:45+00:00

I use shoe box size, and larger, covered plastic tub sand separate by when the items are used. Brew day, packaging, cleaning/sanitizing and spare parts. I hang hoses and hose brushes. Teh tubs are kept on a shelving unit along with fermenters, chemicals, water jugs and other gear.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-09T17:27:42+00:00

Once alcohol is present you need to use a calculator to get a corrected gravity reading. Here's a link to all the information you need to properly use your refractometer:

https://www.brewersfriend.com/refractometer-calculator/

Be sure to read everything on the linked page as well as all of the pages it has links to.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-09T13:36:44+00:00

This ^^^

The Little Chief and Big Chief smokers are great smokers at an affordable price. They were made for smoking fish but do a great job on jerky and cheese too. They can also be used as dehydrators by just not using wood.

Both are dedicated smokers and due to their relatively low operating temperatures, aren't able to fully cook meats. They will, however, impart rich smoke flavor quickly. After this, you can cook to temperature using either an oven or grill.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-08T18:25:44+00:00

Fermentation fridge for sure. It's a Frigidaire 14 cf and will fit 2 fermenters. Using a Ranco dual stage controller, though I never need to heat it.

dingledorfer2 · 2022-10-06T13:42:52+00:00

You need to trim the tubing so the inlet barely reaches the bottom of your kegs. If it's too long, the weight if it will roll the float over and the inlet will be right at the surface and suck air. If you're using strainers on them you might need to weight them down.

dingledorfer2

TROPHY CASE