I've found that the best way to "sparge" a grain sack is to have two pots of water. Mash in one first, then just move the bag over to the second pot of water (preheated to correct temp). Wait 5 - 10 min for the remaining sugars to dissolve then remove the grain bag and combine the two worts...
I use them. After all, do you have any idea how hard it is to wash blood stains off...
Oh wait, you said while brewing. No, I don't use gloves while brewing.
I do kitchen brewing as well, using 4 gal and 2 gal pots.
What you described as the "texas two step" is what I have to do for high gravity brews since I only have a 5 gallon cooler to mash in. Works for me, though it is very time consuming. I've had two mash doppelbock's take 14 hrs from...
I don't see anything wrong with doing that. Though as malkore pointed out, you don't need to have a flask or stirr plate to make a decent starter. I use 64 oz. Ocean Spray juice bottles. A peice of sanitized aluminum foil is all the cap you really need. Give the starter a shake every couple...
One thing that really helped for me was to introduce my homebrew to her friends, and their husbands/boyfriends.
Now, instead of saying "ugh, you're brewing again? Don't you already have enough beer?" She says, "will this one be ready for that party we're going to in two weeks?" :ban:
I built two of them last year, both were "double-lenth."
They definitely work, that's for sure. I was even able to lager in mine, holding temps in the mid 50's.
One peice of advice, figure out beforehand how you're going to deal with water from the sweating jugs. Either build a drain, or...
Nice stangs man.
I used to be interested in modding mine until I realized how much everything would cost. Especially since I lacked the tools and know how to do it myself. Stopped after the CAI, gears, and a shifter. I'd still like to drop it an inch though. Stupid 4x4 new edge.
I'm...
Sweet, our numbers aare increasing every day!
Welcome ashleyk.
Now fess up, which bar do you work at so we can go and bug you and drink in front of you while you have to work.
Only thing I'd be worried about is rabbits gnawing on the fresh growth early in the spring. The rabbits around here can be quite insatiable. Not sure if they do or not though.
FWIW, I've heard that trub is actually beneficial during the fermentation process. I can't remeber if it was one of the White bros or Dave Logsdon who said it, but I'm pretty sure it was mentioned in one of the BBR podcasts.
Essentially, they ran an starter "experiment" at Seibel that showed...