Recent content by CascadesBrewer

Yeah, as somebody that likes to brew trial batches, one of the limitations with the Brulosophy approach is that they are always testing 1 variable with just 2 versions. I do often find that experiments would benefit from multiple versions. Like say a control batch, a batch with Irish Moss, and...

One thing I would note (since this got posted to the BAIB Brewing forum) is there is really no significant challenges that BIAB introduces as far as brewing Hazy IPAs. The challenges are mostly cold side, and dealing with large amounts of hops in the kettle. I am a BIAB brewer, and I brewed my...

Not really "Northeast" but I have really enjoyed this event over the years. It is located in Cumberland, MD (a short 4 hour drive from Whitehouse Station, NJ). MASHOUT is the Mid-Atlantic States Homebrewers CampOUT, a camping event for the past 35 years celebrating the brewing of beer (and...

I recall some info that Stone IPA was mashed at what seemed like a ridiculously high mash temp around 162F. That could be true, or it could be that the process they follow on their commercial system does not fully translate to a typical homebrew mash schedule. That info was probably from one...

Just want to say that I have that exact same stir plate. I think it came with a stir bar, but I also had a pack of 30mm stir bars on hand (https://a.co/d/222vGDc). I have not had any issues getting a solid whirlpool going even with a 3L starter. I don't think I ever need to turn the knob...

Yeah, I am not sure what I would suggest as a strategy. Anchor Christmas Ale is a unique beer that a lot of beer geeks around the country would seek out. I would often pick up a 6-pack when I saw it for sale. Keeping that in the rotation for national distribution seem wise. I am not sure...

The question for me is: When is 1 pack of dry yeast "close enough" and when do I need to purchase a second pack? Looking back at my batches for the last few years, I just see one case where I pitched 1 pack of dry yeast into a 5-gallon batch where my OG was above 1.055. That batch was a IPA...

I might add a #3 as "Pitch a reasonable amount of yeast". I am not 100% sure what my rule is on dry yeast pitch rate though. I have had good luck with one pack of various ale yeast into 5.5 gals of wort in the 1.050 range (2 packs for a cold fermented lager). I have also had good luck with 2...

This is my recent batch of an English Porter using Mangrove Jack's Empire Ale (which is the same or similar to London or Windsor?). At 24 hours, I was near FG. Maybe I should have given it more time, but it appeared to be done and tasted okay so I kegged it in under a week. The beer seems...

I often brew 2.5 gallon batches in my kitchen (BIAB on my stove) and I also have wooden floors in my kitchen. I have a few floor mats that I put out. I am not sure they are water proof enough for a massive spill, but they are good enough for drips and damp items. I find that I often need a...

My favorite styles to have on tap/bottle are hoppy American ales (Pale Ale, IPA, Hazy Pale/IPA), Belgians (Saison and Trappist), with a Stout or Porter in the mix. I have said that if just made 5% American Pale Ales, I would be happy. These days I might replace that with a 5% hoppy lager (West...

I am not a huge fan of the subscription model that is prevalent today, but I guess the $15 per year price for BeerSmith is not terrible. When BeerSmith is said, most people think "outdated desktop application", but I mostly use the web based application. I personally think it has the cleanest...

The theory is that you can ferment a warmer temps (which speeds up fermentation vs a lager at say 50F) but the pressure will suppress the esters that would normally be created at warm temps. The pressure and additional CO2 present does put stress on the yeast. I have had good luck with 2 packs...

The "Chubby Apollo 30L Pressure Fermenter with Wide Mouth and Integrated Handles" has some great ideas. Though I see it listed at $70 (USD? Or is that $47 USD?) and I am not sure when these will be available in the US. https://www.kegking.com.au/chubby-apollo-30l-pressure-fermenter.html

He might need a beard to be an actual Brew Matrix, but he at least needs something to drink: Or maybe...