Recent content by seilenos

I tapped an 8%+ IPA last week. That's usually the max for me. For blow off I attach a tube to the gas stud into a bucket until fermentation starts to die down then install the dip tube, screw on the valve, and spund. For DH I don't use magnets. I turn off the CO2, vent, crack the lid, and then...

The difference in volume I've observed between ferment-and-transfer and ferment-and-serve has been on the order of 2 pints. Given how much less work is involved it has been totally worth it to me.

The following is what I do and not an opinion on any other process. Nutrient: I generally use it because I don’t think it can hurt and a small vial that’s a few dollars ends up being good for 25 or more batches. Aeration: I don’t take any steps specifically other than allowing the wort to...

Cold IPA using the 34/70?

After having done a number of batches via ferment and serve with keg lifetimes pushing 6 mo I am convinced that, given a few potential exceptions, this is one of those homebrew myths that needs to die.

Other - Ferment and serve in the same keg so no transfer.

I've entered a handful of competitions and the score sheets always have had a spot for bottle notes with no associated points and indicated that bottle inspection does not impact scoring. "Judge the beer not the bottle" and all that. Is that not the norm?

I've had success with this "quick shot of CO2" method: Fill a bottle to the desired level turn off the tap (always forget this at least once) lower the bottle so just the tip of the straw is in give a little shot of CO2 which empties the contents of the straw into the bottle, returning it to...

A little off-topic due to lack of fermentation, but if anyone is looking for a cheat shortcut: Into a corny keg, add: 33.8 oz (1L) 190 proof Everclear or 80 oz 80 proof vodka 50g sugar 50g stevia 16g citric acid 1.5g salt Top with water. Shake to mix. Connect to 25 psi CO2. Give it a few days...

Things I've learned in the three months since I started the thread: Blow-off tube is dead simple for brews where I don't want pressure. Unscrew the gas connection, remove both it and the dip tube, store them in a glass filled with sanitizer from the brew day, use a hose over the threads into a...

When you bottle for submission do you bottle extra so you can taste what the judges are tasting? I'd recommend at least one extra that you pour on the day of judging and one you open for reference when you get your score sheets back. This also allows you to do a direct compare between keg and...

Wow ... that is a really simple, yet elegant, solution. I really appreciate the suggestion!

My concern is the poppet getting clogged on either side. Maybe that is unwarranted ... especially since I have all the parts to do just that on-hand.

I've been looking for a recipe that is similar to Free Will's Scarecrow which is an Autumn Spiced Wheat Ale. I hadn't found anything so I figured I'd try to combine two recipes that individually have given good results and I think they'd combine well, I just don't know the particulars of the...