Calling it a Day, "Now What?"

[jack.39]

Homebrew, especially in the last 10 or 15 years, is definitely the best. Fun to make and experiment with. In my earliest beer making days, before they had all these fancy beermaking products, I used hop flavored Blue Ribbon malt extract, bread yeast, and plain old sugar, all available from the local supermarket. Wasn't the best beer in the world, but it was cheap and you could make it as strong as you wanted. The rule in my house was, "Where you fall is where you sleep".

Chuck

Chuck, no changes since those days! I use Alexander's Malt Extract, mainly because it is the most reasonably priced (and the biggest can, 4.4 lbs.!), Danstar Danish yeast or Vierka German yeast, Hops either picked off our vines out back of the house or store-bought in pelletized form, and the BEST tap water for the job, our own well water, full of vital minerals! I have never added any conditioners, yeast stimulators, etc., and usually make 5 gallon batches using old glass drinking water carboys.

I found that for a nice, heavy, dark brew, wonderful tasting, adding a few cups of molasses to the boiling brew is a good addition! jack

 

[Maryak]

Hi Guys,

About 20 years ago I embarked on a brew your own beer campaign. The 1st brew was drinkable if you were thirsty. The 2nd brew was drinkable if you were very thirsty. The 3rd brew was best described as "Not Fit for Human Consumption."

This saga included breaking several full bottles whilst attempting to apply the crown seal, the bath being unusable whilst the beer was brewing and so on. Not one of my life's more successful enterprises.

The beer brewing kit and left over bottles, seals, etc., went in the rubbish and buying beer for me was (a) Cheaper and (b) Drinkable.

Finally, I have been offered many home brews over the years, (usually after I have described my effort), comments such as mines not like that, mine has a normal beer taste etc. Of all these home brews, there have only been 2 where I would be willing to drink a 2nd one and this is in Oz which has a pretty strong beer drinking tradition.

Now you know why I prefer spirits with Coca Cola. ;D

Best Regards
Bob

 

[wm460]

Home brew or bought Cooper's only.
No Bottles for this boy, Kegs are the way to go. ;D ;D

 

[Artie]

I agree, a mate does his home brew in kegs. I simply cannot tell it from commercial beer (without the nastys).... I wish I had teh time to play with it all.... far too many hobby/projects on the go as it is....


Artie

 

[cfellows]

Hi Guys,

About 20 years ago I embarked on a brew your own beer campaign. The 1st brew was drinkable if you were thirsty. The 2nd brew was drinkable if you were very thirsty. The 3rd brew was best described as "Not Fit for Human Consumption."

.... text deleted

Best Regards
Bob

Bob,

Not saying this was your problem, but in my own homebrewing endeavors, I quickly discovered that using sterile containers & boiled ingredients is absolutely necessary. I used to soak my brewing bottle in water as hot as I could get it out of the tap with a little dish soap, then rinse well, again, with hot water. I boiled all the incredients, including the water. And, I used an airlock on the brewing container while it was fermenting. Once I learned that secret, I never had another bad batch.

Chuck

 

[doc1955]

When the shop activity is closed down for the day, what do you usually pursue, in order to not be 100% wrapped up in your work?

Anyone like a nice, cold beer?

jack

Sure if your a buying I'll take a Bass I like that Brit beer, domestic just isn't there for me.
I usually like a beer or 2 with a round of golf but it's a tad cold to be out golfing right now.

 

[Maryak]

I usually like a beer or 2 with a round of golf but it's a tad cold to be out golfing right now.

White ball could be a problem too. :

Chuck,

Yep, did all that and had a bubbler on the container. Guess Bacchus was "hopping" mad at me, anyway I keep him, (and me), very contented with the brandy. Thanks for your support. I honestly don't know what my problem was but on reflection temperature during brewing may have had some bearing on it. Not to worry I ain't going to do it again EVER.

Best Regards
Bob