Beer,Beer wonderful Beer.

[VatorMan]

Bought the stuff today.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/beer041.jpg

Got it brewing right now..

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/beer045.jpg


This can be an expensive hobby.:willy :willy :willy :willy

Found this at a local beer/wine store. I had to buy it.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/beer043.jpg


BTW-trying to make an IPA.

[OneSickPsycho]

IPA's are the best... good luck!

[Trip]

Shan did the same thing.

That looks like a good gumbo pot right thar.

[NONE_too_SOFT]

how much for the kit?

[t-homo]

Looks nice. Me and some friends looked at brewing our own beer, but then decided that since we were 17 and 18 it wouldn't work too well.

[VatorMan]

how much for the kit?

$75 for the kit, $95 for the stainless steel pot (I had to buy a turkey fryer) and $26 for the brew stuff. But now all I have to buy are caps and brew stuff. I could have gotten the stuff cheaper on line but I really wanted to talk to someone about how to do this right.
I've got to say-I hope this tastes better than it smells.

[NONE_too_SOFT]

haha, it wont

[NONE_too_SOFT]

how much does that thing make?

[t-homo]

$75 for the kit, $95 for the stainless steel pot (I had to buy a turkey fryer) and $26 for the brew stuff. But now all I have to buy are caps and brew stuff. I could have gotten the stuff cheaper on line but I really wanted to talk to someone about how to do this right.
I've got to say-I hope this tastes better than it smells.

What's the wifey think about this new hobby?

[Trip]

Seriously, you could of went down and got half that shit for real cheap from a drunk cajun.

Plastic jugs - check, don't really know why we have them
white shrimp bucket - check, we like shrimp and general shrimpin activities
big stainless steal pot - check, the one you have is only good for kitchen use, we will get you a massive crawfish boilin pot because we like beer in large quantities.

[VatorMan]

how much does that thing make?

About 5 gallons-enough for 48 bottles.

What's the wifey think about this new hobby?

She's helping.

[vabarber2]

Looks tasty! Good Luck!

Dam I miss beer!!!!!!!

[VatorMan]

Bucket is bubbling nicely.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/IMG_2889.jpg

[t-homo]

Good shit man. You might have to ship me a bottle sometime if its worth a damn.

[Rider]

Did someone say beer. It's 8 am and Im already needing a cold one. :chug:

[marko138]

Awesome.

[Trip]

Did someone say beer. It's 8 am and Im already needing a cold one. :chug:

who doesn't, stupid weekend was over too quickly.

[VatorMan]

who doesn't, stupid weekend was over too quickly.

serious.

[t-homo]

who doesn't, stupid weekend was over too quickly.

No fuckin joke. Guess I just have to party tonight too.

[VatorMan]

Racked to secondary today. It smelled pretty good-so maybe I didn't fuck it up too bad.:rockwoot: It spec'd out at 4% alcohol.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/IMG_2893.jpg

[Rider]

Racked to secondary today. It smelled pretty good-so maybe I didn't fuck it up too bad.:rockwoot: It spec'd out at 4% alcohol.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/IMG_2893.jpg

4%? Thats little low for an IPA. What are the IBU's?

[Trip]

I showed a buddy this thread and he went out and bought a kit just like yours. He is making his first pale ale this weekend.

[VatorMan]

4%? Thats little low for an IPA. What are the IBU's?

You are correct. I think I pulled to much of the crap out of the wort before I put it in the fermenter. I think I'm going to end up with an IPA lite. :lol:

I have learned a lot from this first batch. My next batch will be spot on-guaranteed.

[Rider]

You are correct. I think I pulled to much of the crap out of the wort before I put it in the fermenter. I think I'm going to end up with an IPA lite. :lol:

I have learned a lot from this first batch. My next batch will be spot on-guaranteed.

What is the IBU of the beer? Did you calculate that?

[VatorMan]

What is the IBU of the beer? Did you calculate that?

I did and it's upstairs. Too lazy to go get it.

[Rider]

I did and it's upstairs. Too lazy to go get it.

Ballpark? In the 40's, 50"s?

[VatorMan]

Ballpark? In the 40's, 50"s?

40-45

[vabarber2]

Hope you didnt mess it up to bad! Cant waste hops!

[ceo012384]

That's awesome.... I was thinking about trying this recently since I love beer. ANd you made an IPA.... my favorite type of beer :beers:

Send me a bottle!

[VatorMan]

That's awesome.... I was thinking about trying this recently since I love beer. ANd you made an IPA.... my favorite type of beer :beers:

Send me a bottle!

I'll send you one the next time the Pats win a SuperBowl.:whistle:




:lol:

[ceo012384]

I'll send you one the next time the Pats win a SuperBowl.:whistle:




:lol:

Thanks dick! :lol:... maybe next february...

[marko138]

Thanks dick! :lol:... maybe next february...

Maybe but hopefully not.

[Rider]

40-45

Nice...

[ceo012384]

Maybe but hopefully not.

Yeah maybe the raiders will win instead.


:bs2:

[marko138]

Yeah maybe the raiders will win instead.


:bs2:

You fucker. That was low.

[VatorMan]

OK-Finishing up.

Transferring the beer from the carboy to the bottling bucket

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/IMG_2904.jpg

I have to say SCREW bottle cleaning !!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/IMG_2902.jpg

Bottling

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/IMG_2906.jpg

First beer !
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/IMG_2905.jpg

Made 48 on the nose.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/IMG_2907.jpg

Now for the 2 week wait. It smelled really good coming out of the carboy/bucket so I have a small glimmer it might be OK.

Pros-It is a new learned skill. Both the wife and I had a lot of fun doing this. We are going to the homebrewers warehouse tomorrow for more supplies to make a couple more batches. I love creating my own recipes/stuff so I dig this.

Cons-CLEANING !!IT SUCKS. No doubt about it. Brewing the wort stinks.Cleaning up during and after stinks. I can see why people that are into this keg. Bottle cleaning sucks.

I'll let everyone know in a couple of weeks if I created a masterpiece or monster.:lol: :lol:

[Mudpuppy]

looks like a nice kit.. i pieced one together myself.. my mother-in-law 2 years ago bought me the mr. beer kit for christmas and got me hooked.. then my brother-in-law got hooked.. he went out and bought a kit like you are showing there, along with a keg-a-rater, some kegs, a tap for his bar, etc. pretty sweet set up.. so he and i have brewed over 100 gallons this year.. let me tell you even the bad beer is still beer.. if you don't have a bottle washer get one - its like $5.. it hooks to like your laundry tub and you can clean the carboy and bottles upside down.. we usually just put the bottles in the dishwasher, run it on sanitizer cycle the night before bottling and we are good to go.. but yes bottling sucks.. kegs are so much better.. make sure 2 things - 1 - get a few frosty mugs - we do the recycle program - pour a beer in the mug fresh out of the freezer, drink, enjoy, then wash the glass put it back in the freezer, grab another - by the time you are on # 3 the bottle you washed is frozen again - don't drink out of anything except a frosty mug for best result, and # 2 - make sure you rinse your bottles really well after pouring into the glass - otherwise you get gunk growing in the bottom and might as well toss it.. we buy alot from the local homebrew store but also bought a couple of good kits from http://www.midwestsupplies.com/
Also in the fall we brew hard cider.. very good but about twice as much to brew..

[VatorMan]

Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it.

[Mudpuppy]

the guys at midwest are super helpful as well.. we had issues with one kit that didn't ferment and they helped us save it.. wasn't easy but the end result was worth it - we had to reboil, clean the carboy and then repitch.. turned out good though.. if you need any help let me know..

[VatorMan]

the guys at midwest are super helpful as well.. we had issues with one kit that didn't ferment and they helped us save it.. wasn't easy but the end result was worth it - we had to reboil, clean the carboy and then repitch.. turned out good though.. if you need any help let me know..


Don't worry-I will. When I get into a hobby I usually go all out.

[Mudpuppy]

what did you brew? looks like a dark ale or lager?

[VatorMan]

what did you brew? looks like a dark ale or lager?

60 min IPA. It spec'd out at 4.5% alcohol. I'm looking to raise that on my next batch.

[Mudpuppy]

nice.. ipas are great... there are alot of ways to add alcohol including like honey.. some people add fruits - i refuse to add fruit to my beer.. but i made a great holiday brew that had bittering and finishing hops and finished out at 12.5%.. a couple of those and you are golden..

are you using dual fermentation or just single? dual is the way to go - we use two carboys but you can use a 5 gallon plastic bucket - just the problem with that is plastic scratches and if you don't clean it perfectly bacteria grows in the scratches then taints the beer - won't get you sick but will taste like shit.. but the beer comes out tasting alot better and is alot clearer..

[VatorMan]

Dual stage-Plastic fermenter and carboy secondary. I may buy another carboy for the primary tomorrow.

[vabarber2]

60 min IPA. It spec'd out at 4.5% alcohol. I'm looking to raise that on my next batch.
Nice!! :drool: I wish I had beer, but its illegal in irak!!!!

[ceo012384]

Looking great... taste yet?

And when are you having the party? :lol:

[Mudpuppy]

Dual stage-Plastic fermenter and carboy secondary. I may buy another carboy for the primary tomorrow.

yes i would recommend it.. that and a bottlewasher to hook to your laundry room or ultility room tub.. makes cleaning alot easier.. that and not sure what you are using for your cleaning but this works good:

http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByID.aspx?ProdID=4324

or this:

http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByID.aspx?ProdID=4322

They also make a product that removes labels real easy off normal beer bottles.. can't remember the name of it though..

not sure what your carboy is that came with the kit - usually 5 gallon? i would recommend getting a 6 gallon one if you are buying another... then you brew and start primary fermentation in the 6 gallon carboy.. you get evaporation plus sediment so when you transfer into the 5 gallon carboy it should be perfect..

[VatorMan]

I bought that bottle cleaner yesterday. I use the plastic carboy to ferment and the glass I use as a secondary. Just finished making a Pale Ale last night.

[Mudpuppy]

you are on a roll.. its much easier using that bottle washer isn't it?

[VatorMan]

you are on a roll.. its much easier using that bottle washer isn't it?

It's easy when you have 2 home brew warehouses near you.:lol:

[vabarber2]

Looking great... taste yet?

And when are you having the party? :lol:
Yeah! Hows it taste and when you gona share!!

[marko138]

Damn man. Nice work. I might have to get into this homebrewing.

[Trip]

Damn man. Nice work. I might have to get into this homebrewing.

I just watched a history channel show on homebrewing, I am considering it as well.

[t-homo]

I just watched a history channel show on homebrewing, I am considering it as well.

After I am out of college, have a job and a place of my own, I plan on starting.

[VatorMan]

Once you get the stuff-You can make beer for about $.50 a bottle. Kits are running from $25 to $40 each.

I spent a little over $200 for everything. Pot/Beerkit/Glass Carboy/bottles(wish I had been keeping old ones)/brushes/etc.

[ceo012384]

After I am out of college, have a job and a place of my own, I plan on starting.

You like shitty beer, just pee in a bottle, then drink it. Send me the cash you saved.

[t-homo]

You like shitty beer, just pee in a bottle, then drink it. Send me the cash you saved.

Yeah well once I am out of college, I plan on moving up in the world.

[Mudpuppy]

Once you get the stuff-You can make beer for about $.50 a bottle. Kits are running from $25 to $40 each.

I spent a little over $200 for everything. Pot/Beerkit/Glass Carboy/bottles(wish I had been keeping old ones)/brushes/etc.

best way to go is do what vatorman did and get the $200 kit type of deal.. if you go to ebay though and are on a tight budget you can get a starter type kit for around $60-$85.. you won't have everything that vator has but you can make beer.. eventually you will want to get the extras.. what i did was i just bought one piece at a time.. now i have the full kit like vator..

[pickle.of.doom]

I can vouch for MP's brews... good shit for sure!

You ever think about a hard cider?

[Rider]

Are you using 2 stage fermentation or single stage?

[VatorMan]

Are you using 2 stage fermentation or single stage?

2 stage.

[Rider]

2 stage.

Thats the best way to go. How are you transferring the beer between containers without letting too much air get to it? I had a 6 gallon plastic bucket(which was were I did the first stage) and I put a tap at the very bottom of the sidewall of the bucket, I then attached a tube to the tap, set the bucket on the counter and the glass carboy on the floor, then I just opened up the tap and let gravity do the work. :dthumb:

[VatorMan]

Thats the best way to go. How are you transferring the beer between containers without letting too much air get to it? I had a 6 gallon plastic bucket(which was were I did the first stage) and I put a tap at the very bottom of the sidewall of the bucket, I then attached a tube to the tap, set the bucket on the counter and the glass carboy on the floor, then I just opened up the tap and let gravity do the work. :dthumb:

Yup. This is when I was transferring to the bottling bucket after secondary.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/IMG_2904.jpg

[marko138]

A guy at work does homebrewing. He makes some pretty solid beer. He's into stouts.

[Mudpuppy]

so how long before the first batch is tested? its got to be t-minus like a week now right?

i am about to finish the last of my last 2 batches this weekend at our first track weekend then i am going to make some more.. was going to make a stout but probably save that for next winter and go with something more warm weather suited like a pale ale..

[VatorMan]

so how long before the first batch is tested? its got to be t-minus like a week now right?

i am about to finish the last of my last 2 batches this weekend at our first track weekend then i am going to make some more.. was going to make a stout but probably save that for next winter and go with something more warm weather suited like a pale ale..

I actually tried one last night.:whistle: Apparently we are having a "Beer" party at our house (thanks wife) and I wanted to make sure I didn't have skunk beer. :lol: I'd hate to have to go get a bunch of other beer and peel off the labels.:carbomb:

Now for the report. Dogfish has nothing to be worried about. :lol: Mine came out lighter in the hoppy taste which I think will go over well with the crowd expected at the house Saturday. VERRRY drinkable. I did get my first one too cold. I also used a glass out of the freezer as one here suggested. I am going to cool the rest in my wine cooler and use glasses at the same temperature. That should be somewhat better. I highly suggest the BREWMASTER IPA.

My Pale Ale said it needs to sit for 3 weeks before drinking.

[Rider]

You can never put too much hops in beer.

[ceo012384]

You can never put too much hops in beer.

QFMFT!

And NO, I will not resize it. Because it's fucking sweet and deserves to be this large.

edit: pwned

EDIT2: you bastard.

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/664/28971969gb2.png

[Rider]

Just had one of those 2 nights ago. :rockwoot: Last night I was drinking Red Hook Long Hammer IPA

[ceo012384]

The red hook ipa is good shit.

And well played, sir.

[Trip]

The red hook ipa is good shit.

And well played, sir.

heee hee, not resizing my ass

[VatorMan]

QFMFT!

And NO, I will not resize it. Because it's fucking sweet and deserves to be this large.

edit: pwned

EDIT2: you bastard.

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/664/28971969gb2.png


http://www.slapyo.com/wp-content/owned004.png

[OneSickPsycho]

http://www.slapyo.com/wp-content/owned004.png

I'd fuck that chick even if she did piss herself.

[VatorMan]

OK-Update.

I'm now brewing several things at once. This has really turned into an obsession.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/IMG_2914.jpg

Left to right-Apfelwein(Hard Apple Cider) Double IPA and Blood Orange Hefenweisen.

So far I've made about 100+ gallons of beer. Not one bad batch. I know what I want to do when I grow up now.:rockwoot:

[DLIT]

How much of the 100 gallons do you have left?

[VatorMan]

How much of the 100 gallons do you have left?


About 10 or 11 gallons. :chug: Amazing how many friends you get when you have free beer.

[Rider]

You'll have to send me the recipe for the double IPA.

[Mudpuppy]

i am about to brew some myself.. need to get it ready for motogp indy - going to be tight might have to pull a late night tonight to git r done.

[DLIT]

About 10 or 11 gallons. :chug: Amazing how many friends you get when you have free beer.

Nice work.

[marko138]

This thread reminds me I'm about out of beer.

[Rider]

This thread reminds me I'm about out of beer.

I got the basement fridge stocked with SA Octoberfest.

[marko138]

I got the basement fridge stocked with SA Octoberfest.
Shit...thats right...that is out now. Damn that is good. Gotta go get some...

[JoJoYZF]

Good lookin out Rider. Looks like Im takin a trip to the store later.

[VatorMan]

New stuff.....

I found out that I'm able to use the new Bud aluminum bottles so I...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/Windows-1252BSU1HMDAyMzEuanBn.jpg

Then

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/8-10006.jpg

and finally added our family crest and another small sticker.:pat:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/8-10010.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/8-10007.jpg

Right now I have on hand... Australian Draught, Apfelwein (Hard apple cider-about 9% alcohol content) ,A double IPA and a KILLER 120 min. IPA clone. It cost about $2.50 a bottle to make.:panic:
We also have a couple cases of Hefenweisen and wife made a Blue Moon Clone. I need more bottles.:rockwoot:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y21/vatorman/DSCN2504.jpg

[Mudpuppy]

nice so you can use a normal capper on those aluminum bottles or what? i just got some landshark lager and it, to my pleasant surprise, had the pry off caps so those are going into my bottle collection to use on the next batch along with my pacifico, sam adams, among others..

[VatorMan]

nice so you can use a normal capper on those aluminum bottles or what? i just got some landshark lager and it, to my pleasant surprise, had the pry off caps so those are going into my bottle collection to use on the next batch along with my pacifico, sam adams, among others..

You can't use a wing capper-you need a stand up capper. Works really well. The only problem I have with the bottles is you can't see how much beer you are putting in.

[Mudpuppy]

what does a standup capper run?

[VatorMan]

what does a standup capper run?

I paid $30 for mine. One of the best investments you can make.:rockwoot:

[Mudpuppy]

not bad.. so can you use that for twist offs then?

of course twist offs are shitty for beer due to letting air in, etc.

[Rider]

Don't the aluminum bottles give the beer an off flavor?

[VatorMan]

Don't the aluminum bottles give the beer an off flavor?

We did a Hefenweisen and used one to make sure. None that I can detect. Beer makers have been using aluminum for years. :idk:

[Rider]

We did a Hefenweisen and used one to make sure. None that I can detect. Beer makers have been using aluminum for years. :idk:

Aluminum cans make beer taste funny. That's why you never find quality beer in cans. :idk: Might work in those bottles though. Are they lined?

[VatorMan]

Anyone really interested in brewing-This software is a must.

http://www.beersmith.com/?gclid=CNWJwcj9xZYCFQKaFQodg2S3xQ


Pretty much tells you anything and everything about brewing beer.

[jeeps84]

Never got into beer but have enjoyed a few tasting partys.

[Quick281]

I am subscribing to this and I will also add myself to the list of people who suddenly desires to invest in this. Could save me a shit ton on bar tabs!

[tallywacker]

I always used the ez-cap bottles like they do in germany. Cost more but can be reused TONS of times.

http://www.homebrewit.com/images/5226M.jpg

[VatorMan]

So far- I have only had one batch that was hideous. Too bad is was an IPA that cost $ 2 a bottle to make. Great thing about it is I can use it to hop up some of my other beers.
I recommend to anyone starting out to start with extract brewing. That is everything in a can. Basically you heat water-put the extract in and sugar, throw it and yeast in your fermenter and have beer ready in about 3 weeks.

Personally, I have been making a lot of Apfelwein. Easiest thing in the world to make.
6 1/2 gallon carboy with bubbler
6 gallons of apple juice-NOT FROM CONCENTRATE
2 lbs. Corn Sugar (Sucrose)
Montreche yeast (wine)
Cheap Vodka/Rum

Sterilize carboy and anything else used. Pour 1 gallon apple juice in carboy. Pour 1/2 next gallon in carboy. Mix 1 lb. sugar with remaining juice until well mixed. Pour in carboy. Repeat for second gallon. Pour 2 gallons into carboy. Pour yeast into carboy and last gallon of juice. Agitate for one minute. Place bubbler onto carboy and fill with cheap vodka/rum. Don't worry if you get some in the juice. Set to ferment for about a month.
You can either bottle it straight or carbonate it. I prefer carbonated-so mix 5 OZ. of Corn sugar with one cup of water and add to bottling bucket. Add Apfelwein from Carboy and agitate for a minute. Bottle and forget about it for at LEAST a month. The longer you let it sit-the better it gets.