homebrewing

[waynemorgan]

Do we have any homebrewers in the room?

I'm thinking of getting back into it again - looking to make a few batches of stout for the winter and maybe a couple of ales for next summer as well. Been a while since I've done any so just wondering if there's any other brewers around.

[sneakypete]

yup yup..
currently have bottled a lager, a newcastle brown (like Kilkenny), and a cerveza..all up about 80 bottles of 7% Alcohol (minimum)..

im actually thinking about moving on from extracts (kit beer) and doing some all grain beer..

i love homebrew...and those who dont do it, but love beer...give it a try!!! i mean, it works out around $0.50c per long neck!! and you can create your own style/flavour...you cant lose.

[MadKaw]

Yep, been known to knock up a few tasty brews.
I prefer the wheat beers myself...

[Gav]

Yeah, sure give's you crook guts though.....

[Ratmick]

Got some 3-4yo dark ale and pale ale (both Coopers) in the cupboard. Nice drop...

Need to buy a new heatpad, got the rest of the gear though. Now is the time to make some. nice and cool...

Mick

[waynemorgan]

Gav - it's probably the sediment that's giving you the crook feeling. Yeast does that you actually build up some kind of resistance after a while.

Love the Coopers Dark ale - very nice with a stout kit added to it. I've thought about going full grain rather than kit but for now kit will do - especially when you boil it and add some extra grains to it.

What is everyone using for bottles? I use 2ltr plastic Coke bottles - ideal for quenching the biggest thirst

[Ratmick]

Stubbies and 750ml bottles, had them for years. Got a few Grolsch swing tops for special occasions .

When I used to work in Reuters I used to keep the bottles after a client function and sterilise them up.

Mick

[zx899r]

been brewing for 5 years now , i have been using the platic bottles ya get from big W,ya just have to rip the spacer off the lid to reuse them
i have tried most of the styles but prefer the easy drink ones as in the cadian blonde.......
dont mind the stout but find its better if you can let it sit for 6 months.

kegs are the go ...but ya have to watch the weight

[sneakypete]

i use 750 ml long necks mainly...

but also have a few darwin stubbies (2 ltrs) for special brews, and a couple of Grolsch bottles..

and ive never had a hangover from homebrew..so if you're getting crook in the guts, something probably is not right with it..

[waynemorgan]

Actually it's the yeast sediment that seems to disagree with most people - mate's of mine who tried Coopers Real Ale with the sediment ended up with the runs the next day.

Ok - just put a Coopers Stout in the fermenter.

Re-hydrated the yeast in a sterile jug with 1teaspoon dextrose

Boiled 10ltrs water and added:
Coopers Stout mix
250g Light DM
500g Dark DM
Seeped 250g chocolate malt grain in the mix
Boiled for 45min - stir constantly

Sterilised the fermenter, airlock and tap.

Once the boil was done (I'd usually add a variety of hops during the boil but left them out this time) added the wert to the fermenter and topped up to a level of 21ltrs with pre-boiled and cooled water. Sealed it and stood it in the laundry tub in cold water until the temp reached yeast pitching point - approx 21-23c. Unsealed, added yeast, sealed and put in suitable location.

Hopefully in 7-10 days I'll have some bottling to do

[fireyrob]

Hopefully in 7-10 days I'll have some bottling to do

Did you mention a BBQ at your place?

[dirtylooking]

seems to be a few home brewers around,not into the beer side of things but !!!
Ive been know to wizz up abit of 90% spirits from me old still .
oh and if anyone got some failed attemps old stock around let me know will be happy to take it of your hands .