Very useful feedback. I can agree pretty much with their comments throughout. I did think the IPA was a little too sweet, not dry enough on the finish, and not as aggressively hopped as it could have been. And the kölsch could have benefitted from more contribution from the yeast, as befits the styl...

The results are in. I entered my Kölsch and my Double IPA. DIdn't win anything, and the Kölsch scored in the mid-30s while the Double IPA scored in the low 30s. Some mild tweaks to both might improve them, though. A different choice of yeast and slightly more hop presence in the Kölsch, and a more a...

Yesterday (Saturday, 3/23), I drove down to Brooklyn in a teeming rain to drop my entries off for this competition. I'm starting to distrust shippers, and even though it was a 3-hour round trip, I didn't have anything better to do on a Saturday. In related news, I think something might be wrong with...

I keg and sometimes bottle, depending on the beer. I can't see any benefit to canning, personally.

I use Brewer's Friend to formulate new recipes and store all my recipes. It's very comprehensive, and lets you know if your recipe fits the parameters of the style you're making. I understand it's even supposed to help with water volume calculations, but I've never tried that feature; I've pretty mu...

My condolences on your loss. Small extract batches are a very good option. I continue to brew both fivers and 3 gallon batches, some of which are extract recipes with steeping grains. I understand the difficulty of horsing five gallons of liquid around, as I have to carry my batches from the kitchen...

I always look for this competition. It's kind of local (Brooklyn isn't all that far from my location), it's the first competition I ever entered, and I've scored three of my four ribbons there (two second place, one third place). In the past, they've held it the first weekend in February. But I coul...

Glad to have you aboard! If you have any questions about process or pretty much anything related to brewing, bring it on! We love to help out, and we're not judgmental or anything. We were all newbies at one point.

bpgreen wrote: ↑Tue Jan 23, 2024 6:46 pm Nothing so far. Spending my time in Hospital an rehab

Sorry to hear that. I had a couple of medical issues last year, but I'm hoping they're all ironed out now. Get better soon.

I can't believe we're two weeks in, and nobody has started this thread yet. But since I'm up and brewing today, I might as well get it started. Post what you brew, the date and volume, and keep returning throughout the year to update! Last year I brewed 99 gallons. Let's see what 2024 brings. 1/14/2...

I've had some health issues, and I'm trying to lose weight, so I've cut way back on my consumption. This has the effect of cutting way back on my brewing. But I still pop in here from time to time.

... is over! I hadn't brewed anything in nearly a month, but a combination of hellacious weather and a lovely 2-week visit with my daughter, occasionally her husband (he had business in NYC, but came up on weekends) and my fabulous, amazing, super cute granddaughter -- well it all combined to make b...

Just finished kegging a fiver of 9/Fifteen Pale Ale. I had intended to brew a 3 gallon batch of Rocking Chair Orange Wheat last Sunday, but couldn't work up the enthusiasm to do it. I'm not brewing every week like I used to, and the pipeline has taken its share of hits, but I don't mind slowing down...

An Oktoberfest! Traditionally brewed in March (ok, it's now April, but still....), it's a great addition to a fall pipeline. I just put mine back in the fridge after a D-rest this morning, and I'll begin lowering the temperature in a week or two. Lager through spring and summer, and Bob's your uncle!

bpgreen wrote: ↑Sun Jan 29, 2023 2:56 pm

FedoraDave wrote: ↑Sun Jan 29, 2023 11:45 am The obvious solution is to not exercise.

But if I go that route, the triathlons I've already signed up for will be *really* unpleasant.

Oh, like they'd be a picnic in any case.