Welcome. I agree with the suggestion to try one early, just so later you can say "wow, what a difference a week (or two) can make."

Congrats! Welcome to the forum.

I guess that depends on if you like whiskey... I'd eBay it because I don't like the hard stuff, but if you do, how can you pass up this very unique opportunity?

On to our second batch: I saw a lot of yeast activity for the first couple days then VERY little afterwards. I just wanted to pipe up and say this is perfectly normal. Every yeast strain is different, and even the same strain can act differently. If you stick with this hobby, you might want to look...

Welcome to the forum!

I've been toying with the idea of retiring in Belize, so I'd love to hear any updates with what you find out!

Welcome!

You're good. You haven't written anything to suggest there is anything wrong or abnormal. Yeast is a living organism, and does what it wants, not what you expect. If there is a white layer of gunk forming at the bottom of your fermentor, all is well.

Welcome to the collective...

Welcome to the Borg. Hope you have fun brewing!

I use an 8 gallon pot (for 5 gallon batches), though I'd probably get a 10 if I did it again.

I just use my stove, although I couldn't tell you what the burner is rated as, it's quite old.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome to The Borg.

I crush my own, mostly just for the fun of it. Seriously, this is a hobby and there is something I just enjoy about crushing the grain. :-p I'm not sure how you are saving money, though. Does your LBHS charge to crush it? I had some fancy Captain Crush from Northern Brewer, but I was not happy with ...

Welcome!

Welcome to the Borg...