BeerBorg

I make beer for me first but I am also a bit picky. I can't really tell the difference between liquid and dry yeasts but I prefer liquid because I can make huge starters and save some money by over making and storing.
But, I do agree that temp control has been a major winner for me the last year or so. Having a fermentation chamber in the south is a great boom for my brewing. And, since I gave up on the ph stabilizer and went to adding water salts, I've noticed my beers taste better and definitely have better aroma. I'm still working on the water and PH levels as I continue my brewing journey.

MadBrewer wrote:

FedoraDave wrote:I'm always sort of bemused by the way some homebrewers take such interest in the pH of their mash water, and the temperature of their fermentation, and the pedigree of their yeast.

Those are 3 of the most important factors in making good beer. I understand the same side of the token in that we are not dealing with rocket science but for me...the science, process and the tools involved in brewing are what make it fun and keep me interested.

I completely understand that. Those things are what make it interesting ... for you. And it's great that this hobby fulfills that interest for you. Every time I start to read about mash pH and Burtonizing water, my eyes glaze over in about three seconds, and my interest flies out the window. And yet, my beer still pleases me. Maybe it's not the best example of a particular style when I brew that style, but I'm not marketing it; I'm drinking it.

My brewing water is slightly alkaline so anyone working with that type of water or those that build their own from RO or adjust with water salts and acids have to monitor and adjust mash ph and it's a vital part of the process. I cant brew a light lager or a Cali Common with my water as is...it will not turn out well.

I understand this, as well. Apparently, my water is adequate for making a passable example of a lot of styles, although when I make my pilsner, I cut my tap water 2:1 with distilled water, to soften it. Is it comparable to the water in that region of the Czech Republic? I dunno, but it softens the water and makes a nice pilsner. That's good enough for me.

One thing I always keep in mind about beer being brewed pack in time around the world each region had a very particular style they mastered and were known for. You can't brew a Czech Pilsner with water from Dublin where they brew Guinness and vise versa...not with out modifications to the water anyway. This is why styles of the world came to be because they worked with with they had. They may not of uderstood temperature control and mash ph, hell they didn't even know anything about yeast back then, but they knew the things the did worked or didn't work for the result they wanted in the beer. I think that's what count for us as homebrewers, and on a homebrew level we aren't simply brewing one style of beer, we are trying to brew multiple styles with the same base process...it doesn't work like that. We have a lot in our control might as well use it.

Agreed. And I do pay attention to temperature, yeast strain and yeast health. But exerting that much control over my water and my mash pH befuddles me and bores me to tears. So some of my styles aren't going to exactly replicate the signature styles. Again, I'm pretty much the only one drinking them, and I like them, so why frustrate and confound myself going against my natural bents when all I want is to make a beer I enjoy? Replicating Guinness or Stella Artois isn't my aim. We all have our own end purpose in mind when we're brewing, and I'm satisfying mine. I hope you're satisfying yours.

Rebel_B wrote:

Whamolagan wrote:Called the company, and low and behold I am the first one to bring this to their attention. They told me that their own machine doesn't work either.

Curious, did you purchase from Sabco?

Yes I did. And it took over 2 months to get it when I was told 2 -3 weeks. Now as a person who builds music instruments, I understand sometimes one can get overwhelmed. I always try to communicate when there is going to be a delay. I got none of that unless I asked.

MadBrewer wrote:That really sucks to here Whamo. Hopefully the next phase works out better for you. On a side note, hows the rest of the journey going?

We are waiting on decisions for a couple of different locations. That is why I am looking to another option for when I go pro.

Whamolagan wrote:

Rebel_B wrote:

Whamolagan wrote:Called the company, and low and behold I am the first one to bring this to their attention. They told me that their own machine doesn't work either.

Curious, did you purchase from Sabco?

Yes I did. And it took over 2 months to get it when I was told 2 -3 weeks. Now as a person who builds music instruments, I understand sometimes one can get overwhelmed. I always try to communicate when there is going to be a delay. I got none of that unless I asked.

That would piss me off! That is some expensive gear with that altar.

I was at first, but anger goes nowhere. Kind of where it got me with the old Mr. beer fans site. I will be able to recoup most of my money in the end, and I look at it as a lesson learned. I just ordered my new setup, that will hopefully work out better in the end, and I won't be dreading brew day near as much. I did a whole lot more research this time around, and if I look at one more video of it I won't need the manual to make it work. I think that was the problem with the brew magic, there is not a lot out there. They put their discussion page on facebook, and it is not searchable. I don't do faceplant, and I feel that is a bad way to get answers for common questions about a $7000 machine. Oh well, I have lost a lot more of my hard earned moneyin other business ventures.

Now to get back in the shop and start cranking out more mash paddles, to fill the coffers. Good thing the plumbing business never slows down, and turkey day is done. Not looking forward to the christmas-new years cycle this year. Way too much time off for my liking. Now to shake this effen cold that I have had for the last 4 days, and try to get 2 days of work done in one sunday before I have to go back to the main job.

FedoraDave wrote:We all have our own end purpose in mind when we're brewing, and I'm satisfying mine. I hope you're satisfying yours.

Exactly. That is what it's all about. I simply wanted to explain how and why others might be on the other part of the spectrum.

MadBrewer wrote:

FedoraDave wrote:We all have our own end purpose in mind when we're brewing, and I'm satisfying mine. I hope you're satisfying yours.

Exactly. That is what it's all about. I simply wanted to explain how and why others might be on the other part of the spectrum.

I totally understand the whole spectrum, and the great thing about brewing is that it's broad enough to encompass and accommodate everyone's reasons for doing it.

SABCO is a reputable system, isn't it? You sure you don't want to trya few more brews
To see if the kinks don't work out? Dogfish Headwas born from one of those wasn't it?

That looks awesome!

Pudge wrote:SABCO is a reputable system, isn't it? You sure you don't want to trya few more brews
To see if the kinks don't work out? Dogfish Headwas born from one of those wasn't it?

I am not gonna put it up for sale until I try the new system. I just got done replacing the gas valve, and the sheer amount of crap in the line was incredible. I can see in the old valve where scaring inside the valve is evident. They sent me a new site glass, and the old one not only had one crack in it, but two. I thought Sabco was a reputable company, but I have really got the runaround on this. I really don't mind being treated as an imbecile if I am in the wrong, but I am a plumber by trade. They had the gaul to tell me that they have never had a bad gas valve. The valve may not have been bad when they put it in there, but with all of the trash in the line from manufacturing getting in the valve and then working it, scored the plastic in the valve that seals the ball. In my experience, it doesn't take much to get in there. We had smelled propane from the first time we put gas to it.

The fact that I am the first person to bring it to their attention about the onboard computers' lack of notifications at hop additions, is baffling. When they tried it on their own machine, and it didn't work, that means that they have not fully finished R&D . When I finish making one of my instruments, I fully go through it and make sure it works before I send it out to the customer. I think quality control is #1 in manufacturing. I don't care how beautiful a chair is, if you sit in it and it is not comfortable and the back is loose, then it is not a good chair. Same deal here.

Maybe I am being nit picky here, but I dropped $7000 on this thing. It should be thoroughly tested and in good working order. No leaks anywhere. I have a bunch of burnt wort all over the burner assembly from the leaking sight glass. The fact that they told me that they are having a rash of bad sight glasses also tells me that they are not doing enough testing.

Now enough bashing, I like the plate chiller that came with it. I like the fermenters. I haven't gotten around to using the bright tanks yet, but I imagine they will work as described.

Stepping off soap box

For $7,000, you have the right to complain about what color packaging it came in.

With the amount of coin you dropped on it, you have every right to expect satisfaction, whether it's a unit that works perfectly, or swift follow-up on a problem.

I guess sometimes looks aren't everything. The thing looks great, too bad it falls short on function. Ever ask yourself Whamo what you could build fo the same amount? What about places like Morebeer, they have a few systems.

I like this one, with a rotating, lockable mashtun so it's easy to dump and clean.

I bought a braumeister from more beer. Less than half the cost and same volume in way less space. And when I get a place, the 3bbl system works exactly as the 50l system. We will see I guess. And hey guys don't get me wrong here, it make good beer. The pipeline is always full, and it has helped with getting to know bigger equipment. I know I could have built it on my own, but I just don't have the time. For example, I have all of the parts to finish my 1948 suburban. It has sat there since may, and there are other things up there on the list. Between a full time job, and the music instruments, and taking care of my elderly father, 24 hours just doesn't cut it sometimes. So the thought of building my own system never came into play. It is amazing that I even get any time to drink any beer, but I can always find time for a pint or 6