BeerBorg

http://www.beerborg.com/index/2015/03/h ... ing-tools/

Thank you Beer-lord!

Nice article, Paul! Of these items, the only one I don't employ is the refractometer. I'm not sure if I'm going to go that route eventually, as I'm okay with my hydrometer, but I'm never saying never.

I will agree that making small changes, such as switching to liquid yeast and making yeast starters, can make a big, big difference in the quality of your homebrew. That being said, a conversation I had with my LHBS guy went along the lines of dry yeast coming a long way recently. We may begin to see more variety and versatility in dry yeast before too long.

Great job Paul!

A very good read Beer-Lord. Very helpful, all these ideas I have found to help me however what I like the most is the list of what you want to help improve your brewing and maybe get the SWMBO involved. I'm going to make my list today and post it on the fridge and hope she will take the hint and let me get what I want or give her an indication of what to get me. SWMBO has not taken to my brewing other than sampling my product and making little comments maybe the list can get her more into it.

John, make a note that says, 'gift cards and cash welcome' and then you can pick out exactly what you want. Introduce her to your LHBS and maybe she'll get you a gift certificate there.
Good luck with that.

Beer-lord wrote:John, make a note that says, 'gift cards and cash welcome' and then you can pick out exactly what you want. Introduce her to your LHBS and maybe she'll get you a gift certificate there.
Good luck with that.

Am I seeing the topic for your next article Paul? LOL How to get what you want from SWMBO, brewing-wise!

Well done Paul. Thanks for the write-up.

I bow to the Beer-lord. Nice article hit some nice points for the early in their career brewers.

Good article Beer-lord! I've often thought about a refractometer. May need to put that on my gift card wish list!

I have really put my refractometer to use since I got. Don't think I could brew without it now.

A good little tip for those who get one. It will come with a little pipette for applying wort on the refractometer. Just leave it in the case. The best tool for the job is whatever utensil you are stirring with. I use my plastic mash paddle.
Stir the wort, bring the utensil up and dribble some onto the refractometer lens, close the upper cover and take your reading. Clean and repeat as necessary.
Important Note: As your utensil will have been sitting out with wort drying on it, it is important to stir for 10-30 seconds to remove it. Just a quick dip and read can throw off readings from the consentrated wort left on it by as much as 6 points.

I'm thinking next piece of equipment is refractometer, LHBS has for around $40, and since I have upgraded my brewing software, I think I NEED to see my pre-boil gravity, since I don't need to mess with cooling the sample and/or temp correction with the hydro.

Good point Jeff.
Steve, most of the ones you see are from China but that's not bad. They may need to be calibrated when you first get it.
Amazon has a few options if you want to look around.



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Beer-Lord, Good reading and well written

Posted my list on the fridge, SWMBO came in about 7 pm she saw the list gave a quick glance to see where I was she read it lifted her head up and rolled her eyes. NOT A GOOD SIGN.

But the seed has been sown John and that's the first step.