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The joy of being a homebrewer

Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2016 5:20 am
by FedoraDave
I pretty much took August off. Too hot to brew, and I'm super busy/tired with work. But that means a slight crimp in the pipeline. I had a keg dry up last week, and the new keg won't be ready to tap for another four or five days, at least. And the keglet is nearly ready to kick it, too. I had bought some local craft beers on our trip to Cooperstown last week, but I drank the last of it last night.

So I was getting worried about the pipeline, but then I remembered; I bottled a 2.5g batch recently, and when I checked the timeline, I discovered that, although a little early, I could chill and pop open a couple of bombers, sure, why not? And then I'd be ready to tap that new keg, so I should be okay until the Labor Day beer is ready.

It's these little surprising discoveries that make homebrewing so satisfying.

Re: The joy of being a homebrewer

Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2016 7:48 am
by John Sand
Much better than those other surprises like bottle bombs and other spoiled batches.
My Belgian Pale kicked last night, Zeus IPA can't be far behind. I put the Saison Wheat on, and have a Rye Pale standing by.

Re: The joy of being a homebrewer

Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2016 5:00 am
by FedoraDave
You should be sitting pretty, John.

I also have a 2.5 batch of spiced porter that I'm letting condition long-term for the winter holidays, as my daughter was quite put out last year upon learning I hadn't made any.

Re: The joy of being a homebrewer

Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2016 8:20 am
by John Sand
I still worry a bit Dave. I remember this Spring when I thought I would be okay with a keg of BPA in reserve. It turned out bad, I had nothing. :(
My basement is still too warm to ferment, but ought to cool off soon. Empty fermenters make me nervous.

Re: The joy of being a homebrewer

Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2016 4:50 pm
by Kealia
John Sand wrote:Empty fermenters make me nervous.
I second this!

Re: The joy of being a homebrewer

Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2016 11:41 pm
by mashani
Kealia wrote:
John Sand wrote:Empty fermenters make me nervous.
I second this!
Empty fermenters "ain't right".

Re: The joy of being a homebrewer

Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2016 9:55 am
by Brewbirds
John Sand wrote:I still worry a bit Dave. I remember this Spring when I thought I would be okay with a keg of BPA in reserve. It turned out bad, I had nothing. :(
My basement is still too warm to ferment, but ought to cool off soon. Empty fermenters make me nervous.
John, John, John you just need to get back to a simpler system when the heat is on. An LBK, an ice chest and some frozen water bottles will get you a case of beer in no time at all.

Fermenters should only be empty: 1) Because you can't stop buying them and you have to many; 2) Because your home brew supply store burned down yesterday; or 3) alas, you had to pack them up and you aren't completely moved in yet ( :( ).

I urge to re-familiarize yourself with SMIEBB's corner and make yourself some beer. :) :clink:

Re: The joy of being a homebrewer

Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2016 11:26 am
by John Sand
:)
Thanks BB, you always make me smile. Nature has dropped the basement back to the low 70s. Cool enough for a Belgian Pale, and cool enough to use my Cool Brewing bag style cooler for an IPA. I've been busy summerizing and working/sailing boats. But I bought some extract kits that can make for a short brew day. I break up the kits and use other hops, so I'm not restrained by what I bought. There is probably a brew day in the near future.

Re: The joy of being a homebrewer

Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2016 4:44 pm
by berryman
John Sand wrote:. Empty fermenters make me nervous.
Me too, makes me nervous and if I don't brew something up soon I will end up in the nervous hospital. But I do like those French fried potaters...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pz2kXoDo_s