Checking In

[MadBrewer]

Haven't brewed since just before Thanksgiving where I made a spiced Cider and a Cali Common for the Holidays. Everything is frozen in my garage and it's too miserable out to care. We are also about to put our house on the market so I will be clearing out the brewing equipment, my fermentation freezer and other stuff. But I do have an itch to brew. Maybe a small, stove top batch that I could bottle like old times. I have a taste for a good Pale Ale or maybe even IPA. Might have to think about doing something next weekend when I have the time off.

I haven't been on here much, things seem kind of slow. Just wanted to see what's been going on, who is around and what's been going on.

[Dawg LB Steve]

Good luck on the move. Staying in the area? Have relatives in McFarland, too cold is not what I'd call 26 below zero during the day, I'd call that I'm not leaving the house till it gets above zero!

[BlackDuck]

I feel your pain. The last time I brewed was before Thanksgiving also. The weather has not been kind to brewing lately. I also have the itch!!!

[MadBrewer]

Good luck on the move. Staying in the area? Have relatives in McFarland, too cold is not what I'd call 26 below zero during the day, I'd call that I'm not leaving the house till it gets above zero!

Thank you, yes staying in the area. We have two sons, 11 and 8 who are established in school, sports and friends so wouldn't expect them to start over. We have most of our friends and family close as well. Just looking for more space, and less of a starter home like we have now. Our 5 yr house turned into 12 so we are excited to get more of what we want.

Lows yesterday and today were near -20 air temps with -50 wind chills. I called off work yesterday but went I today. Tomorrow we will break 0* and be in the 40's on Sunday...gotta love the Midwest.

[berryman]

Good to hear from you MB, Did you find another place or just in the Market? Good luck on the move, check in here once and a while.

[MadBrewer]

Good to hear from you MB, Did you find another place or just in the Market? Good luck on the move, check in here once and a while.

Haven't found anything yet, we are more focused on selling our current home. We have temporary arrangements in mind if needed while we search for a new house. We do not want to feel rushed or need to settle to buy something while we juggle trying g to sell ours. But you never know how it might work out.

[John Sand]

Good luck with the new house!
I do some stove top brewing in winter, often a partial mash, sometimes a half batch. I haven't yet tried the 15 Minute Pale Ale.

[berryman]

We do not want to feel rushed or need to settle to buy something while we juggle trying g to sell ours. But you never know how it might work out.

I was Not trying to be nosey or pry for asking, but just thinking if I was looking for a different house, A place to brew and drink beer would be in the consideration, why I was asking

[MadBrewer]

We do not want to feel rushed or need to settle to buy something while we juggle trying g to sell ours. But you never know how it might work out.

I was Not trying to be nosey or pry for asking, but just thinking if I was looking for a different house, A place to brew and drink beer would be in the consideration, why I was asking

No problem at all Berryman. A bigger garage is definitely in mind, for parking, storage and brewing. Brewing doesn't take up much room for me. I really want to switch over to a nice kegerator either in the house or basement (man cave). Brewing in the meantime with be on hold but a small batch on the stove top might be possible.

[Kealia]

If you feel the itch to brew but have little time or space, I do have a quick 15-minute boil recipe using DME to turn out a tasty pale ale. And I know mashani has all kinds of variations on quick-boil & no-boil options, too.
If you want anything shared, just say the word.

[The_Professor]

Hey Mad Brewer. My brewing halted for a while as well. I picked up a Mash & Boil and so far have a couple of brews underway.
Good luck with the move.

[ScrewyBrewer]

Good to hear from you again MB. It's the same here with me. I have not brewed since November 2018 even with a heated garage it's been too cold and miserable to go out there much. Yesterday the garage door was frozen to the pavement and refused to open. I'm so ready for Spring weather!

[MadBrewer]

Thanks for the small batch ideas guys but it's official, all the brew stuff along with most of my garage is now in the newly rented storage unit until further notice. A little break won't hurt and I'll be ready and excited to to brew again when the opportunity is available. Today I need to finish some cleaning up in the garage and a few last minute thing around the house to prepare for our Realtor to take pics on Wednesday then sign some paperwork and put the house out there. Thanks for the well wishes.

[MadBrewer]

The house hit the market late Wednesday night. It had a showing scheduled within 24 hrs. We have had 4 showings already one being a second showing. Already have an offer and the second showing buyer is interested in a possible offer. Have another showing today. It's been great but looking forward to relaxing tonight.

In the meantime I have been thinking a lot about my brewing. I think I am going to jump on one of those Robobrew setups from More beer.com It's half the price of a Grain Father but a lot more features than the mash and boil. I won't use it for the boil, but I like the idea of the enclosed mash setup with a pump and temperature control with the ability to do step mashes. Heating up the water ahead of time and using a heated, recirculating mash would speed up my brew day a lot. I am very interested in going this route, especially with a new house and setting up a new brew space.

[Beer-lord]

You gotta do what works for you or you won’t brew!
Seriously, sounds like you gave it lots of thought and if it fits your needs, why not.
Good luck on the house.