Archive for the ‘Equipment’ Category
Sunday, February 22nd, 2009
This article explains the basic difference between RIMS and HERMS systems. Both are advanced setups for home brewers where mash water (wort) is circulated through a heating system. The benefits include clearer wort, higher efficiency, and an impressive looking setup that helps automate the brewing process and leads to ...
Posted in Equipment | 10 Comments »
Sunday, February 15th, 2009
Instructions for adding a thermometer to your hot liquor tank (HLT) or mash lauter tun (MLT). This makes a handy addition, it is cheap to do (~$16), and improves temperature accuracy.
Lets face it, brewing is an art and a science. Science in itself requires certain controls and measurements ...
Posted in Equipment | 11 Comments »
Saturday, February 14th, 2009
Ever since I saw the movie Beerfest, I wanted a boot shaped glass to drink out of. That day has finally arrived. This was a Valentine's day gift to me from my wife. She is great! It has a Bavarian crest on the front, suitable for ...
Posted in Equipment | 2 Comments »
Thursday, January 29th, 2009
There are three main categories for mash tun manifolds: Wire mesh tubing, Copper or CPVC manifold, and a false bottom. This article will explain how to build a copper manifold and hopefully save you a few trips to the hardware store.
A copper manifold installed in the bottom of the cooler ...
Posted in Equipment | 16 Comments »
Monday, January 12th, 2009
If you are converting a cooler into a mash / lauter tun this guide will show you how to install a bulkhead and ball valve. On the outside of the cooler, a ball valve attaches to a bulkhead. The bulkhead passes through the wall of the cooler. On the inside ...
Posted in Equipment | 2 Comments »
Saturday, January 10th, 2009
If you are going all-grain, you are likely a pretty serious brewer. Eventually you will want to do 10 gallon batches. Even if you are not ready for 10 gallon batches, when going all-grain, it is recommended to jump straight to the 15 gallon size kettle. ...
Posted in Equipment | 3 Comments »
Sunday, December 28th, 2008
There is a lot of debate out there regarding glass versus plastic for the fermentation vessel. It is really a toss up and comes down to personal preference.
Which is better, a glass carboy or a plastic bucket as a fermenter?
In terms of cleaning, buckets are way easier. ...
Posted in Equipment | 2 Comments »
Saturday, November 15th, 2008
Oxygen is the enemy of beer after fermentation. The main cause of oxidation in beer is exposure to oxygen when racking or bottling. Another culprit is the head space in the secondary fermenter. Make sure to use the smallest size secondary fermenter possible as not to expose the beer ...
Posted in Brewing, Equipment | 1 Comment »
Sunday, September 21st, 2008
For dark beers or beers with a specific gravity greater than 1.060, in my experience, a blow off tube is need to keep from having an overflowing mess.
Here is a picture of a porter that is only 24 hours into fermentation. You can see the amount of gunk ...
Posted in Brewing, Equipment | 2 Comments »
Sunday, September 21st, 2008
Brewing outside can be a really fun experience. It saves time for a number of reasons. First, there is is less cleanup to do before hand and afterward. Second, the water boils a lot faster than on a stove. I have waited 45 minutes to boil 3 ...
Posted in Brewing, Equipment | 1 Comment »
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