Specifically, whether it would be worth it/necessary to make a yeast starter for a smaller batch of lager. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 2.5/3 gallons.

I have a recipe I developed a couple of years ago for a smoked amber ale. This is a very successful recipe, as I've won third place in one competition and second place in another competition with it. So I know it's a solid recipe, and one which I intend to brew every summer. I smoke the...

I've decided to concentrate more this year on lagers. I usually only brew a couple of them a year, but I want to expand the recipe file a little bit. I've got an IPL working right now, but a friend of mine asked about making an IPP - which translates to an India Pale Pilsner. So the grain bill...

I posted a few months ago that I was brewing my spiced holiday porter, and asked for advice on the excessive foaming that I've experienced in the past upon opening the bottles. Everything was fine, in terms of the amount of time in the bottle for proper carbonation and conditioning. I reduced...

I'm going to be brewing my holiday porter soon, to be ready for the winter season, and I've been plagued by excessive foaming when the bottles are opened. The recipe includes whole cloves in the final minutes of the boil, and orange zest and coarsely broken cinnamon sticks during secondary...

Perhaps that's two questions. But here's what I'm contemplating, and I'd appreciate any input. I prefer BIAB, because I've had just one too many stuck sparges and problems with false bottoms and manifolds. So I just put the bag in the mash tun and forego any sparges. But I've dedicated 2019 to...

I have a special place in my heart for the Homebrew Alley competition. It's somewhat local for me, it's the first competition I ever entered (Homebrew Alley VII), and it's where I won my first ribbon (also Homebrew Alley VII). Last night was the judging for Homebrew Alley XIII, and I had entered...

I've decided to spend 2019 investigating Belgian-style ales. Aside from one saison, which I really enjoy, I haven't done anything with the styles from this region, and I figured it was about time. So I've put together the following Trappist Single, which I call "Wilbur's Orval." It's for a 3...

I've got a recipe for sweet stout that is quite good, and I've been working off and on over the last couple of years on modifying it to create a smooth and sweet milk stout with vanilla highlights. I haven't been able to get it where I want it, so I'm asking for a little input. I make it in 3...

I try to create a new brewing challenge each year. One year I investigated different hop strains, and got some great ideas on using unfamiliar strains and combining strains for new recipes and to boost the hop profile of existing recipes. Last year I challenged myself to try new techniques...

Hi, all. I'm new to Brewer's Friend. I was using BrewToad, but they're shutting down at the end of the year and I'm in the process of setting myself up here for recipe development and brew day calculations. I'm having a bit of a time setting my equipment profile up so it accurately reflects...