Thanks very much for the link, I hope to find a lab a little closer to home, but good to have this in my back pocket. I totally get what you’re saying about using a meter, however I was hoping someone knows of one that is reasonably reliable for measuring my mash. thanks again for you help

I’m using my tap water for my brews and so far so good, although I can see it needs some adjusting for lighter beers and lagers. I’m currently looking for where I can send a sample of our tap water to get it tested. But, I’m also interested to find out what the pH level is of my mash, so I have...

The great thing about brewing is that it’s all a learning experience and if our failures are still drinkable, then what a great way to learn ;-)

That sounds like one expensive way to get orange flavour to your brew :)

For those cold dark evenings a good English Old ale like Old Perculier or a strong German Keller beer. In the warmer months a light ale, something like Speckled Hen or Fursty Ferrit. I’m currently looking to make a really good dark, strong, malty, chocolate porter, so if anyone has a recipe...

I think it commendably you want to brew something for your new neighbours, but agree it would be a colossal waste to try making something just for them and then no one ends up drinking it. In my experience people either love or hate IPA’s, so I would carry on and brew something you enjoy. If...

Welcome I lived in South Africa for around five years and is where I started brewing my own beer from Cooper’s kits. Lived just outside Joburg and visited a microbrewery called Gilroys and that was it. After tasting his lager and beers, I wanted to brew, they were soooo good. I’ve tried to...

A big thank you to everyone for your helpful replies and warm welcome. I keep my grain in the basement, which is dry and cool so what has been mentioned is very helpful.

Hi Everyone, Just finding my way around at the moment and have a question which may have already been asked, so apologies if that is the case. How long can I store whole grains in vacuum packets and/or how can I tell if they are still usable? I know storage times are subjective so I guess I’m...