Haughty Hefeweizen

6/21/2019--Making a 2-liter 1.050 starter. Pitched yeast at 0445.

6/23/2019--I got a new element for the brew system--2000 watts. I bumped up the fuse in the Clawhammer controller and changed out the plug end so it could handle 20 amps without tripping the GFCI. I boiled some water to test it out and the box got super hot to the touch. I decided to start using the box I made for the Mile Hi system.

I reconfigured my box so the switch runs the pump. Still, I need to put a dual switch in so I can switch off the heat element for better temperature control. Also, I ordered a better cord--rated 20 amps and a 120 volt fan for cooling the box. The box doesn't get near as hot as the Clawhammer box, but I remember the last time I did a run the box got pretty hot so the fan will be a good addition. I tested the outlets and they both trip the GFCI on command--safety is a refreshing thought.

Well, the boil is up to 203 degrees with the pump running and I'm at 5280 feet of altitude so Ima call the change a successful upgrade. However, I'm sure that repairing the failed GFCI outlet has something to do with it as well. The percolator works better, the Instant Pot works better, the stir-plate worked the same--more or less.

6/24/2019--1.056/13.8. Pitched at 0115. Well, on the one hand, the extra heat boosted efficiency big time. On the other hand, I'm fairly certain I scorched the wort. Or, in other words, I burnt the beer--DOH! I guess I'll see what happens when its done but it definitely has a burnt smell to it.

I went ahead and ordered another new burner from Mile Hi Distillers. Ima see if it was the short element or something else. Either way, I don't want to burn any more beer and I'm not holding out much hope for this one. That being said, the fermentation is taking off.

7/28/2019--1.011/2.8 for 6.03% ABV so far. It is still active. It is super cloudy. It still smells like it is burnt. I don't think this one gets packaged. Luckily, its replacement batch is bubbling away at 79 degrees.