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1500 questions
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5 answers

Adding sugar late - a problem?

using a home brew kit I followed all the initial instructions implicitly, got to the final stage of adding the dried yeast and stirred it in. 4 hours later I realised I had failed to add the sugar which I then did. Question1: Was I too late and…
bruce
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6 answers

Recipe websites catering to beginners?

I'm brand new to brewing, but I've been wanting to do it for a while. I've seen some videos. Seems that, like cooking, recipes are key at the beginning until one gains enough experience to experiment. Are there any beer recipe websites that cater…
jvriesem
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2 answers

Using different sugar for priming

My brew is ready for bottling, this time I doubled the recipe and fermented two Triple Brewferm can kits. I added three cans of Lyle's golden syrup (around 1362 grams), as it gives a better taste. The total amount of the batch is around 18 litres.…
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6 answers

Can a bad odor from an empty fermenter be a sign of contamination?

I'm new to the hobby and recently made my first brew, I've used a simple plastic fermenter (25L) for primary, and after I finished the bottling process I washed the fermenter and waited for a couple of weeks before washing it again thoroughly. By…
WildLAppers
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1 answer

How much yeast to add back after extended lagering?

If after an extended lagering period there is fear of not having enough healthy yeast available for carbonation, how much yeast should be added back? What is the easiest form to use, dry or liquid?
brewchez
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2 answers

Does Potassium Sorbate cause off flavors over time - and how long does this process take?

This article claims the following: The second limitation of potassium sorbate is the length of time it is effective. Once added to wine it stays in the desireable form of sorbic acid only for a short time. Over time it breaks down into ethyl…
Matthew Moisen
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5
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2 answers

Primary fermentation taking a long time

I brewed a California Common recipe that I've used successfully in the past on 10/15. I used Wyeast 2112 and made a starter that got going pretty well so I was feeling good about the brew. It's been bubbling in the airlock since then, though it has…
benr
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2 answers

How do I do a sour mash?

I might want to do a sour mash, if it's easy. How's it done?
Rich Armstrong
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2 answers

Can I add finings after fermentation has begun?

My first all-grain batch was, er, a bit hectic. I forgot to add my Whirlfloc tablet in the last ten minutes of the boil. I know I can use isinglass for fining at room temperature, but my brew partner is vegetarian, so that pretty much makes me a…
Rich Armstrong
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2 answers

Brass vs. Stainless Steel for fittings

I see both brass and stainless fittings for sale. Which is appropriate to use when?
Rich Armstrong
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1 answer

Interpreting single-infusion mash instructions with two temperatures listed

I've been brewing all-grain for a while now, but I can't figure out why the recipes I read have the following. Take this example: Mash Schedule: Single Infusion, Light Body Total Grain Weight: 10.25 lb (4.7Kg) Single Infusion, Light Body Step Time…
mike0416
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1 answer

After remaining inactive for a long time, what gear would need to be replaced and what gear can be cleaned/reused?

It's been over 5 years since I brewed my last batch. I'll be moving in a few months into a new place and I'll be able to start brewing again, the problem is what equipment is toast from sitting idle after that long and what equipment can be…
Pulsehead
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4 answers

Semi-Sweet, Medium ABV, Sparkling Mead - Is it possible?

I may asking to much for a homegamer but is it possible to make semi-sweet/sweet mead carbonated? I'm trying go for around 1.05 FG and 7%~10% ABV. This can be done easily fermenting dry then adding honey afterwards. But if I want to make it sparking…
f.rodrigues
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1 answer

Input on recipe idea (are my calculations correct)

I'm looking for some input as to whether my planned recipe looks right. I have only just finished my first ever brew and wanted to try my hand at pulling together my own recipe (but I am not skilled enough, nor do I have all necessary equipment to…
user14585
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6 answers

Converting your fermentation bucket into a mash tun

Most people use coolers for mash tuns, but living in an apartment myself I can tell that having the least possible equipment is a priority. I know some people use their secondary fermenters as mash tuns. How can one do that?
Tetragrammaton
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