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   1. Anyone make no-chill starters by decanting the trub?

      by CheeseMoney, 12 years ago in Intermediate Brewing

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      I no chill and was wondering about taking the leftover trub that I usually throw out and letting it settle out and then pouring the clear wort when it is time to make a starter. I make high gravity brews but could just dilute the wort when it is time to make the starter.
      
      Anyone else do this and can you recommend a small vessel (1/2 gallon or 2L would seem about the correct size)?
      
      Something like this 1/2 gallon bottle ?
      
      I'd need a vessel that can take very near boiling temperatures,...

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      Are your starters for liquid yeast?, this is definitely needed, but with dry yeast it isn't. Just checking...
      I always use liquid yeast.
      
      I'm wondering if this one would work. Some HDPE like the Winpak seems to be able to take 100C/212F. Some specs say only 65C/150F. for HDPE. Seems to depend on the product.
      
      This one doesn't list specs but says:
      
      Made of tough high density polyethylene , corrosion resistant. Lighter than glass jugs. Easy storage. All are white except #66300 which is...
      13 Replies
      13781 Views
      CheeseMoney
      12 years ago
   2. How do I handle Mash pH when cold-steeping dark grains?

      by CheeseMoney, 12 years ago in Intermediate Brewing

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      I'm looking for advice for a few scenarios for a Russian Imperial Stout. I live in San Diego and have fairly hard water with high residual alkalinity. I'm looking to reduce astringency.
      
      Scenario 1: Cold Steep Dark Grains and Add to Fermenter or Late in Boil
      Cold steep all dark grains over night in the fridge (doubling the dark grain bill as is often recommended with cold steeping). Add these cold-steeped grains either to the kettle at flame-out or to the fermenter once the kettle wort is...

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      I'm with ya. I hate doing dishes so BIAB works for me. Thanks for the advice.
      5 Replies
      7826 Views
      CheeseMoney
      12 years ago
   3. Ideas for a portable hoist/stand to attach pulley.

      by CheeseMoney, 12 years ago in Bags, Mashers, Thermometers, Kettles etc.

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      I live in an apartment in Southern California and brew outside. Lots of great days for brewing here. I'm looking for some type of portable stand/hoist/whatever that I can attach to a pulley system for lifting double batches of high gravity beer.
      
      My Equipment:
      Blichmann Burner with Leg Extensions
      80 Quart / 75 Liter Kettle
      
      I like high gravity brews so lifting 30+ lbs of wet grain off of an already high base could be problematic. Any ideas?
      
      So far I have come across:
      Alton Brown's Turkey...

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      That's a good idea. I actually like them just as A-Frame ladders because they don't have the brace/bar thingy for stability (which makes it hard to access the kettle).
      7 Replies
      12008 Views
      CheeseMoney
      12 years ago
   4. Drywall Mud Masher (Potato Masher Style Mash Paddle) Safe?

      by CheeseMoney, 12 years ago in Bags, Mashers, Thermometers, Kettles etc.

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      Went to home depot after a recommendation from this forum looking to purchase this $12 Home Depot Wal-Board Mud Mixer . However, after looking at it, the handle appears like it is painted and gobs of epoxy hold the masher to the handle. I didn't buy because it didn't appear food safe. Am I wrong?
      
      Here is the Grainger $14 equivalent .
      Maybe I should suck it up and buy a $33 Potato Masher .
      
      Thoughts?

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      Just wanted to say thanks for the input. Ended up with a 24 french whip and a wooden mash paddle (dowel type) because I can use it as a measuring stick with some carefully placed burn marks. May go with a potato style masher in the future, who knows.
      3 Replies
      10268 Views
      CheeseMoney
      12 years ago
   5. 80 Quart BIAB Kettle Questions (Please be gentle)

      by CheeseMoney, 12 years ago in Bags, Mashers, Thermometers, Kettles etc.

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      I'm ready to start all grain and BIAB looks like the way to go. I'd like to make both 5G and 10G batches (heavy--mostly strong Belgians and Double IPAs). I'd like to do both immersion chilling and no-chill in a cube.
      
      I was going to pull the trigger on a Bayou Classic 82 QT (w/ Boil Basket) from Amazon.com for $177.49.
      
      but then I found an 80 QT Stainless Steel Stock Pot from brewbrothers.biz for $180 made of slightly thicker steel (18gauge vs 20 gauge) and they will drill and install a ball...

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      Mally
      
      I am on a tablet so typing is a pain. Yes, I cannot lift much more than a big beer stein. I have become a weakling. Man i hate this tablet! I can't wait to get back in my office! So long for now!
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      Edit:: I am back in my office my guests are on their way home. Now that it is comfortable to type I have nothing to say? :sad:
      20 Replies
      19953 Views
      BobBrews
      12 years ago

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