Recent content by Bricks41

As far as sparge is concerned... I tend to sparge the difference between my first runnings and my final pre-boil volume. Calculate your absorption rate, .11-.15 gallons per lb if I remember correctly. So if you get 3 gallons from first runnings, then I would sparge 5. Boil for 75-90 minutes and...

As long as there is enough space in the bucket, you're good!

Rarely would you ever need to transfer any beer to a secondary - unless of course you are dry hopping or adding fruit, chocolate, etc. IMO it's better to leave it on the yeast for at least 2 weeks. If you get into the 1.100 range, longer is better. Cheers!

As long as you build the oxide layer, no leeching occurs...

Can't have bottles in your carry-on so checked luggage would be the only option. Cheers!

The trub layer cannot be readily used as a measure on how well the yeast performed. You may not have transferred as much cold/hot break into the fermenter, maybe you didn't use as many hops, etc. What did you brew, what was the grain and hop bill, batch type, OG, etc.?

Such a small difference, topping off would be more trouble than it's worth... IMO of course.

Guess better safe than sorry... lol

Never had an issue using a blowoff tube that it small enough (approx 3/8" OD) to put directly into the stopper of the BB carboy. I guess that is why I like my Better Bottles... I believe carboys focus the krausen into the neck, more efficiently pushing it out the top. This compared to the...

Day 2 in the bottle? Way early to start opening bottles. Open 1 a week to see how the carbonation progresses. Full process will take 3-4 weeks (+/-) Cheers!

No

Fermentation is like BBQ... low and slow is the way to go. After 5 or so days you could let it warm a bit to help facilitate with the cleanup if you so choose.

Looks tasty! Cheers! :rockin:

March sounds about right. I bottled a 10.6% barleywine back in early October. I opened a bottle a few weeks ago, totally flat. Opened one this past weekend, barely a wisp of what could be considered lacing, but the flavor changed dramatically. I figure it will be around mid-Jan before it can be...

Headspace isn't TOO lacking, but when you fill it that high, always go with the blowoff tube from the start lol :)