MSU Red Cedar Message Board

I read somewhere that a professional brewery is able to ferment at hotter temps, don't remember the science behind it. Hell, even if I did remember, I probably didn't understand it.

The 2 homebrews I've had to dump, both of them fermented too hot. I usually try to keep fermentation in the low 60's.

Brew day tomorrow!! Its been a couple months for me with empty carboys. Brewing an American-style IPA with the hops I grew and harvested this Fall- cascades and nuggets.

Sanitation and temperature are the keys. Brewing beer really isn't that hard.

Drinking a growler of Hyper Monkey Java Stout from Catawba Valley Brewing Company. Not too bad.

Here are some tips that I find making brew day fun and makes a good product

1 - Have fun
2 - Don't stress out - it is just beer
3 - Don't rush anything, take your time. It is worse to rush and forget something than go too slow
4 - Sanitize everything, but don't go over board. Clean to make sure there is no residual material, then soak in sanitizer. Star-san is amazing.
5 - Don't drink too much when brewing. Seriously, have a few but not too many.
6 - Making wort is just like making soup. If you have decent ingredients, you will make world class wort. The challenge to making really good beer is in fermentation. Control your temperatures and ferment on the low end of the range (general rule). The temp should be the temp of the fermenting wort NOT the ambient temperature - there can be a 4-8 degree difference between air temp and the temp of the wort.
7 - Don't rush fermentation - let it sit at least a week, if not longer.
8 - Don't keep testing the gravity and/or taste of the beer as it ferments. Wait 4-5 days before you test. This is tough for a new brewer.
9 - Secondary fermentation is not necessary unless you are lagering, cold aging, or adding ingredients post-fermentation.
10 - BREW MORE! Seriously, schedule a brew day a week or two after your first batch. You'll thank me.

(PS - Oberon is not a Wit and what you are making will not be Oberon. On the plus side, it will probably be better)

Drinking Stone Lukcy Basartd for the game. I have one more 22, think I'm going to cellar it for a bit.

Good stuff. Thanks BH

Can't say I have had this beer but the name is pretty funny.

On an airplane?!? Were the brews free or did you have to pay?

Any Hopslam sightings yet?

Well, I'm probably gonna get a 750ml Quad tonight. Gonna need something strong to take the sting off from that horrible bball game

Note to self: Lukcy Basatrd not very lucky

Just finished a post-game Pliny the Elder. I feel better now.