
ZenLunatic7
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ZenLunatic7 last won the day on September 18 2015
ZenLunatic7 had the most liked content!
Community Reputation
94 GoodAbout ZenLunatic7
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Rank
Brewmaster in Training
Profile Information
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Gender
Male
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Location
Gainesville, FL
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Interests
playing bass and disc golf (not at the same time); cats; space; video games (FPS); and now brewing!
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You demonstrated the proper use of a comma and conjunction in joining two independent clauses. I'd say that is a good contribution!
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Maybe this could be a new Mr. Beer recipe: Cat's Ass Ale!
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So finally after weeks and weeks of waiting, my first round has been conditioned and i put one in the fridge for 3 days. This was the batch made with slightly out of date HME. The bottled that I chilled had the apricot extract in it. First, when I popped the top (ok, twisted off the top), I got that beautiful sounding pffizzt! of opening a commercial beer. Yay! Carbonation worked! Maybe a little too much! My first taste, I noticed it was a bit bubbly tasting. Not like champagne bubbly, but still had a little tickle to it. That's fine. I used the carbo drops and didn't fill the bottles as much as I should have. Next, the taste. Yes, there was that tale-tell molasses flavor of old HME, which was to be expected. However, I didn't notice any apricot, which is surprising since I think I put too much in at bottling. Probably fighting with the molasses taste. Also, it did feel like something was missing. I didn't add the booster since it was rock solid and I had no LME to add. I'm betting this will improve things my next go around (I have the Bavarian kit waiting to go). Overall, the taste wasn't bad. It's drinkable. I didn't sip it and go "UGH WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?", so that's a good sign. I didn't have high hopes for this batch anyway, so I'm rather pleased with the outcome. Last, the buzz. I have to confess something here. I'm not a HUGE beer drinking. In my mellow old age, I like to drink for the taste and not to get wasted. That's what my first 40 years were for. I will drink 1, maybe two beers tops at a top, especially if I'm out, or else I will start "feeling" it, and I like to be responsible. That being said, half way through my glass (I poured the whole 500ml), I was getting a little kick. Woohoo! I made alcohol! So I'm probably going to use my new Bavarian kit this weekend and start the process again. I've learned a lot this first go around, and I hope to learn more with each batch. Thanks for all the input and tips! I probably would have just taken the lost of 5 bucks on the kit had it not been for the forums
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It seems the big trend on the boards is 3-4. Three weeks fermenting and 4 carbonating/conditioning. My first batch hits 4 weeks in the bottle on Sunday. Can't wait to pop one in the fridge for a few days and try it!
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I live in Florida. EVERYwhere is above 70 degrees!
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I'm waiting. Patiently patiently waiting.....
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I'm using the box the PET bottles came in to store them.
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So yesterday is two weeks in the bottle. I took one out and gave it the squeeze test. It wasn't rock hard. It was more like a 2-liter that has been recently opened and not much taken out - firm but still a little squishy. Is this normal? I'm using 500ml PET bottles and 1 carbo drop each.
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I'm collecting sammy bottles for my next go around while my first batch carbonates/conditions
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Batch vs. Bottle Carb for first time
ZenLunatic7 replied to ZenLunatic7's topic in New Brewers and FAQs
There were a few reasons. I know I'll eventually go to batch. I had an old style spigot that was very slow and figured putting it in a secondary container would help speed bottling up. I'm a little OCD and wanted to have the same amount of sugar in each bottle independent of how much beer I put in it. Used carbo drops for the first go. I'll probably add sugar to bottles next time. Then maybe batch? we'll see -
I have found memories of Michelob. When we graduated Navy bootcamp, our limo driver bought a case for us (we were under-aged, don't tell!) and we were all excited about being off base and going to Chicago. I made everyone (I think 10 of us were crammed in the limo) shut up and I said, "listen!" and cracked open the first beer. We all smiled and let out a collective "ahhhhhh." I can STILL hear the sound of that sweet sweet beer being opened some 25+ years later.....
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I'm in no 'condition' for this...
ZenLunatic7 replied to ZenLunatic7's topic in New Brewers and FAQs
It's moot at this point as I bought the wand/spigot combo so I didn't have to use that push style anymore -
I had a rock solid booster in mine. Tossed it out from advice gotten from here. I did read in one of the booklets that came with my kit that you can do 1/2 booster + 3/4 cup of honey. Anyone know if you can just do straight up honey to replace booster? I saw it in the horse's ass ale recipe too. Might try that one down the line here.
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And the same as the one I posted... as is this! Side note... I'd watch Muppet Treasure Island even if my boys weren't watching!
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I'm in no 'condition' for this...
ZenLunatic7 replied to ZenLunatic7's topic in New Brewers and FAQs