February Fermentation Friday: Abridged Sanitation Solutions

Remember these things...

• worry about sanitation after wort boils not before
  
• contamination is when bad yeast/other stuff grows in your beer
• your yeast can overtake the bad yeast if you help it
  
• understand how long it takes each sanitizer/cleaner to work

It's just beer.

February Fermentation Friday (FFF): Homebrew Sanitation

Thank you Matt at World of Brews for hosting this month's Fermentation Friday about sanitation during brewing :-)

Its quarter past twelve and I've read a bunch of the posts already. So, what do I have to contribute? I'll list the obvious.

• sanitation is important
• it is important because it is about killing the bad living things so they don't eat your wort
  
• it can be easy
  
• it can be hard
• If you aren't careful your yeast will have to battle/compete with other undesirable living things. If it loses, then your beer may taste bad.
• No known pathogens can live in beer. (or so I've been told)
  

Here's my approach. It isn't comprehensive, but, you get the picture. Please ask questions in the comments.

• I use "one step" for brew day (hot water)
  
• one gallon of solution in a big bowl
• everything that touches my wort gets dipped/rinsed in one step for a minute or more
  
• iodophor for kegging day (cold water)
  
• 2.5 gallons is enough for me in the keg
• chlorine bleach for bottles
• I never use soap
  

Philosophy & experience

• when you start you are hyper attentive
• when you get a routine you relax
• (drinking some Chinook Ale btw)
• be conscious of what you touch, what your equipment touches

Things to understand.

• yeast is a living thing
  
• there are other living things that can infect your beer
  
• the yeast you pitch and other living things compete
  
• make sure your yeast has an advantage
• recognize the lag time between yeast pitch and visible fermentation
• reduce the amount of unwanted living things in your beer
• increase the amount of good living things (yeast you pitch)
• sanitation is something you can obsess over
• don't be afraid to make mistakes
• your boiling wort will kill the bad living things in 15 minutes
• sanitation is most important when touching the sweet wort/green wort after the boil
  

Things I don't know

• can I save money by buying oxyclean instead of onestep
• can I reuse iodophor for a long time?
• Do people ust Starsan solutions for a long time?

Hopefully you've learned something about sanitation. If you have questions, please ask! :-)

FRIDAY...FRIDAY....FERMENTAAATIIOOON..FRIDAY!

Blog about homebrewing and sanitation, then send this guy your URL.

This Friday and next Friday...

Fermentation Friday is this Friday and Philly Beer Week begins next Friday. I know what you're thinking, "I've heard of Fermentation Friday, but, what's Philly Beer Week?". Ok considering the readership here that might actually be true. Anyway, I do like to celebrate Fridays and with beer even.

For those of you reading from far away lands, you really should check out the Philly Beer Week stuff. Not much homebrew related activity, but, if you like beer (and I know you do), you'll find it interesting. You might even wonder why Philly is so choc full of good beerness. To think I moved here over ten years ago and didn't even know it was a good beer city. Well things are even better now. Hmmm...could there be some thing going on here? Cause and effect perhaps?

Philly Beer Week Map Hack: Day One Activities

Warning! Not necessarily homebrew related.

I used Bryan's spreadsheet data to create a Google map of just the day one events. Click on any circle to get more details. I just threw this together. I might go further (more days, other details) if people like it. Now you can do stuff like...

• Where are events happening on Day One? (nice especially for the suburbs)
• Going to an event? Find another one nearby.
• Get list of events for Day 1 from morning to night click to see their location.
• NOTE: Event data subject to change. Use at your own risk. 2/24/2009

NOTE: LINKS MOVED to the sidebar!

Look in the sidebar for the most recent links. I'm trying to only have one place to update them.

Running a homebrew blog Part 1: Tools and Approach

Funny thing about these kind of posts. They seem really cool when you first think about them. Now I'm thinking, who cares what's behind the scenes at Beer Bits 2. Of course you can just skip reading this if you don't care, its not like your eyelids are forced open and your chained to a chair in front of a screen with BB2 content scrolling 24x7. (picture A Clockwork Orange) Well if that didn't scare you off, I better shut up so you can get to the actual content...

The tools used here are Blogger, Mozilla, IE, Picasa, old Cannon Powershot 3.2mp, Notepad++, YouTube, Feedburner, and the free Sitemeter. There a couple other tools, but, I use them infrequently. HTML skills are not really necessary, but, it helps to get me out of a jam sometimes.

Whether I'm using Mac, PC or Linux it doesn't really matter. If I can get to the Web, I will blog. Here's my approach. As they say, your mileage may vary.

1. I am writing a blog, not a book, column or self help guide. That being said, I don't put boundaries on what I do. I just try to use the medium for what it is good for.
2. post frequently (many times a week)
3. try to use pictures (always need to get better at that)
4. fairly short posts (you get more of the daily reader crowd I think)
5. link to other sites, hey everything doesn't start with you...share the good stuff you find
6. change site features in sidebar (might be more of a bad habit than anything)
7. Monday's and Tuesdays seem to be higher traffic days (might post certain things those days)
8. Find your voice. I think mine consists of; being informative, keeping it simple and conveying my experiences honestly. I also try to encourage participation via comments and polls (not many lately).

It took me a long time to really settle on this stuff as my approach. Originally I started blogging so I could use my tech skills for something other than work like writing which I kinda liked to do. After a while my need to share knowledge took over and really keeps pushing things forward. That and a need to create something.

Now back to your regularly scheduled BB2 programming.

Fermentation Friday: Cleaning and Sanitation is this Friday @ World of Brews

This Friday...

Matt @ A World of Brews is hosting Fermentation Friday: Cleaning and Sanitation

Winter nature pictures...

HB 101 Q6: Will people get sick if they drink my beer?

This marks the sixth part of a multipart series of posts about the fundamentals of homebrewing. Sure there's books, web pages, pamphlets, kit instructions, forums and all kinds of resources about brewing beer. Why cover it again here? I don't know. Why does your grandpa tell the same stories over and over again? Maybe it has to do with how we do it. Again, the question should you choose to weigh in is...

Will people get sick if they drink my beer?

Well is there a chance? I mean, they are ingesting something I made from scratch. What if I make a mistake?

Fermentation Friday: Cleaning and Sanitation

Friday, yes this Friday you have an obligation or rather a primal need to participate in Fermentation Friday.

Matt @ A World of Brews is hosting Fermentation Friday: Cleaning and Sanitation

So fulfill you primal need and blog about it already.

Shine those kegs up...

I'm still working on the brew basement. I haven't been as motivated as of late so this is one of those easy things to accomplish while I'm not doing more important stuff. While I was looking for some info on cleaning the outside of my cornie kegs I found this thread with some pics of polished kegs, actually they are mostly converted kegs. Warning, put your sunglasses on. Here are some options for dressing up those kegs.

• Bar Keepers Friend cleaner (trying this first)
• Scotch-brite pads
• gator grit discs for a drill

Not finished with the research yet. I'll let you know what I end up with.

Running a homebrew blog...

After reading a few off topic posts today, I thought I might follow suit. I spend some time everyday working on this site so there's a lot of me in it. I'll try to capture some of that in this space in coming posts. Maybe you'll find it helpful on your own blog or perhaps I'll inspire you to take the plunge into the blogosphere.

HB 101 Q5: What is the easiest style for a beginning homebrewer to make well?

This marks the fifth part of a multipart series of posts about the fundamentals of homebrewing. Sure there's books, web pages, pamphlets, kit instructions, forums and all kinds of resources about brewing beer. Why cover it again here? I don't know. Why does your grandpa tell the same stories over and over again? Maybe it has to do with how we do it. Again, the question should you choose to weigh in is...

What is the easiest style for a beginning homebrewer to make well?

Some styles are easier than others. If a beginning homebrewer wanted to pick something easy to do well, what would it be? (saison, lager, english ale, american brown ale, dry stout like Guinness, etc.) Of course personal taste preference plays a role here, but, lets forget about that for now. What is the easiest style to make well?

My goal is to help make that first brew more attainable and successful.

HB 101 Q4: What should a new homebrewer's first recipe be?

This marks the fourth part of a multipart series of posts about the fundamentals of homebrewing. Sure there's books, web pages, pamphlets, kit instructions, forums and all kinds of resources about brewing beer. Why cover it again here? I don't know. Why does your grandpa tell the same stories over and over again? Maybe it has to do with how we do it. Again, the question should you choose to weigh in is...

What should a new homebrewer's first recipe be?

Seriously, should the first attempt be a kit? Should one take the advice of a local homebrew store? Should she email Beer Bits 2 and ask that guy ;-) Clone of Sierra Nevada Pale Ale? How about a Russian Imperial Stout? Keep it simple? Perhaps a good ol' American Lager?

Beer Bits 2 readers tell us what you think! Comment now.

Homebrew 101: Quick Reference

The following is a collection of the Beer Bits 2 HB 101 posts. My goal is to help people who have questions about homebrewing. Feel free to comment on them even if they're gettin' old. Your opinion is valuable to me and to those who might find this page via internet search.

Sure there's books, web pages, pamphlets, kit instructions, forums and all kinds of resources about brewing beer. Why cover it again here? I don't know. Why does your grandpa tell the same stories over and over again? Maybe it has to do with how we do it.

• HB 101 Q1: What equipment did you use when you started brewing?

• HB 101 Q2: Can you make quality beer with a basic brew kit?
• HB 101 Q3: What are the five most important things to remember the first time you brew?
• HB 101 Q4: What should a new homebrewer's first recipe be?
• HB 101 Q5: What is the easiest style for a beginning homebrewer to make well?
• HB 101 Q6: Will people get sick if they drink my beer?
  

If you have a suggestion for a question let me know. Leave a comment.

Re Post from Brew Dudes: All Grain Brewing...

I haven't had a chance to read this yet, but, Dave at Brew Dudes likes this description of all grain brewing...

http://www.suebob.com/brew/allgrain.htm

Hey, I'm not an all grain brewer and I may never be. For any of you who are, let me know what you think about this. I'm gonna read it but, I haven't had time yet.

Thanks Dave 1.2

Philly Beer Week, can I call it? Use #PBW for your tweets during the festivities?

HB 101 Q3: What are the five most important things to remember the first time you brew?

This marks the third part of a multipart series of posts about the fundamentals of homebrewing. Sure there's books, web pages, pamphlets, kit instructions, forums and all kinds of resources about brewing beer. Why cover it again here? I don't know. Why does your grandpa tell the same stories over and over again? Maybe it has to do with how we do it. Again, the question should you choose to weigh in is...

For a beginner, what are the five most important things to remember?

Think about it. At this stage you might be thinking things like...

• What are all these pieces of equipment for?
• When do I put the hops in?
• Do I need a secondary?
• What's this white powder?
• How do I make sure its sanitary?
• Am I going to make people sick?
• Is the fermentation done yet?
• Should I brew a Saison or an English Mild?
• Should I dry hop?
• Do I need a chiller?
  
• ...
  

So, give me the five most important things to remember when brewing your first brew. In order of importance please.

5 Least Important
...
1 Most Important

The goal is to see if we can help get people off to a good start.

HB 101 Q2: Can you make quality beer with a basic brew kit?

This marks the second part of a multipart series of posts about the fundamentals of homebrewing. Sure there's books, web pages, pamphlets, kit instructions, forums and all kinds of resources about brewing beer. Why cover it again here? I don't know. Why does your grandpa tell the same stories over and over again? Maybe it has to do with how we do it. Again, the question should you choose to weigh in is...

Can you make quality beer with a basic brew kit?

I'm sure there are a tons of people out there who think they need a fancy setup to do it right. As you might guess. I don't think you do. Can you help confirm that you don't? Maybe you disagree.

Leave a comment!

Re Post: Choc & Beer for V-Day from the American Homebrewers Association

Charlie's post includes info about the AHA's V-Day membership special as well as a free Craft Beer and Food Matching Chart in PDF format.

http://www.examiner.com/x-241-Beer-Examiner?cid=exrss-Beer-Examiner

Craft Ale House in Royersford, PA

On the way back from a sports activity with my son I thought we should stop in and see what this place is all about. Just a quick stop for a 10 oz. Old Rasputin and a rootbeer for my boy. That and some fries was all we had time for. Great service, nice comfy place, awesome beer list, what more could you ask for? Sounds like they're working on a homebrew club too. That's always a good thing. Site and Taplist

What equipment did you use when you started brewing?

For those of you who missed it. Click for more or scroll down a bit to see the recent post. Question two is right around the corner.

HB 101 Q1: What equipment did you use when you started brewing?

This marks the begging of a multipart series of posts about the fundamentals of homebrewing. Sure there's books, web pages, pamphlets, kit instructions, forums and all kinds of resources about brewing beer. Why cover it again here? I don't know. Why does your grandpa tell the same stories over and over again? Maybe it has to do with how we tell it. I don't know what question two will be. Hopefully it will present itself as we explore this first question.

Question #1 What equipment did you use when you started brewing?

I've been brewing for so long that I think I've lost sight of my meager beginnings. Although, in some ways things haven't changed much. What did your first homebrew setup look like. Maybe we can help prospective homebrewers understand what it takes to get started. Here we go. To brew beer from extract and using the partial boil method I used the following;

• large stainless steel pot (thin metal)
• hydrometer
• stick on fermometer
• plastic fermentation bucket
• airlock
• plastic bottling bucket
• racking cane
• tubing
• cloth grain bag
• bottle caps
• bottles
• capper
• one step sanitizer
• Brewers Best Altbier kit (extract, grains, yeast, hops)
• homebrewing pamplet
• The Complete Joy of Homebrewing, Charlie Papazian
• some ice
• a sink

What did you use? Was yours similar? Anybody use less equipment? Anybody start with one of those amazing brewing sculptures?

February 2009 Fermentation Friday @ A World of Brews

Matt just posted this month's topic...

http://aworldofbrews.blogspot.com/2009/02/february-fermentation-friday-topic.html

Experiment: Want a brewing mentor?

Twitter users, RSS subscribers, web patrons... Yeah, I'm talking to you...

I'd like to chronicle the rise of a new homebrewer. The mission, teach you to homebrew. What do I get out of it? Something to blog about :-) Leave a comment if you are interested. I will only be taking on one mentee.

Chinook ale is waiting...

...in the fermenter. I'll bet its ready to keg. Last I checked, it was quite aromatic.

Fermentation Friday January 2009 wrapped up at lootcorp...

What a great wrap up :-) I thought it was goin' to be another light one and I was wrong. Great job everone and good luck with your aspirations. See you next month at World of Brews!

Check it out the wrap up here...
http://www.lootcorp.com/2009/01/31/fermentation-friday-9-roundup/