Return of the Brewer

[Bokenyi]

I am very excited!

Tomorrow will be my first brew day since 1999. A very long time. It seems like almost a century ago.

I am keeping it simple with a British Bitter kit. I have been cleaning long stored equipment. Also have been reading Papazian. I have also browsed plenty of brewing websites to "prime" myself. I am waiting for that wonderfully sweet smell of wort that permeates the kiychen. I know that a month from now, it will seem to have been worth the wait.

Wish me luck and I'll keep you posted.

[toneyc]

Originally posted by Bokenyi
Tomorrow will be my first brew day since 1999. A very long time. It seems like almost a century ago.

Awesome, Dude!

:D
Toney.

[HogieWan]

I'm excited just reading about it

[BrewDog]

Well, How'd it go? Like riding a bike?

[SoxyinMO]

Hope it went well!

[chazwicke]

I'm gonna have to brew again soon myself. Been a lot longer for me. I like the stainless conicles that are now available.

[HogieWan]

Come on chaz - just give in.

[Bokenyi]

I wanted to wait until I was sure things were well on there way before posting an update. I must say, I had a blast on Thursday. My brewing session went great. I had one slight boil over. Just enough to remind me to watch the kettle. My O.G. was off by .002. I think that's close enough. My yeast pack swelled like a preagnant Hippopotomus. I was worried that it would burst before I got the wort chilled. I have a wonderfully full Krausen going strong still. I guess I am surprised that everything is going well. I hope I don't jinx myself.

I have to say that it is just like riding a bike. Nothing to worry about, just climb on again and go for it. The only problem I forsee is actually being patient enough to wait for a finished fermentation and conditioning before bottling or drinking. I think I am probably going to end up drinking some green beer and loving it.

Thanks for the feedback.

[chazwicke]

Keep us posted on your beer. Did you go to the brewers fest in Roanoke a couple of weekends ago?

[Bokenyi]

No I didn't hit the Microfestivus this year. Seeing the poster a couple of weeks before the event was part of a long string of omens to get me back into the hobby.

I have been to Microfestivus before. It has been worthwhile the couple of times I went. Of course, that was probably because I got free admission for working the event with the local brew club. I really couldn't commment on the price vs. value aspect.

They have done a respectable job of getting some truly quality brewers, especially New River, at the event. Unfortunately, they have in years past also allowed a Bud truck at the site. I happen to think that should be illegal. The organizers probably figure it will help the bottom liine, and satisfy a greater number of average joes.

Anyway, I can usually find something positive at most beer festivals.

[chazwicke]

This is the first year I had heard of it. I might try to make it next year.

[Bokenyi]

Well I am amazed. I had a fermentation that went unbelievably quick. I racked to secondary and the gravity was down to 1.006. Fermentation all but quit within a day. I saw a decent clarification and sedimentation of yeast. So today, I went ahead and bottled. I shouldn't be too surprised that a low gravity beer (bitter) would ferment to completion quickly. I am certainly pleased. Tasting a sample showed a proper bitterness for my tastes and the style. I can't wait until it is ready to drink.

Woo-Hoo!! I'll have beer again soon.

[I'mRocketMan]

Congrats!! Keep on brewing!!

[Bokenyi]

What is the quickest time any of you have had from boil to drink?

I am at 10 days and enjoying beer! I can't believe it. I waited until I had a visible sediment on bottle bottom. I just couldn't wait any longer so I cracked open one, or two, or maybe three. They are great! I know the beer will improve as I drink it, but I couldn't hold back any longer. I am drinking my own beer for the first time in 6 years and it feels good.

I am amazed because I do have a plentiful head without coaxing at all. The head remains through the experience. Flavor is a good balance of hops and the light malt character of the bitter style. Color is a perfect amber. It is even very clear. I know this beer is still technically green, but I can't complain at all. I wonder how long it will last.

Not to worry, I have a kolsch just about finished in the primary that will be available to restock my supply after another couple/three weeks.

[Vienna Lager]

Chaz..

Contact TMS (Toledo Metal Spinning) and the salesman you want to talk with is Dan. The TMS16914 is the 12.3 gal size and the lid for it is TMS1616. $152 and $44 respectivly. You would still need to purchace the fittings and find someone to put it together which might be cheaper in the long run.