Ex pat in NZ

[SnakeEyes]

Stored and wrapped inside my wardrobe. I'm really excited to see how it works out.

 

[Dutto]

Learning Curve 1

"Wort is sticky! It takes milliseconds to spill it and many minutes to clean it up to SWMBO standards."

Keep at it and one day you may have a Brew Day without a mishap - but don't hold your breath! :thumb:

 

[Dutto]

Stored and wrapped inside my wardrobe. ....

Before you get too excited, get back into that wardrobe and sit the FV on a large tray (or something similar) before leaving it alone for two weeks.

This is just in case the wort decides to go "walkabout" through the air-lock and make everything in that wardrobe smell like a very badly run brewery!

Here's one of my own brews that decided the FV wasn't big enough.

Luckily it wasn't in my wardrobe!

 

[SnakeEyes]

Before you get too excited, get back into that wardrobe and sit the FV on a large tray (or something similar) before leaving it alone for two weeks.

This is just in case the wort decides to go "walkabout" through the air-lock and make everything in that wardrobe smell like a very badly run brewery!

Here's one of my own brews that decided the FV wasn't big enough.

View attachment 14729

Luckily it wasn't in my wardrobe!

**** I've got nothing to use.

 

[SnakeEyes]

Sorted. But my lass is going to need a new washing basket

 

[Dutto]

Check this out ...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003CKOQQE/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

... versus this ...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N2T3WBW/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

... and let SWMBO know just how much you have saved her! :thumb:

 

[SnakeEyes]

Check this out ...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003CKOQQE/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

... versus this ...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pinstripe-Single-Breasted-Button-Wedding/dp/B01N2T3WBW/ref=sr_1_cc_8?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1533087896&sr=1-8-catcorr&keywords=pinstripe+suit+male&th=1&psc=1

... and let SWMBO know just how much you have saved her! :thumb:

Quality mate

 

[GerritT]

Instead of using a blow-off tube one might consider leaving enough headspace.

 

[SnakeEyes]

Instead of using a blow-off tube one might consider leaving enough headspace.

I followed the instructions so there should be enough space I reckon.

 

[dad_of_jon]

I've just ordered this:

https://www.brewshop.co.nz/mangrove-jacks-craft-series-starter-kit.html

I think the only other thing I will need is bottles.

That's a good start. +1 For what dutto says.

 

[Dutto]

Instead of using a blow-off tube one might consider leaving enough headspace.

It's purely a "circumstances" thing.

I always brew to the 23 litre mark on the FV and use a blow-off tube because the FV+air-lock is too tall for my fridges.

After the work-top "trug and aquarium" fiasco in the photograph (what you see is what I gathered after the blow-off bottle had overflowed all over the work-top and SWMBO's freezer), I decided to start all of my brews at 19*C and increase the size of the overflow bottle to 1 litre.

So far, the system has worked and I've not had any brew escape ... :thumb:

... and after the two hour clean-up of the garage, freezer and various tools, I hope it never happens again.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

A capper was mentioned earlier if you can afford a bench capper get one as many members prefer them to a hand capper.

 

[SnakeEyes]

A capper was mentioned earlier if you can afford a bench capper get one as many members prefer them to a hand capper.

I'm going to have a look for bottles tomorrow. I didn't fancy the plastic ones that mangrove Jack had on offer.

 

[Dutto]

I'm going to have a look for bottles tomorrow. I didn't fancy the plastic ones that mangrove Jack had on offer.

Two things to do with bottles:

1. 330ml bottles are a real PIA to fill and cap 'cos you need so many. (Nearly 70 for a 23 litre brew!)
2. I use a mixture of 500ml capped and 650ml flip-top. I prefer the flip-tops!

Alternatively, you could decide that you are a confirmed brewer already and start going for 5 litre Mini Kegs, 10 litre Growlers, 10 litre Pressure Barrels or even 19 litre Cornelius Kegs. The choice in enormous so choose carefully.

However, bottles are a great starting point because they will be useful as long as you are brewing. abigt

Enjoy your search. :thumb:

 

[SnakeEyes]

Two things to do with bottles:

1. 330ml bottles are a real PIA to fill and cap 'cos you need so many. (Nearly 70 for a 23 litre brew!)
2. I use a mixture of 500ml capped and 650ml flip-top. I prefer the flip-tops!

Alternatively, you could decide that you are a confirmed brewer already and start going for 5 litre Mini Kegs, 10 litre Growlers, 10 litre Pressure Barrels or even 19 litre Cornelius Kegs. The choice in enormous so choose carefully.

However, bottles are a great starting point because they will be useful as long as you are brewing. abigt

Enjoy your search. :thumb:

I'm thinking of reusing some screw cap bottles that I've drank the ale out of already. Are these ok to use?

 

[GerritT]

I'm thinking of reusing some screw cap bottles that I've drank the ale out of already. Are these ok to use?

If you can get the caps tight, why not? Just make sure clean them vigorously.
However screw caps, I think they can get old and less trustworthy.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

If you can get the caps tight, why not? Just make sure clean them vigorously.
However screw caps, I think they can get old and less trustworthy.

I have used the original set of these for several years and they are still airtight - https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/...le-plastic-screw-caps-for-wine-bottles.56326/

.

 

[SnakeEyes]

Better drink some more Tui then

 

[Dutto]

I started off many years ago with screw-top (not screw-cap) pop bottles and they worked fine.

If you can get a tight seal and their not in any way damaged then go for it! :thumb: