Hello

[rog_harris]

Hello Everyone,

I too have returned to brewing after a 30 year gap. I cannot remember why I stopped, which is strange, because I did make remarkably good beer and my garage parties, (neighbours "popping in" after cutting the lawn on a Saturday afternoon), were legendary, (or was that notorious?). At that time I worked for an oil company so believed that the sure way to quality and consistency was to brew in bulk, so I had 5 pressure barrels on the go to ensure a constant flow. I am now planning to re-build my micro brewery using modern equipment, expecting the results to be even better. I have started with a two Woodforde's Wherry bitter kits and have been delighted with the results. The beer really is pub quality, not bad for the initial trial. I am less impressed with the kegs however. I never used to have CO2 pressure issues but my new kegs just do not maintain pressure, (a possibly fatal flaw in the grand plan?). I suspect that the issue centres on the safety valve in the injector, something that didn't exist last time around. I am wondering about replacing the injectors with old-fashioned one-way valves. Since this will involve additional expense, I'd appreciate any views that you might have.

Notwithstanding this, I'm pleased and relieved to be making good beer again. In the intervening period I had started drinking wine like I used to drink beer, so I am now saving money hand over fist and feeling much better into the bargain. Brilliant!

 

[Tony]

Hi Rog
Nice to meet you!

Have a look at some of the All Grain builds in here - and some of the pics of the brews - before you spend any money. Kits are ok, but nothing beats AG brews - so check the builds and you may feel that's the way to go.

:

 

[Baz Chaz]

Welcome back to brewing buddy :drunk: I'm in pretty much the same boat as you, just returned to brewing after 25/30 year gap

having fun tried out first kit and pretty pleased with the results, I bottle rather than keg :!: never had much success it the past with kegs and have a brilliant supplier of bottles

starting to collect gear together 'cos I'm being led astray by others on here and am going to AG

must admit the guys round here have been quick to help with any questions I've had :thumb: hope your returns a successful one :

 

[Dieseljockey]

Welcome back Rog...

2nd what Tony said about the kits....you don't have to spend £00000 to build your own brewery.. :nono:

What Baz said is also spot on there seems to be a load of us old uns coming back to the fold :clap:

With your barrels did you smear vasoline on the rubber rings inside the cap???
also they wont take the high pressure like a corni..

 

[rog_harris]

Yes, all possible leaking points vaselined, nothing over-tightened etc. I will try bottles, but I'd like to get back to volume production if I can. It seems to me that there are only 5 possible leaking points. 1) Gas in valve. 2) Gas out valve, (prime suspect!), 3) Top injector washer/seating. 4) Bottom injector washer/seating. 5) 'O' ring.

My point is that I never had this problem 30 years ago. I know technology has improved but I can't help thinking that health and safety changes may not have improved the performance of pressure barrels! :drink: