Time to start thinking about 2012?

[Kyral210]

Ok, as we all know, it is not wine that marks special occasions in life, it is beer! So thinking ahead to 2012, when should I start brewing for these events:

Submission of Thesis: 2 months away, want something fast and very tasty

PhD Graduation: 6 months away, want THE BEST beer possible to share with friends

Christmas 2012: 12 months away, thinking of brewing a really special, well aged winter warmer!

 

[Eric_S]

Ha - I think the answer to all three is Right Now!

 

[Moley]

Ok, as we all know, it is not wine that marks special occasions in life, it is beer!

Cobblers.




PS: My wines for Christmas 2012 are already finished, cleared, racked and maturing.

 

[dennisking]

Only thinking of what beers to submit to the spring thing 2 :party:

 

[Kyral210]

To make life simple, I have ordered a ginger beer kit (coopers) and a strawberry wine (solomon grundy) for mw and the girlfriend to enjoy together. For me, I ordered a Muntons two can kit (Old Conkerwood) which I have been interested in for years but never brewed.

Might brew up a Triple and WILL DEFINITELY brew up some Christmas Ale for next Christmas. I want to test my temperature control rig on these kits first, so wish me luck! I ordered this plug in thermostat off amazon earlier: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001AE2PEO/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Ok, its not perfect temperature control, but I will experiment and see how good I can make it without going into weird things.

 

[Walker]

i got mine from here

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/ ... index.html

you could use a relay to avoid the heater current going through unit itself and throwing the temp reading off, but i just found that for 14c (i'm brewing lager atm), i set it to 17 or 18, it's not rocket science, just something to be aware of, my small cupboard is perfect temp once its set up right

something fast and tasty could be a coopers dark ale, im drinking mine early and its its frikking delicious , i used dark DME instead of half the brewing sugar, really really nice if you like darkies

 

[Kyral210]

I have a plan. A demijohn full of water with a thermometer stuck in it. I read the thermometer and adjust the thermostat accordingly. Its not exactly a science, but it is close enough to give something interesting. Will let you know how it goes on. I think a setting of 23°C should give a wort temp of 20°C

 

[Archtronics]

Remember at the start of fermentation it will produce heat as well.

 

[Kyral210]

How much heat are we talking 1°C? 2°C?