Posted by webmaster on May 26th, 2008 in All Podcasts
…of choosing brewing equipment.
Many brewers find a way that works best for them and quickly settle into their homebrewing ways…And I am no different.
The philosophical choices one makes when choosing equipment can be an emotionally charged one. I do my best to have a discussion with Mike the Hop Guy about the equipment necessary to start brewing, building on the knowledge found in James Spencer’s Basic Brewing instructional videos. I’m certain I express opinions about equipment or practices that are not shared by all, and the spirit and purpose of making this show was to invite open discussion about how to get Mike started.
I tried to recall some of the more peculiar pieces of equipment that make brewing a little easier and might not be included in a homebrewing startup equipment kit. I don’t know about all the listeners out there, but during my early days of brewing I remember making several quick runs to my local homebrew shop or hardware store to get to get an extra small piece of equipment to make my life a little easier.
For example, after finishing the show I recalled a couple of gadgets and hardware that have become such a part of my routine, I almost forget that one day I had to take time to buy or build them. First, simply enough, is a piece of hardware that screws onto your kitchen sink and has the standard outdoor hose threading on the other end, giving one the ability to attach a worth chiller (that in my case is made to attach to an outdoor spigot), directly to the indoor sink. I don’t use that adapter quite as much since I gained access to water via hose spigots in my basement and I chill my wort down there. However, that was a small home improvement project designed to adapt my house to my brewing hobby. The second peculiar piece of brewing equipment that was not included in the show but I’ve come to rely on is my on-demand water filtration. Being on city water and not wanting to purchase the copious amounts of spring water used for all grain brewing from the store, or go through the steps necessary to boil or chemically treat my already Chlorine or Chloramine treated water. I have a water filter attached to tubing designed to attach to a hose spigot (pictured below).
Much of the information of the show won’t be news to listeners, but I hope it will be fun for everyone to think back and reminisce about what it was like when they first started brewing. Maybe even jog some thoughts of “If only I knew then, what I know now.” If you have such ideas, by all means I encourage you to join the conversation and impart your brewing wisdom on a newbie.
Mentioned in the Podcast:
Check out Chris Alvey’s Hop Availability Chart and other great articles on Brew365.
Taste of Evanston 1st Annual Homebrew Competition - July 12, 2008 -
Entry Fee: $5.00 per entry
Categories: Ale, Lager and Wheat
Registration Closing Date: Monday, July 1st, 2008
Entry Shipping Deadline: Entries must be received by Monday, July 7th, 2008
For more information about the rules, address, entry form and other details contact Dawn Darby, Chairperson, at dkirkwoods67@roadrunner.com
Also you can visit Don Osborn’s blog with information about his Dandelion Wine project featured on Basic Brewing Radio, and his experiments with an Orval starter used in other fantastic beers.
Special thanks to both Don Osborn and Michael Tonsmeire “The Mad Fermentationist” who have been great resources while I have been getting started with Lambic style brews. The Mad Fermentationist has been a particularly great resource and we have been discussing the possibility of bringing the guidance he has been providing me directly to the listeners in a future episode.
Music is from PodSafe Music Network.
The opening song is “The Groove” by Audiopharm.
Transitional Music in Order of Use:
“Ouray” by Andy McKnee
“All Laid Back and Stuff” by Andy McKnee
“Venus as a Girl” by Andy McKnee
The closing song is “I’ll Be Over You” by Andy McKnee
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If you enjoy our podcasts, we would appreciate positive comments and ratings on your favorite podcast subscription service. For example, positive ratings and comments through services such as iTunes, will help Mike and I expand our listener base even further. I apologize for soliciting praise and thank you for your time.
