Thursday, July 30, 2009

Homebrew Digest #5585 (July 30, 2009)

HOMEBREW Digest #5585 Thu 30 July 2009


FORUM ON BEER, HOMEBREWING, AND RELATED ISSUES
Digest Janitor: pbabcock at hbd.org


***************************************************************
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or by paypal to address serverfund@hbd.org. DONATIONS of $250
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***************************************************************


Contents:
Force Carbonation.. ("Doug Lasanen")
Force Carbonation ("A.J deLange")
How to delead ("iris.accountants@gmail.com")


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* The HBD Logo Store is now open! *
* http://www.hbd.org/store.html *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Beer is our obsession and we're late for therapy! *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NOTE: With the economy as it is, the HBD is struggling to
meet its meager operating expenses of approximately $3400
per year. If less than half of those currently directly
subscribed to the HBD sent in a mere $5.00, the HBD would
be able to easily meet its annual expenses, with room to
spare for next year. Please consider it.

As always, donors and donations are publicly acknowledged
and accounted for on the HBD web page. THank you


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JANITORs on duty: Pat Babcock (pbabcock at hbd dot org), Jason Henning,
and Spencer Thomas


----------------------------------------------------------------------


Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:29:57 -0400
From: "Doug Lasanen" <Dlasanen at fuse.net>
Subject: Force Carbonation..

Tim Hamrick asks about "Forced Carbonation"

Here's my procedure that works everytime. Rack beer to clean and sanitary
keg. Remove air by adding small amount of co2 and purging a couple times.
Chill overnite........Then raise regulator pressure to 25 to 30 psi.
Replace the normal "In" adaptor (Grey if Ball lock keg) with an "Out"
adaptor. (Black if Ball lock Keg). Place that hose with adaptor on the Keg
"OUT"......Shake the keg for 30 to 45 seconds while co2 is going in. This
will get the co2 into suspension. Place keg back into fridge for a couple
hours to overnite...........Next, pour a pint........you may need to relieve
some pressure, as it will have a bit too much pressure, but will not be
"Over Carbonated".........then set regulator to your normal serving
pressure, 8psi works good for me, and reattach hose to the "IN" connection.

I have 3 to 4 feet of hose on each of my kegs and get a perfect pour most
every time. If I take a get on a road trip and just use the tap with no
hose, then I will have "Over Carbonation".

Hope this helps!

Cheers!

Doug Lasanen
Bloatarion Brewing Leage
Cincinnati, Ohio


------------------------------

Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:12:26 -0400
From: "A.J deLange" <ajdel at cox.net>
Subject: Force Carbonation

Patience! It takes a long time for a large quantity of beer, especially
in a Sankey Keg to get fully carbonated. For me it is usually at least a
week before I see any carbonation, two weeks before the beer is
sufficiently carbonated to drink and three before I'm at the level I
like. Then in takes months for the CO2 to really meld with the beer and
produce the meringue like head I look for in my lagers. The reason it
takes a long time is that in a keg you have a rather tall column of beer
and the CO2 only contacts it at the surface so that is where it
initially dissolves. When CO2 dissolves the "chemical potential" (a
function of the concentration in the solution) of CO2 in the beer
increases and will continue to do so until it equals the chemical
potential in the head space (a function of the CO2 pressure). What
drives the flow of CO2 into the beer is the difference in chemical
potential and as the beer takes up gas this difference decreases and so
does the flow. It is also a chemical portential gradient along the
column of beer that causes CO2 to diffuse downward. What I am trying to
get across is that the flow at the surface is decreasing even before the
bottom of the keg has received an appreciable amount of CO2.

The way to speed up the process is to make the potential difference
between gas and beer uniform throughout the volume and this is done in
two ways. The method used by the pros is to disperse the CO2 throughout
the beer in tiny bubbles by use of a carbonation "stone" which is
typically a hollow sintered stainless steel cylinder closed at one end
and into the other end of which CO2 is admitted. The method usually used
by homebrewers is to mix the beer which they do by attaching a gas line
to a Corny keg and then inverting it or rolling it. If you do this you
will hear the regulator passing gas as the keg is agitated thus
indicating that CO2 is dissolving. I prefer to just put it on line and
let the keg sit because this is sort of enforced lagering time. By the
time the beer is carbonated sufficiently to drink most of the yeast has
dropped, most of the junkbuket has dissipated and it's better beer.

The following 2 formulas may be useful to you. They are fits to
the ASBC carbonation tables and thus replace them:


V = 3.2694 + 0.076221*P - 0.042274*T

where P is in psig and T in Fahrenheit is valid over a range of 32 to
60 F, is subject to rms disagreement with the published table of
0.003 volumes and exhibits a peak error of 0.15 Vol.

V = 3.4281 + 0.14562*P - 0.07437*T - 6.6194E-5*P*P -
0.0012952*P*T + 0.00053484*T*T

is more accurate. RMSE is 0.00006 Vols with a peak error of 0.034
WRT the table. Whereas you can go somewhat outside the given
range of temperature and pressure with the first because it it linear
you do so at your peril with the second.


------------------------------

Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:00:03 -0700
From: "iris.accountants at gmail.com" <iris.accountants@gmail.com>
Subject: How to delead

Hello,
How to delead? What should I watch out for? Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you so much.
Thankyou,
Susan


------------------------------
End of HOMEBREW Digest #5585, 07/30/09
*************************************
-------

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Homebrew Digest #5584 (July 29, 2009)

HOMEBREW Digest #5584 Wed 29 July 2009


FORUM ON BEER, HOMEBREWING, AND RELATED ISSUES
Digest Janitor: pbabcock at hbd.org


***************************************************************
TODAY'S HOME BREW DIGEST BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Sponsor The Home Brew Digest!
Visit http://www.hbd.org/sponsorhbd.shtml to learn how

Support those who support you! Visit our sponsor's site!
********** Also visit http://hbd.org/hbdsponsors.html *********

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FAQ at http://hbd.org for details of this status). Donations
can be made by check to Home Brew Digest mailed to:

HBD Server Fund
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or by paypal to address serverfund@hbd.org. DONATIONS of $250
or more will be provided with receipts. SPONSORSHIPS of any
amount are considered paid advertisement, and may be deductible
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tax professional, then see http://hbd.org for available
sponsorship opportunities.
***************************************************************


Contents:
Force Carbonation (Tim Hamrick)
Mead Day is Saturday & Recipe Adjusted ("Janis Gross")


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* The HBD Logo Store is now open! *
* http://www.hbd.org/store.html *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Beer is our obsession and we're late for therapy! *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NOTE: With the economy as it is, the HBD is struggling to
meet its meager operating expenses of approximately $3400
per year. If less than half of those currently directly
subscribed to the HBD sent in a mere $5.00, the HBD would
be able to easily meet its annual expenses, with room to
spare for next year. Please consider it.

As always, donors and donations are publicly acknowledged
and accounted for on the HBD web page. THank you


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instead to http://homebrewfleamarket.com and post a free ad there.

The HBD is a copyrighted document. The compilation is copyright
HBD.ORG. Individual postings are copyright by their authors. ASK
before reproducing and you'll rarely have trouble. Digest content
cannot be reproduced by any means for sale or profit.

More information is available by sending the word "info" to
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JANITORs on duty: Pat Babcock (pbabcock at hbd dot org), Jason Henning,
and Spencer Thomas


----------------------------------------------------------------------


Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:09:53 -0600
From: Tim Hamrick <thamrick at cableone.net>
Subject: Force Carbonation

A question for the collective related to force carbonation...
I have tried on several occasions to force carbonate beer in corni
and sankey kegs by applying CO2 pressure as proscribed using force
carbonation tables (specifically, I have used the table in Dave
Miller's book). Even with pressure applied for up to a week,
carbonation is minimal. I have tried stepping up pressures and
typically see little difference until some point, usually in the
12-15 psi range, where the beer begins taking up CO2 and rapidly
becomes overcarbonated.

I can't figure out what's wrong. I have tried different regulators,
CO2 bottles, kegs, and even different beer recipes, but have ended
up with similar experience.

Is there some type of surface tension or other effect that may
result in the phenomena I am seeing (minimal carbonation up until
a certain pressure, then rapid over-carbonation)? How do the pro's
do it? (i.e.- carbonate keg beer for distribution?)


------------------------------

Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:04:37 -0600
From: "Janis Gross" <janis at brewersassociation.org>
Subject: Mead Day is Saturday & Recipe Adjusted

Hi everyone,

Mead Day is this Saturday; register your site today!
http://www.beertown.org/apps/mead/mead_reg.aspx

Also, this is a heads-up that I have improved the recipe a bit, so if
you printed it out prior to yesterday you might want to compare it with
the recipe now posted
(http://www.beertown.org/events/meadday/recipe.html). Highlights of the
changes include upping the number of yeast packages to use to 2, if you
don't want to make a yeast starter; including the recipe for a yeast
starter, if you want to go that way instead; and removing the
carbonation option in the Bottling section and replacing it with
information on how to use a stabilizer to keep this a still mead.

Have a great time making and sharing mead with others this weekend!

Cheers,
Janis

Janis Gross
National Homebrew Competition Director
AHA Project Coordinator
janis at brewersassociation.org
303-447-0816 x134
1-888-822-6273 (toll free)

www.beertown.org/homebrewing
Brewers Association
736 Pearl Street
Boulder, CO 80302


------------------------------
End of HOMEBREW Digest #5584, 07/29/09
*************************************
-------

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Homebrew Digest #5583 (July 26, 2009)

HOMEBREW Digest #5583 Sun 26 July 2009


FORUM ON BEER, HOMEBREWING, AND RELATED ISSUES
Digest Janitor: pbabcock at hbd.org


***************************************************************
TODAY'S HOME BREW DIGEST BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Sponsor The Home Brew Digest!
Visit http://www.hbd.org/sponsorhbd.shtml to learn how

Support those who support you! Visit our sponsor's site!
********** Also visit http://hbd.org/hbdsponsors.html *********

DONATE to the Home Brew Digest. Home Brew Digest, Inc. is a
501(c)3 not-for-profit organization under IRS rules (see the
FAQ at http://hbd.org for details of this status). Donations
can be made by check to Home Brew Digest mailed to:

HBD Server Fund
PO Box 871309
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or by paypal to address serverfund@hbd.org. DONATIONS of $250
or more will be provided with receipts. SPONSORSHIPS of any
amount are considered paid advertisement, and may be deductible
under IRS rules as a business expense. Please consult with your
tax professional, then see http://hbd.org for available
sponsorship opportunities.
***************************************************************


Contents:
more weizens (stevea)
Doluble Wit ("Darrell G. Leavitt")
gruit in hefeweizens (stencil)


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* The HBD Logo Store is now open! *
* http://www.hbd.org/store.html *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Beer is our obsession and we're late for therapy! *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NOTE: With the economy as it is, the HBD is struggling to
meet its meager operating expenses of approximately $3400
per year. If less than half of those currently directly
subscribed to the HBD sent in a mere $5.00, the HBD would
be able to easily meet its annual expenses, with room to
spare for next year. Please consider it.

As always, donors and donations are publicly acknowledged
and accounted for on the HBD web page. THank you


Send articles for __publication_only__ to post@hbd.org

If your e-mail account is being deleted, please unsubscribe first!!

To SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE send an e-mail message with the word
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instead to http://homebrewfleamarket.com and post a free ad there.

The HBD is a copyrighted document. The compilation is copyright
HBD.ORG. Individual postings are copyright by their authors. ASK
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More information is available by sending the word "info" to
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JANITORs on duty: Pat Babcock (pbabcock at hbd dot org), Jason Henning,
and Spencer Thomas


----------------------------------------------------------------------


Date: Sat, 25 Jul 2009 04:40:39 -0400
From: stevea <steve-alexander at roadrunner.com>
Subject: more weizens

Wow- Dave Houseman and Kai Troester posting - just like old times. I
think they've put their fingers on the primary weizen issues, 4VG and
esters.

In theory the low ferulic acid rest Dave mentions should (and in some
measured cases does) increase the final 4VG level, however George de
Piro, with superior experience, reports that it makes no discernible
difference. Perhaps because the wheat releases enough ferulic that the
delta doesn't make the taste threshold. BTW the clove-y 4VG flavor
dissipates over months of storage, particularly at higher temps.

Esters - anyone interested can search the archives for long
dissertations on ester formation. The point is you need to torture your
yeast in some way to increase ester levels. Low pitching, just like
low oxygen leaves less total UFA and sterol in the fermenter which
means growth (cell reproduction, not fermentation) stops before all the
carbs are used up. It is exactly at this growth to no-growth transition
where most esters are created. One must be aware of possibility of a
stuck fermentation by this method. Modestly increased temperature at
this transition (as fermentation slows) enhances the enzyme activity
needed to form esters - which seems safer to me.

I have tasted quite estery weizens in southern Germany, and certainly
some, but not all of the export weizens have high levels. Great beer
for a hot summer day.

-S

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 25 Jul 2009 07:57:18 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Darrell G. Leavitt" <leavitdg at plattsburgh.edu>
Subject: Doluble Wit

I have made Wits and Hefes that exceed the normal gravity. Not sure if I
have made them as high as 10%, but more like 7 or 8%. I could just use
more base malt to drive the gravity up.

When we use a yeast here, we typically re-use it up to 6 times or so, by
just re-pitching on the previous yeast cake. And, as I have learned here
one can go from lower to higher gravity, as well as from lighter to darker
(if you wish), so that reaching 7, or 8% will then depend upon the alcohol
tolerance of the yeast, and without my morning coffee, I am not clear on
this quite yet.

On a related note, I was told by a long time brewer that the Weihestephan
yeast should not be re-pitched much in that for this strain, it is likely
to mutate faster. Has anyone heard this? I may not be as sensitive as
others, ie in recognizing the results of mutations, but I have re-used
several hefe yeasts (including wlp300) up to 5 or 6 times, and have not
noticed anything strange. But, as I know, I may not recognize the by
products/ results of this. Any thoughts on repitching Weihestephan?
Darrell

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:00:26 -0400
From: stencil <etcs.ret at verizon.net>
Subject: gruit in hefeweizens

On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 23:57:43 -0400,
in Homebrew Digest #5582 (July 24, 2009)
Darrell G. Leavitt wrote:

> [ ... ]
>
>I love the Hefes, and recently made one with Heather Tips (1 oz) in at
>knock out. This created a very interesting flavor. For the next batch I
>used wormwood (1 oz also) and this proved to be too much, ie the barky
>flavor of the wormwood (artemesia absenthium) is rather strong. Next time
>I will use just 1/2 oz.
>
>[ ... ]

Please, could you expand on "interesting?" Was it as in
"interesting times?" Or like an "interesting proposition?"

I've never been an enthusiast for bitterness, and got
started in homebrewing after being exposed to hefeweizens (I
worked for a while in an establishment a few hundred yards
down the road from the Maxlrain schloss and its brewery.)
The main thing that has prevented me from going gruit big
time is that I haven't worked out a way to mechanize tiny -
say, one gallon - multibatch brews for the development
phase. The more data I can get on what *doesn't* work, the
better.

> It is hard for me to stick to the recipe.
>

The folks who stick to the recipe are still back in the old
country, licking sticks and poking them into anthills to get
their supper.

gds, stencil
<h.stencil at verizon.net>

------------------------------
End of HOMEBREW Digest #5583, 07/26/09
*************************************
-------

Friday, July 24, 2009

Homebrew Digest #5582 (July 24, 2009)

HOMEBREW Digest #5582 Fri 24 July 2009


FORUM ON BEER, HOMEBREWING, AND RELATED ISSUES
Digest Janitor: pbabcock at hbd.org


***************************************************************
TODAY'S HOME BREW DIGEST BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Sponsor The Home Brew Digest!
Visit http://www.hbd.org/sponsorhbd.shtml to learn how

Support those who support you! Visit our sponsor's site!
********** Also visit http://hbd.org/hbdsponsors.html *********

DONATE to the Home Brew Digest. Home Brew Digest, Inc. is a
501(c)3 not-for-profit organization under IRS rules (see the
FAQ at http://hbd.org for details of this status). Donations
can be made by check to Home Brew Digest mailed to:

HBD Server Fund
PO Box 871309
Canton Township, MI 48187-6309

or by paypal to address serverfund@hbd.org. DONATIONS of $250
or more will be provided with receipts. SPONSORSHIPS of any
amount are considered paid advertisement, and may be deductible
under IRS rules as a business expense. Please consult with your
tax professional, then see http://hbd.org for available
sponsorship opportunities.
***************************************************************


Contents:
Hefe (more) ("Darrell G. Leavitt")
Open vs Closed fermentation (Glyn and Mary)
Double WIt? (j.handy)


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* The HBD Logo Store is now open! *
* http://www.hbd.org/store.html *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Beer is our obsession and we're late for therapy! *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NOTE: With the economy as it is, the HBD is struggling to
meet its meager operating expenses of approximately $3400
per year. If less than half of those currently directly
subscribed to the HBD sent in a mere $5.00, the HBD would
be able to easily meet its annual expenses, with room to
spare for next year. Please consider it.

As always, donors and donations are publicly acknowledged
and accounted for on the HBD web page. THank you


Send articles for __publication_only__ to post@hbd.org

If your e-mail account is being deleted, please unsubscribe first!!

To SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE send an e-mail message with the word
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HAVING TROUBLE posting, subscribing or unsusubscribing? See the HBD FAQ at
http://hbd.org.

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL USED EQUIPMENT? Please do not post about it here. Go
instead to http://homebrewfleamarket.com and post a free ad there.

The HBD is a copyrighted document. The compilation is copyright
HBD.ORG. Individual postings are copyright by their authors. ASK
before reproducing and you'll rarely have trouble. Digest content
cannot be reproduced by any means for sale or profit.

More information is available by sending the word "info" to
req@hbd.org or read the HBD FAQ at http://hbd.org.

JANITORs on duty: Pat Babcock (pbabcock at hbd dot org), Jason Henning,
and Spencer Thomas


----------------------------------------------------------------------


Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:25:39 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Darrell G. Leavitt" <leavitdg at plattsburgh.edu>
Subject: Hefe (more)

I don't recall if it was on the HbD, or if I heard this from a local
Commercial brewer (Lake Placid Brewing Company), but "top cropping" was
also of importance to the making of a good hefe. That is, in an open
fermenter, when it is at high krauezen (sp?) to skim the active yeast from
the top for your new batch.

I love the Hefes, and recently made one with Heather Tips (1 oz) in at
knock out. This created a very interesting flavor. For the next batch I
used wormwood (1 oz also) and this proved to be too much, ie the barky
flavor of the wormwood (artemesia absenthium) is rather strong. Next time
I will use just 1/2 oz.

It is hard for me to stick to the recipe.

Happy Brewing!
Darrell


------------------------------

Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:55:47 -0700 (PDT)
From: Glyn and Mary <graininfuser at yahoo.com>
Subject: Open vs Closed fermentation

Nothing to add to the Weissbier conversation, but I have enjoyed
the thread.

To me the difference between open and closed fermentation is the
oxygen available to the yeast. In the closed system once the
oxygen in the head space is absorbed or expelled, there is no more.
In the open system there is always more available.

Glyn
So. Middle TN


------------------------------

Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:32:33 +0000 (UTC)
From: j.handy at comcast.net
Subject: Double WIt?


My local microbrew store sent me this notice about double wits:

Double/imperial Wits are the newest craze in the market,
with bigger alcohol and bigger flavor.
These are Witbiers on steroids!!

Samuel Adams Imperial Wit - 10.5% ABV
Boulevard Two Jokers Double-Wit - 8% ABV
Great Divide Double Wit - 8.1% ABV

Has anyone made these? Is it just a matter of adding more sugar?
More Malt?

Thanks,

Jim H.


------------------------------
End of HOMEBREW Digest #5582, 07/24/09
*************************************
-------

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Homebrew Digest #5581 (July 23, 2009)

HOMEBREW Digest #5581 Thu 23 July 2009


FORUM ON BEER, HOMEBREWING, AND RELATED ISSUES
Digest Janitor: pbabcock at hbd.org


***************************************************************
TODAY'S HOME BREW DIGEST BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Sponsor The Home Brew Digest!
Visit http://www.hbd.org/sponsorhbd.shtml to learn how

Support those who support you! Visit our sponsor's site!
********** Also visit http://hbd.org/hbdsponsors.html *********

DONATE to the Home Brew Digest. Home Brew Digest, Inc. is a
501(c)3 not-for-profit organization under IRS rules (see the
FAQ at http://hbd.org for details of this status). Donations
can be made by check to Home Brew Digest mailed to:

HBD Server Fund
PO Box 871309
Canton Township, MI 48187-6309

or by paypal to address serverfund@hbd.org. DONATIONS of $250
or more will be provided with receipts. SPONSORSHIPS of any
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***************************************************************


Contents:
Weissbier: rule of 30 and open vs. closed fermentation (Kai Troester)
Re: Hefeweizen and wit brewing (Mark Zunkel)
brewing hefes (Bill Wright)


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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and Spencer Thomas


----------------------------------------------------------------------


Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:42:50 -0400
From: Kai Troester <kai at braukaiser.com>
Subject: Weissbier: rule of 30 and open vs. closed fermentation

The rule of 30 for Weissbier brewing comes up on occasions. I'm not
sure which author introduced it to the (American) home brewing
community but the place I found it first was in Eric Warner's book on
brewing Weissbier. There he says that the sum of pitching and
fermentation temp should equal 30C. This never made sense to me and I
had not come across anything similar in German brewing literature
until I read Narziss' Abriss der Bierbrauerei where he makes a brief
mention of an old rule that Weissbier brewers had: The sum of the
pitching temp and the ambient temp of the fermentation room should be
30C. Note that it refers to the temp of the fermentation room and not
the actual fermentation temp itself. This was to make sure that the
maximum fermentation temp doesn't exceed 18C. This rule made more
sense to me but you have to keep in mind that it depends on the size
of the fermenter.

Based on that I don't think that the rule of 30 applies to home
brewing. What is key for brewing a good Weissbier is pitching colder
than fermentation temp and keeping the fermentation temp between 17
and 18C (63-65F). If the rule of 30 makes you do that, great. But I
think that that rule of 30 gets too much credit and was actually never
intended to be used the way we are using it.

As for open and closed fermentation, I have a hard time believing that
it is the back pressure from the water column in the airlock makes a
difference. That pressure is equal to about 50ft in elevation change
which would mean that brewers in Denver should be making dramatically
more different beers that brewers on the coast line. If there is a
flavor difference between open fermentation and fermentation in a
carboy with an air lock it must be something else.

Kai


------------------------------

Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:48:55 +0200
From: Mark Zunkel <mzunkel at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Hefeweizen and wit brewing

You might also want to try bottle conditioning it for a period of longer
than 7 days. The higher the temperature (over 65F) and the longer, the more
esters will appear in the final beer. Then do a final lagering under 45F to
drop the yeast.

Mark Zunkel


------------------------------

Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:46:40 -0800
From: Bill Wright <gourmetak at gmail.com>
Subject: brewing hefes

I remember years ago in the HBD (I would guess 1997-2000) George De
Piro, a frequent contributor and award-winning homebrewer of hefe's,
saying that it was important in the brewing of wheat beers to
underpitch the yeast. I do not have the time right now to track down
specific posts, but you might do a little research in the archives.
As I remember, George won the wheat beer category in the MCAB and went
on to become head brewer of a micro in New York.


------------------------------
End of HOMEBREW Digest #5581, 07/23/09
*************************************
-------

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Homebrew Digest #5580 (July 22, 2009)

HOMEBREW Digest #5580 Wed 22 July 2009


FORUM ON BEER, HOMEBREWING, AND RELATED ISSUES
Digest Janitor: pbabcock at hbd.org


***************************************************************
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FAQ at http://hbd.org for details of this status). Donations
can be made by check to Home Brew Digest mailed to:

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or by paypal to address serverfund@hbd.org. DONATIONS of $250
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amount are considered paid advertisement, and may be deductible
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tax professional, then see http://hbd.org for available
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***************************************************************


Contents:
Weissbier yeast ("Kai Troester")
Re: Hefeweizen and wit brewing ("David Houseman")
RE: Refractometers (Rob Schlank)
Refractometers ("A.J deLange")


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* The HBD Logo Store is now open! *
* http://www.hbd.org/store.html *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Beer is our obsession and we're late for therapy! *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NOTE: With the economy as it is, the HBD is struggling to
meet its meager operating expenses of approximately $3400
per year. If less than half of those currently directly
subscribed to the HBD sent in a mere $5.00, the HBD would
be able to easily meet its annual expenses, with room to
spare for next year. Please consider it.

As always, donors and donations are publicly acknowledged
and accounted for on the HBD web page. THank you


Send articles for __publication_only__ to post@hbd.org

If your e-mail account is being deleted, please unsubscribe first!!

To SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE send an e-mail message with the word
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LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL USED EQUIPMENT? Please do not post about it here. Go
instead to http://homebrewfleamarket.com and post a free ad there.

The HBD is a copyrighted document. The compilation is copyright
HBD.ORG. Individual postings are copyright by their authors. ASK
before reproducing and you'll rarely have trouble. Digest content
cannot be reproduced by any means for sale or profit.

More information is available by sending the word "info" to
req@hbd.org or read the HBD FAQ at http://hbd.org.

JANITORs on duty: Pat Babcock (pbabcock at hbd dot org), Jason Henning,
and Spencer Thomas


----------------------------------------------------------------------


Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:38:56 -0400
From: "Kai Troester" <kai at braukaiser.com>
Subject: Weissbier yeast

According to Kristen England's yeas origin chart (posted here
http://www.mrmalty.com/yeast.htm) WLP 300 and WY3068 are both the W68 strain
from the Weihenstephan yeast bank. This should not be confused with the
Weihenstephan brewery. Other Weissbier strains from that yeast bank are WLP
351 / WY3638 (W175). Based on what I have seen in various papers the W68
seems to be the most popular
Weissbier yeast among German brewers and it is likely that the Weihenstephan
brewery uses it for its
Weissbier. It is also my favorite as it gives a very nice clove character
even w/o a ferulic acid rest.

As for the banana and bubble gum I found that the most popularWeissbier in
Germany is of the neutral type (Erdinger, which is more an American Wheat
based on its taste). The majority of the other brands are dominated by
phenolic notes (clove). When I was there last Summer I found only one or two
where the fruity aroma (banana) dominated. That was surprising to me as I
expected more Weissbiers to be of the estery type.

As a side note. In Bavaria wheat beers are called Weissbier regardless of
color. There are Helle (light), Dunkel (dark) and Kristall (clear, filtered)
versions of Weisse or Weissbier. The rest of Germany seems to call them
Hefeweizen.

Kai


------------------------------

Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:37:58 -0400
From: "David Houseman" <david.houseman at verizon.net>
Subject: Re: Hefeweizen and wit brewing

In my reading and experience to enhance clove-like phenols in Weizens, use
the ferulic acid rest at 113oF for 20 minutes. To increase esters ferment
warmer (high 60's). The Rule of 30 is good. IMO what is happening is that
the lower pitch temperature is slowing yeast reproduction and esters are
formed at lower pitch rates and lower O2 rates. All of these factors
affect ester production. Another is that I've found that Weizen yeast
really like open fermentation. Doesn't have to be uncovered, just larger
fermenters with a lot of open surface area and no back-pressure. One of
the best Weizens I made was to simply use a kettle as a fermenter and I
placed a loose fitting lid on it and fermented in my warm laundry room.
Great clove, banana and bubble-gum.

Dave Houseman

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2009 08:21:52 -0400
From: Rob Schlank <rschlank at comcast.net>
Subject: RE: Refractometers

I have used a refractometer for several years now. For me it is most useful
for checking pre-boil gravity since you do not have wait for a large wort
sample to cool before getting results. For OG and FG I still use my handy
Hydrometer as I find it to be more user-friendly and less susceptible to
human error. The small sample size makes dilution from water more likely.

The following tips are from BYO and some just from me:

1 - make sure to stir your wort thoroughly before taking a pre-boil sample.
This will help to homogenize the wort so that you get a more accurate reading.

2 - Fill the bulb of the pipette (sample dropper) and then invert and place the
bulb in a cup of H20 to cool. This is important even for refractometers with
ATC (Auto temp compensation) as your sample can evaporate and therefore
increase the reading. Simply swirl the bulb in the water for a few seconds.

3 - Squeeze a few drops of wort back into the kettle (or the water cup) to
remove any air from the pipette. This helps to alleviate the air bubble issue.

4 - Close the cover on the sample carefully with the back end closest to the
hinge touching first. This also helps to keep out air bubbles.

5 - If you are not using software, a simple 4x multiplier of Brix to SG will
give you a decent estimate of your gravity within a point, so 10brix is 1.040

Also, if it is your first time using a refractomer, you will need to ake sure
it is calibrated by testing with water. This is also a good time to pre-focus
the refractometer since this can be a pain in the butt.

Finally, don't be concerned about small grain pieces or other detritus in the
sample. I have not found this to effect the reading.

I hope this helps,

- --
Rob Schlank


------------------------------

Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:45:48 -0400
From: "A.J deLange" <ajdel at cox.net>
Subject: Refractometers

I posted the other day that my refractometer stopped agreeing with
hydrometers when the wort turned turbid with the thesis being that
scattering ruins the readings. So this morning I put a little sucrose
in some DI water and got a reading of 11.8. I then added enough PVPP
to make the solution milky and checked that with the refractometer. It
now read 12.0 Brix so it appears that if turbidity is a factor, it is
a small one - unless, of course, yeast cells scatter in a different
way or refract.

A.J.

------------------------------
End of HOMEBREW Digest #5580, 07/22/09
*************************************
-------

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Homebrew Digest #5579 (July 21, 2009)

HOMEBREW Digest #5579 Tue 21 July 2009


FORUM ON BEER, HOMEBREWING, AND RELATED ISSUES
Digest Janitor: pbabcock at hbd.org


***************************************************************
TODAY'S HOME BREW DIGEST BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Sponsor The Home Brew Digest!
Visit http://www.hbd.org/sponsorhbd.shtml to learn how

Support those who support you! Visit our sponsor's site!
********** Also visit http://hbd.org/hbdsponsors.html *********

DONATE to the Home Brew Digest. Home Brew Digest, Inc. is a
501(c)3 not-for-profit organization under IRS rules (see the
FAQ at http://hbd.org for details of this status). Donations
can be made by check to Home Brew Digest mailed to:

HBD Server Fund
PO Box 871309
Canton Township, MI 48187-6309

or by paypal to address serverfund@hbd.org. DONATIONS of $250
or more will be provided with receipts. SPONSORSHIPS of any
amount are considered paid advertisement, and may be deductible
under IRS rules as a business expense. Please consult with your
tax professional, then see http://hbd.org for available
sponsorship opportunities.
***************************************************************


Contents:
Hefe ("Darrell G. Leavitt")
RE: Refractometers / Blichmann Boilermaker (drsmith)


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* The HBD Logo Store is now open! *
* http://www.hbd.org/store.html *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Beer is our obsession and we're late for therapy! *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NOTE: With the economy as it is, the HBD is struggling to
meet its meager operating expenses of approximately $3400
per year. If less than half of those currently directly
subscribed to the HBD sent in a mere $5.00, the HBD would
be able to easily meet its annual expenses, with room to
spare for next year. Please consider it.

As always, donors and donations are publicly acknowledged
and accounted for on the HBD web page. THank you


Send articles for __publication_only__ to post@hbd.org

If your e-mail account is being deleted, please unsubscribe first!!

To SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE send an e-mail message with the word
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for the automation - that's your job.

HAVING TROUBLE posting, subscribing or unsusubscribing? See the HBD FAQ at
http://hbd.org.

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL USED EQUIPMENT? Please do not post about it here. Go
instead to http://homebrewfleamarket.com and post a free ad there.

The HBD is a copyrighted document. The compilation is copyright
HBD.ORG. Individual postings are copyright by their authors. ASK
before reproducing and you'll rarely have trouble. Digest content
cannot be reproduced by any means for sale or profit.

More information is available by sending the word "info" to
req@hbd.org or read the HBD FAQ at http://hbd.org.

JANITORs on duty: Pat Babcock (pbabcock at hbd dot org), Jason Henning,
and Spencer Thomas


----------------------------------------------------------------------


Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2009 06:48:23 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Darrell G. Leavitt" <leavitdg at plattsburgh.edu>
Subject: Hefe

Robert;
Thankyou for the thoughts on Hefe. Is the wlp300 the Weihestephan? I
ask in that I have used most of them, but recently attended a brewfest
(Burlington, Vermont) and found that of the Hefes there, the one that was
brewed with the Weihestephan tasted best to me. It had the bananna and
clove, while some others were more citrusy. I know this is largely
subjective, in terms of taste, but I'd like the citrusy to be in a Wit,
and the bananna and clove in a hefe.
Darrell

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:02:50 -0400
From: drsmith <hbd at aperature.org>
Subject: RE: Refractometers / Blichmann Boilermaker


Matt requested opinions on refractometers. I've only just recently
purchased a refractometer after years of using the tried and true
hydrometer. In truth, I have a brewing partner that inexplicably
breaks hydrometers, so the refractometer seems like it might be more
durable...

Anyway, I can agree that the small sample size does make the
measurement much quicker and easier. The only problem I noticed was
that I had to be careful not to have any air trapped under the lens.
If you close the lens assembly and you notice air bubbles under it,
your reading will be off. I admit, being the first time I've used it,
I was learning about its quirks and I'm still not sure I know what the
exact OG of the barleywine I made was. I think I'll be using a
hydrometer in conjunction with the refractometer until I get more used
to using it.


A while back I asked for opinions on the Blichmann Boilermaker. Most
of you responded saying that you're using converted coolers for your
mashing setup and that the extra expense on brewing art wasn't really
necessary. I appreciate the time all of you took to respond to my
query, but in the end I went ahead with the purchase anyway.

Despite the indications on most websites that there would be long wait
for it to ship, I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived at my door
not 7 days after the initial order. The build quality and engineering
that went into this kettle is beyond my expectations. I plan to be
making 15 gallons of IPA with it this coming weekend and I hope to be
getting back into all-grain very soon. Extract brewing is kinda
expensive.

------------------------------
End of HOMEBREW Digest #5579, 07/21/09
*************************************
-------