Home brew? Homebrew? Winemaking

I've got a fair bit of cider waiting to bottle but not enough empty bottles, so leaves me only one option... this was my first batch primed for having some fizzy and I'm enjoying each bottle more and more.

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Haven't done a brew in about 2 years. Lovely day today getting back into it!

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Nice BIAB set up!

The straw hat adds an element of casual ease to the brewing process

Cracked into an early test bottle this weekend. Needs a couple of weeks longer really but seems like a solid summer brew. Added 3 grapefruit peels and a the flesh of one with the dry hopping and there's definitely a late grapefruit finish, but its still quite subtle.
Very nice in the evening sun after a day of dull DIY.

Thanks, converted tea urn. Served me well.

Interesting, I’ve been meaning to try a lager for years. Did you do decoction mashing and bottom-fermenting yeast?

I did a two step mash 15 mins @ 60°C then brought it up to 66 °C for 75 mins.
I used fermentis S-23 saflager yeast which has a broad range.
It fermented at 12°C for 2 weeks then had a diacetyl rest at 18°c for a week.

Lovely. What setup do you use for mashing?

I've got this kit.....
The mash tun is an insulated 100l stock pot with a false bottom.
There are online calculators ( brewers friend)I use to work out the temps for step mashes, you basically add boiling water to increase the temperature.

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Lovely setup. I’ve brewed in CZech Republic at Litovel a couple of times - as a paying punter on their guest rig. They siphon off a portion of the wort, boil it and add it back to raise the temps - I am sure you knew that. I have the malt and yeast to try it, and a PID controlled fridge to do a low temp ferment. Might get on with it!

Where are people getting malt just now? I usually use malt miller but they’re down

Go for it, the thing with a Pilsner there is no extreme hop flavours/ aromas to hide behind.

Try Geterbrewed they seem to be on top of it atm !

Well the stout has finally started fermenting. Only took 4 weeks and two pitches of yeast.

Anyone fancy trying Lockdown IPA 6.3% ?
If you want to collect from Worcester Park KT4 you are welcome to a bottle in return for some feedback!

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I'd happily take one off your hands but It's a bit of a slog from E7, love the labels though.

Thanks, that's a shame!

Brooklyn brew 1 gallon kit available if anyone wants it?

I've had it a while, makes great beer but ties up the kitchen, not ideal with kids! Extra to what's pictured, you just need a beer thermometer and the airlock thing, they're cheap online.

There's mix included, but it's a year out of date. Personally I'd make it anyway, and you can buy more on their site. Comes with Syphon, brush etc, plus bottle capper and caps. Value 40 or 50 quid new plus the extra stuff like the capper.

Yours for a few cans of nice IPA.

Collection only, new cross.

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I'll take this, PM'ing now.

I'll take one. It's on my fake lock down commute. I could trade a saison a bit later when it's ready if you fancy (and if drinkable).

Cool ! When will you be passing?

Before work would be ideal if 8:00-9AM works. Otherwise evening 5:30-6. Just PM address and lemme know what day is convenient.

Pm'd

New to all things brewing and have some ipa fermenting away... for bottling and secondary fermentation, can I use screw top Kilner jars or will they explode/be impossible to open for drinking? We have a few empties from sloe gin and I’d rather not buy a bottle topper