Home made Wine / Beer forum

[Nine Milly]

I think it sure would be nice to have a section to share such information. I typically use only Michigan berries etc. when making such things. And heading out to the shanty with a little (emphasis on little for safty) of both sure is a great way to stay warm. I have some great tips, etc. that I would have no trouble sharing. Any thoughts?

[wally-eye]

Dang I used to make a lot of wine. Have you ever used the GLASS gallon jars with the balloon on top????? Made with frozen PURE concentrate, yeast and sugar..........

Haven't made any in 25 years or so. Don't drink that much anymore but a taste of that sounds good. Gives me an idea. Don't know if I can find the actual receipe, have to start digging.

[alex-v]

I do not see why we should have a separate forum for every possible topic. Why not be able to include the discussion threads right here in the general catagory?? Otherwise we just end up splitting one group from the other and it makes it harder to mingle and be exposed to other topics or ideas.

[Nine Milly]

After searching "homebrew" you find it posted in MANY different areas. I know that you will have this for just about any topic but I Just thought it would be nice to have a central location for it. Perhaps a sub-forum under the reciepe section.

[Natlight]

I do not see why we should have a separate forum for every possible topic. Why not be able to include the discussion threads right here in the general catagory?? Otherwise we just end up splitting one group from the other and it makes it harder to mingle and be exposed to other topics or ideas.
:yeahthat: I agree profoundly. I find myself clicking into so many different areas already. No need for more seperate forums.

[alex-v]

I find myself clicking into so many different areas already. No need for more seperate forums.
I wonder how may newcomers to this Message Board get frustrated because there are so many forums just to cover one general topic. Look at ice fishing. There is one general forum and 3 sub forums. Warm water has one general and 4 sub forums. Last year they split Saginaw Bay off to create that 4th one and I do not see a large group talking/posting in there.

All we are doing is dividing us up and separating us from ourselves.

[Nine Milly]

Honestly, I may be in the minority but I really do like the multiple forums. I think you can browse much more specific areas. For example, I only need sw ice reports, that is very nice to not have to browse through the rest of the states info. I know this isn't heading anywhere so we can let the suggestion die.

[SgtSlaughter]

I like making beer and I like multiple forums so sign me up.

[trappintees]

I would contribute. I brew beer and wine.
I have made from concentrate and its pretty simple, two cans frozen concentrate, 1 1/4 pounds sugar, enough water to bring up to 1 gallon and a packet of yeast. Slap on an air lock and away it goes. Turns out pretty good.
Nine, do your brew beer or just make wine?
I just started my first two fruit wines last fall. Have 5 gallons of raspberry and 4 gal of grape going.
Northern Brewer has an excellent forum if your looking for info.

[Raf]

i like drinking the beer my buddy makes:corkysm55

[Nine Milly]

Thanks for the info. I brew both. Really starting to take a hankering for this beer though. It is very simple you just have to keep things 110% sterile. I just bottled 2 gallons of a west coast ale that turned out at 7%! Good stuff!! Like fishing, it take paitence.

[trappintees]

Ya they are both pretty simple. Going to try all-grain for the first time soon. That is a little more involved but not rocket science. Fun and rewarding hobby.

[Nine Milly]

How do you go about doing the "all grain" method? Does the grain soak with water and yeast?

[Ginweed]

I had a couple homebrews while on the ice last night. Nothing's better than sitting in the shanty, jigging and sipping on an homemade ale.

Trappintees is right, the Northern Brewer forum is awesome. Very, very helpful for all levels of brewers. I switched to all grain about 3 years ago and I learned so much by just reading threads. I've also made four or five batches from recipies I found in the recipe section. Currently have a Sierra Nevada clone kegged which I found there.

There are probably a small percent of us on M-S who brew so a separate forum section probably wouldn't make sense, although I would dig it.

Also, for those of you in the area, a homebrewing/wine making store opened up in Milford called Brewmasters. I stopped by there last week for the first time. Nice people and very helpful.

[wyle_e_coyote]

I'm a homebrewer of both. Mostly wine lately though. All Michigan berries too.
I have 4 hop plants by the parents garage. I sure don't recall what types I planted though. The markers I had next to them have all since vanished.

Does anyone know if you can get all the ingredients for beer making from just Michigan growers?

[pescadero]

Ya they are both pretty simple. Going to try all-grain for the first time soon. That is a little more involved but not rocket science. Fun and rewarding hobby.

I've been brewing beer for about 10 years now, mostly extract and specialty grain but have done a couple all-grain recipes when I was in college. I really need to hook up on a mas and lauter tun so I can start brewing all grain full time.

..and I'm definitely for a booze making subforum.

--
lp

[Nine Milly]

How do you brew all grain beer? Soak grain in water, add sugar and yeast?

[Ginweed]

It's a little more complicated than that. Instead of buying malt extract you produce your own fermentable sugars. It's pretty difficult to explain in a post. My suggestion would be to buy Charlie Papazian's "The Complete Joy of Homebrewing" (Often called the Homebrewer's Bible). Great book for beginners thru advance brewing.

[Nine Milly]

Bought it, reading it, you are correct. First batch (indian pale ale) in the carboy! Will post results in a few wks.

[jackpine savage]

Another homebrewer here(beer and wine) that would be interested in a Michigan based forum.
Someone asked about making beer from all michigan made products-don't know of too many Michigan based maltsters malting grains-as far as grains grown in Michigan who knows where they end up after harvest ?
I grow my own hops and have an ounce or two I could spare(cluster and centenial) to a Michigan brew.

[ullinson]

I've been brewing off and on for ten years also. Just do the beer but am thinking about trying mead and cider. A seperate forum doesn't seem like a bad idea.

Kevin

[Frantz]

I like the idea as well. I understand though, another topic and forum makes for another pain in the butt.

On another note, we have a place up here in Lakeview called Brew Gadgets that I have been checking out, not to bad price wise, for the sticks. They have a website, www.brewgadgets.com . They guy that runs it seems pretty knowledgeable on it all, more on the beer side but has a little bit of everything.

[MI_Bowhunter]

Just get steve involved in home brewing and WHAMO, you have your sub-forum!

[HUNT4FUN]

I Would Love To Get Some Recipes So I Could Try This Out. I've Always Wanted To Make My Own Beer.:)

[Jekart]

I think this would be awesome. I ahve always wanted to try making by own beer. I am also for the subforum. I find it easier to locate posts on the topic I am searching for at the time.

[fasthunter]

I would DEFINITELY be interested in seeing one of these forums pop up too!!:) :) :) :corkysm55 :corkysm55 :corkysm55

[Nine Milly]

just finished up a batch of Blue Berry Heffe,,,,,,,FANTASTIC!!!

[Big K]

I just started Home Brewing in January. I've got 6 batches under my belt with a nice Red Ale in the primary right now that's ready to be racked to the secondary. My favorite batch that I brewed thus far has been a porter. Simply delicious. I believe my next batch is going to be a wheat and hopefully I'll get that started within the next 2 weeks.

Brew On Baby! Brew On! :woohoo1:

[Frantz]

I just bought two kits, a strawberry white zin and a blackberry current merlot. One is a four week kit which will be for our family reunion and a few good friends and the other, that is a 6 week premium kit that will be for family and a few good friends, but mostly ME!!!!

If any of you have done a good semi dry wine kit, let me know what it was and how it worked out. Always interested in new things!

[Airoh]

Seems to be quite a bit of interest in a Home brew forum.:cool: :) :cool:

I'm going to make some root beer in the next couple of weeks.
I'll be buying a large carboy to start a batch of cider at Thanksgiving. Hopefully will be ready for the Holidays.:D

[Ralph Smith]

I like the idea! Just had some of my neighbors homemade stuff yesterday, and was talking about getting into making my own. Maybe a homebrew outing would be great to share info and samples :D deffinately have to be somewhere at campground or big yard to crash for the night after that kind of outing though:yikes: :lol: :p

ooops, maybe crash wasn't the right choice of words.:rolleyes: :SHOCKED:

[Ginweed]

A couple of years ago I suggested an ice fishing/homebrew gathering on the iceshanty.com forum but I didn't get much interest. I know hard water is a long ways away but I think it would be fun to get a group together, do some ice fishing and exchange homebrews.

Or to take if further....An ice fishing/homebrew tournament. Points for best fish and best ale!

[Ralph Smith]

A couple of years ago I suggested an ice fishing/homebrew gathering on the iceshanty.com forum but I didn't get much interest. I know hard water is a long ways away but I think it would be fun to get a group together, do some ice fishing and exchange homebrews.

Or to take if further....An ice fishing/homebrew tournament. Points for best fish and best ale!

Thats sounds pretty good. I usually don't go on the ice unless I have a little blackberry brandy;)

[Frantz]

Cleaning about 170 bottles tomorrow and starting two new batches! I really need to get this darn utility sink installed in my basement.

[Frantz]

I move like lightening..... I finally got the Strawberry White Zin going two days ago. The spigot for my other primary fermenting bucket is leaking so I have to wait 7-10 days to start the Merlot.

Anyone got a good kit for a semi dry red with a pepper kinda thing going on that the suggest I try?

[Frantz]

http://www.winepress.us/forums/

This is a forum I recently joined on the subject. Seem to be a great bunch of people.

[Frantz]

Cellar Craft - Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel, that is my next kit, I am trying to find a good price on it to order tomorrow. I will post in a couple minutes with a recipe for lemonade that I will be trying this week.

[spideyman]

I have been making beer since january, i started about 10 years ago and stopped making months after i started. I get all my ingredients from hopmans in waterford. i mostly make german beers. i have made a munich lager, dortmunder, hefe weizen , alt beer ( partial mash ) , octoberfest (ready in 4 more weeks ). making beer is very addicting..i have ordered from northern brewer before, but prefer hopmans..he can get you anything you want. think i will go and try my alt beer now...

[Northbound]

Just spotted this forum: great idea!

Home brewing is gaining in popularity. I started 18 months ago and just bottled my 22nd batch of ale, went all grain last September. Hope to brew an American Wheat, possibly this week.

I've also been experimenting with hard cider, currently have a cider I added two pounds of honey in the primary and racked to the secondary last week. Should be drinkable by mid-August. ;)

[Frantz]

I told a big fat lie in my last post. I was going to get that Zin, but after a boat load of searching and looking at sales, I ended up ordering this kit instead.

http://www.grapestompers.com/winekit_details.asp?WinekitID=231&SpecialsItem=Yes

I ordered a couple kits from these folks before and other supplies, they are great to work with.

Also, I will post that Mikes recipe as soon as I can find it on my desk.

[Northbound]

Brewed a wheat ale today, mostly from leftovers, not sure how this one will turn out, low hop profile, the honey addition should add some sweetness while the coriander and lemon zest provide a citrus aroma. The OG was lower than anticipated 1.046. Anyway, will be good brew for those hot days in August.

[Michigander1]

I just like BEER.So without reading crap had to give a shout :) ,Mich

[Frantz]

I tried the beer thing a few years back, it just wasn't for me, I am not a big beer drinker, but I do like one now and then. Have any of you tried those little like 2-3 gallon fridge barrel kits? I was thinking of getting one to try out, but if the beer is nsaty, why bother. Does it make a good beer to drink out on the deck?

[Northbound]

2-3 gallon fridge barrel kits? Does it make a good beer to drink out on the deck?

No!

[Big K]

Brewed a wheat ale today, mostly from leftovers, not sure how this one will turn out, low hop profile, the honey addition should add some sweetness while the coriander and lemon zest provide a citrus aroma. The OG was lower than anticipated 1.046. Anyway, will be good brew for those hot days in August.

I've got a Pale Ale in the Primary right now. I'll be moving it to the secondary this weekend. Too bad it's not ready for our family vacation up in Munising. :sad:

[Northbound]

Unless you plan to dry hop, some folks say the secondary isn’t all that necessary. Once the fermentation slowed and you get a consistent gravity, you can bottle from the primary.

I plan to do just that with my latest brew, I will rack it to the secondary for a day to allow everything to settle to the bottom then bottle, takes two weeks off the process.

[Big K]

Unless you plan to dry hop, some folks say the secondary isn’t all that necessary. Once the fermentation slowed and you get a consistent gravity, you can bottle from the primary.

I plan to do just that with my latest brew, I will rack it to the secondary for a day to allow everything to settle to the bottom then bottle, takes two weeks off the process.

I've heard that, but I've always been skeptical. Personally I like to transfer to the secondary for clarity reasons. I know it's just a quirk and it may not make a difference, but I want my brew to look as good as it tastes if I can.

[Northbound]

Your right, racking to the secondary helps clarity and conditions the beer. I use both methods based on style.

This summer I’m brewing wheat ales, due to proteins in wheat ales they're are hazey anyway so I don't rack them to a secondary.

This fall I’ll start brewing my winter IPAs and Pale Ales, I like to dry hop those and will let them sit in the secondary for up to four weeks depending.

Those who keg go from brewing to drinking in a little over a week by skipping the secondary conditioning and force carbonating with CO2. I'm working toward that goal.

[Ginweed]

Once you keg, you'll never want to bottle again. It's a little pricey, but well worth it.

I normally don't brew in the summer but this discussion has given me the itch to do a batch this weekend. Maybe an Oberon clone.

[Northbound]

Once you keg, you'll never want to bottle again. It's a little pricey, but well worth it.

I normally don't brew in the summer but this discussion has given me the itch to do a batch this weekend. Maybe an Oberon clone.

Just curious, if you brew an Oberon clone, what yeast would you pitch?

[Ginweed]

Probably Wyeast 1272 American Ale Yeast. That should help in the "fruity" flavor.

[Northbound]

Bottled a 5 gallon batch of hard cider and an American wheat yesterday, took forever, but worth it.

The wife extended her stay downstate, not one to miss an opportunity, I'm brewing a saison this afternoon.

[Stuntman]

First time to post here...Thanks for this thread, I am up for making our own Forum for home brewing. I live close to Houston, Texas. Brewing beer for 4 years now. Still learning, I am here to pick up tips.
Things I have learned:

Frantz, there is a "Party Pig" that is great! I have only used it on two 5 gal brews. Each holds 2 1/2 gallons, I bought four and will get another two. You can buy a small, thick ice chest and cut a hole in it for the spout, then carry it to the patio. It has a sterile insert bag that keeps pressure to 15psi. You can bottle the four extra bottles, or go a head and sneak out about 12 bottles between the two and still be real close to the fill line, so that you have a few held back for a stock pile. Has a Keg type smoother taste than bottled, but like you, I stopped brewing for a while because of those dang bottles!

Northbound and Airoh, I made 5 gallons of soft drink, and had to drink it all by myself. It was some off the wall flavor. If you guys like it so, I guess I will try it again for grins,I'll go with a flavor like root beer. I just couldn't see tying up my equipment at the time. I only have two 2-stage kits, and I get my moneys worth out of em. Big K's right about taking time to clarify. I do 3-4 days primary, two weeks approximately in secondary. At least a week in the bottle. There is still a little settled in the bottom of the 12 oz. bottles.


Nilly, 7%? You making light beer? jk
I guess an all grain is what I am fixing to make, after one of my cans of Coopers Cerveza. The Cerveza is fast, my wife and I like it. My stock is too low, and I am working tommorrow, so I can squeeze a fast one off with the can, shoot it is already half way to beer. This all grain brew (I am guessing) is called "Old FaurtKnaucker." Instead of about four pounds of grains for steeping, This one has 13 1/4 lbs of mixed grains. Also I am used to throwing in malt extract, this one doesn't have it. Steeping the grains (heating water to 150 degrees, throwing in the grains and cooking for about 30 minutes) releases the sugars. Having more grain there is no need for the malt extract for sugar.

Sorry so long, won't do it again.

Someone please post a very simple first wine to try, cheap....And do you have to wait 3 to 4 months? I can't wait THAT long!

"Your not drunk, if you can lay on the floor, without holding on."

[Frantz]

All depends on if you like sweet or dry, red or white on the wines. Here are a few I have made and liked.

http://www.grapestompers.com/winekit_details.asp?WinekitID=191&SpecialsItem=Yes
http://www.grapestompers.com/winekit_details.asp?WinekitID=189&SpecialsItem=Yes
http://www.grapestompers.com/winekit_details.asp?WinekitID=96&SpecialsItem=Yes

[fasthunter]

I'm planning on making some homebrew later this summer. It will be my first batch. :)...Doe's anyone have good stout recipes? Those are my FAVORITE!!!

[Northbound]

I'm planning on making some homebrew later this summer. It will be my first batch. :)...Doe's anyone have good stout recipes? Those are my FAVORITE!!!

Chocolate wheat stout
2 lbs of Wheat malt
8 lbs of Marris Otter
.5 lb of roast barley
.5 lbs of black patent
.5 lbs of 60L crystal
.5 chocolate malt
hopps:
1.5 oz of kent goldings for 60
0.5 oz of kent goldings for 20
first mash for 20 min. at 130 deg
2nd mash for 60 min at 152.
WLP 007

Another option is www.northernbrewer.com or www.austinhomebrew.com both have great kits, in extract and all grain.

[Natlight]

First time to post here...Thanks for this thread, I am up for making our own Forum for home brewing. I live close to Houston, Texas. Brewing beer for 4 years now. Still learning, I am here to pick up tips.
Things I have learned:

Frantz, there is a "Party Pig" that is great! I have only used it on two 5 gal brews. Each holds 2 1/2 gallons, I bought four and will get another two. You can buy a small, thick ice chest and cut a hole in it for the spout, then carry it to the patio. It has a sterile insert bag that keeps pressure to 15psi. You can bottle the four extra bottles, or go a head and sneak out about 12 bottles between the two and still be real close to the fill line, so that you have a few held back for a stock pile. Has a Keg type smoother taste than bottled, but like you, I stopped brewing for a while because of those dang bottles!

Northbound and Airoh, I made 5 gallons of soft drink, and had to drink it all by myself. It was some off the wall flavor. If you guys like it so, I guess I will try it again for grins,I'll go with a flavor like root beer. I just couldn't see tying up my equipment at the time. I only have two 2-stage kits, and I get my moneys worth out of em. Big K's right about taking time to clarify. I do 3-4 days primary, two weeks approximately in secondary. At least a week in the bottle. There is still a little settled in the bottom of the 12 oz. bottles.


Nilly, 7%? You making light beer? jk
I guess an all grain is what I am fixing to make, after one of my cans of Coopers Cerveza. The Cerveza is fast, my wife and I like it. My stock is too low, and I am working tommorrow, so I can squeeze a fast one off with the can, shoot it is already half way to beer. This all grain brew (I am guessing) is called "Old FaurtKnaucker." Instead of about four pounds of grains for steeping, This one has 13 1/4 lbs of mixed grains. Also I am used to throwing in malt extract, this one doesn't have it. Steeping the grains (heating water to 150 degrees, throwing in the grains and cooking for about 30 minutes) releases the sugars. Having more grain there is no need for the malt extract for sugar.

Sorry so long, won't do it again.

Someone please post a very simple first wine to try, cheap....And do you have to wait 3 to 4 months? I can't wait THAT long!

"Your not drunk, if you can lay on the floor, without holding on."

:Welcome:

[Ginweed]

Well, I took advantage of the rain day yesterday and brewed up an Oberon clone. Everything went well except for mashing took an extra 45 minutes. After 60 minutes, I still didn't have full conversion. I've been playing around with different thermometers and I think my temperature was too low.

I was a little shy of my target gravity. I was shooting for 1.059 and ended up at 1.054. Not bad. Color looked really good.

I checked it this morning and it was really going to town. We'll see in a couple weeks how it tastes.

[SgtSlaughter]

Well, I took advantage of the rain day yesterday and brewed up an Oberon clone. Everything went well except for mashing took an extra 45 minutes. After 60 minutes, I still didn't have full conversion. I've been playing around with different thermometers and I think my temperature was too low.

I was a little shy of my target gravity. I was shooting for 1.059 and ended up at 1.054. Not bad. Color looked really good.

I checked it this morning and it was really going to town. We'll see in a couple weeks how it tastes.

What was your hop schedule?

[Ginweed]

60 min - 0.5 oz Northern Brewer
60 min - 0.5 oz Amarillo
15 min - 0.25 oz Saaz
Flame out - 0.25 oz Saaz

I was originally going to put 1 oz of Northern Brewer in but the guy at the home brew store suggested I try Amarillo. We'll see.

Here's the rest of it:

5 lbs 2-Row
5 lbs Wheat
1 lb Munich (light)
.5 lb Crystal 10L

The brew store didn't have the Wyeast 1272 American Ale Yeast which I wanted to use. I used the White Labs California Ale Yeast.

[SgtSlaughter]

60 min - 0.5 oz Northern Brewer
60 min - 0.5 oz Amarillo
15 min - 0.25 oz Saaz
Flame out - 0.25 oz Saaz

I was originally going to put 1 oz of Northern Brewer in but the guy at the home brew store suggested I try Amarillo. We'll see.

Here's the rest of it:

5 lbs 2-Row
5 lbs Wheat
1 lb Munich (light)
.5 lb Crystal 10L

The brew store didn't have the Wyeast 1272 American Ale Yeast which I wanted to use. I used the White Labs California Ale Yeast.

That's an interesting hop schedule. I'm interested to see how it ends up turning out for ya. This summer I made a clone attempt where I used Perle for the bittering and finished it up with Hallertau Hersbrucker. Next time I wanted to try mixing Saaz and Hallertau Hersbrucker for the late additions since mine was missing that hint of spiciness from the Saaz. For the yeast I ended up going with US-05 (dry version of WLP001).

[ChapstickCharlie]

We need a meet and greet! I've got over 400 bottles of homemade wine done and another 400 bulk aging right now. Made 3 batches of beer last year and that gets more fun every time! New forum?

[SgtSlaughter]

Thought I'd come back to the thread with some beer pr0n.

This is my Oberon Clone

http://www.sirronald.com/photos/d/692-2/beatTheHeatWheat.jpg


This is my own recipe that I call Fat Amber Ale. I named it after my buddies ex-girlfriend that was a little bit on the hefty side.

http://www.sirronald.com/photos/d/1061-2/fatAmber.JPG

This is my Two Hearted Clone. The final gravity was a couple points high but the hop schedule seems to be right.

http://www.sirronald.com/photos/d/1058-2/twoHearted.JPG

Anybody else have any pictures of their creations?

[Northbound]

Wow, look how clear those beers are! Do you use a clarifying agent ?

[SgtSlaughter]

Wow, look how clear those beers are! Do you use a clarifying agent ?

Just some Whirlfloc (Irish moss) with 5 minutes left in the boil. The amber ale gets cold crashed while in secondary for the last three days because I have a heck of a time getting the London ale yeast to drop out at cellar temps.

[Northbound]

Just some Whirlfloc (Irish moss) with 5 minutes left in the boil. The amber ale gets cold crashed while in secondary for the last three days because I have a heck of a time getting the London ale yeast to drop out at cellar temps.

This past spring I had a heck of a time getting my ales to clear; with my amber I went as far as to add Knox Gelatin to the secondary, the nuclear option.

Due to that I decided to brew summer wheat beers; their suppose to be hazy anyway. I currently have a Saison in the secondary, which is clearing up nicely….go figure.

[Ginweed]

Very nice looking beers. I'm with Northbound, I struggle with clarity.

Doesn't help that half of the time I forget to add the irish moss (as I did for this last batch).

I'll get a picture of my Oberon clone in the secondary.

800 bottles! ChapstickCharlie, we don't need a meet & greet, you need to throw a party. I think I'm going to try my first batch of wine this fall.

[Northbound]

It’s apple cider season again! Local producers started pressing last week. Not one to waste time I put a cyser in the fermentor yesterday , basically 4 gallons of fresh cider, #5 of honey and White Labs English cider yeast from a starter.

Anyone else making hard cider this season?

[1oldforester]

Some cider is next on my list. This week I have been picking and crushing grapes. Have two different whites and two different reds and a rose working now. Can't wait to see how they turn out.

[Northbound]

Some cider is next on my list. This week I have been picking and crushing grapes. Have two different whites and two different reds and a rose working now. Can't wait to see how they turn out.

Grapes are on my list.
Do you have a press?
Where do you get the grapes from?

[Nine Milly]

A meet and greet would be AWESOME!!! My next batch is going to be a Pumpkin Pie Ale. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm can't wait! Will boil up this weekend! Will keep you posted!

[1oldforester]

Grapes are on my list.
Do you have a press?
Where do you get the grapes from?

Grow my own grapes. Ten varieties of wine grapes. Six vines give enough juice for a 41/2 to 5 gallon batch of wine.

I bought a put together American Harvester cider mill/ wine press kit from these folks:
www.happyvalleyranch.com

I am very happy with it.

[Northbound]

Thanks for the link!
I’ll put the pioneer model on my Christmas list!

[ChapstickCharlie]

I bet wine from your own grapes has got to be a great feeling. I am thinking I'll make a carboy of Pumpkin wine this fall. Others I have seen make it and they like the taste.

Boy those beers look nice.

[GVSUKUSH]

Thought I'd come back to the thread with some beer pr0n.

This is my Oberon Clone

http://www.sirronald.com/photos/d/692-2/beatTheHeatWheat.jpg


This is my own recipe that I call Fat Amber Ale. I named it after my buddies ex-girlfriend that was a little bit on the hefty side.

http://www.sirronald.com/photos/d/1061-2/fatAmber.JPG

This is my Two Hearted Clone. The final gravity was a couple points high but the hop schedule seems to be right.

http://www.sirronald.com/photos/d/1058-2/twoHearted.JPG

Anybody else have any pictures of their creations?


You get any of your supplies here?- http://www.theredsalamander.com/ And if so, would that be the best place to go if you were an newbie to home brewing?

[Northbound]

You get any of your supplies here?- http://www.theredsalamander.com/ And if so, would that be the best place to go if you were an newbie to home brewing?

You might want to check out Siciliano's Market right there in G.R. www.sicilianosmkt.com
Some of the members from the Northern Michigan Homebrewers Guild travel two hours from Traverse City to get thier supplies from Siciliano's, I have never been there but am told Siciliano's is well stocked and very helpful.

[Frantz]

Just ordered a new kit from www.GrapeStompers.com an Orange Chocolate prt kit, should be here Monday and I will kick that baby off right away.

[spiritofthewild_06]

Hey all you beer/wine makers out there! I got a question for ya. We've been making our own apple cider for a couple of years now, and I was wondering what it would take for me to make some hard cider out of it. If anyone has a good/easy way of making some, and don't mind sharing, pm me! Any advice would be great!

Thanks!

[Northbound]

Hey all you beer/wine makers out there! I got a question for ya. We've been making our own apple cider for a couple of years now, and I was wondering what it would take for me to make some hard cider out of it. If anyone has a good/easy way of making some, and don't mind sharing, pm me! Any advice would be great!

Thanks!

PM sent

[Northbound]

Sanitation; I use Star san, it is a food grade acid, just mix one ounce with five gallons, spray and go. But beware! Star San will destroy counter tops and stainless steel (NOT) appliances.

What do you guys use?

[Big K]

I use StarSan and OneStep. StarSan is great, but I found out the hard way that if you leave your tubing soaking the StarSan too long it will eat away at it. :rolleyes:

Oh well, cheap lesson learned.

On another note, I'm going to brew up a Dark Ale either tonight or Sunday.:woohoo1:

[Frantz]

I use bleach to sanitize abd B-Bright and dish soap to clean.

[Northbound]

..........On another note, I'm going to brew up a Dark Ale either tonight or Sunday.:woohoo1:

Dark ale, sounds interesting; would that be similar to a Porter or Brown Ale?

I’m brewing on Thursdays, racked an ale Wednesday then pitched the yeast cake to an amber I brewed Thursday. First time I tried that, had vigorous fermentation after only four hours. Plan to brew an ESB next Thursday. I hope to have a good selection of beers and ciders for the holidays.

[Frantz]

I just started my Orange Chocolate port today. Also collected my first grapes from my new plants and started a small gallon batch.

[Northbound]

I just started my Orange Chocolate port today. Also collected my first grapes from my new plants and started a small gallon batch.

Did you plant those this year?

How many pounds of grapes does it take to make a gallon of wine?

[Airoh]

Started my first batch of hard cider on the 28th.:)
Hope to have it ready by Christmas.
Used a wine yeast and juiced it up a little with sugar.
It is really going to town with the temps between 68 and 73 degrees.

[Nine Milly]

6 pages worth of comments and still no forum. I just finished my Pumpkin Porter and it is UNREAL! Perhaps we can get a little "gathering" together of ms-home brewers over the long cold winter. Anyone interested? I am in Kalamazoo and would be willing to drive to a central meeting spot if others would be.

[Big K]

Pumpkin Porter...sounds great! I would definately be interested, but I'm on the East Side. We would have to find a central location.

Just curious...All grain or extract?

[Nine Milly]

yes, all grain and real pumpkin pie pumpkins(baked and then blended and put into mesh sock) I have pictures of the process that I intend on posting once I find the upload cable for my camera. The fermentation was unreal!!!

[Big K]

I bet the fermentation was pretty vigorous. I hope to graduate to all grain some day. Right now I only have the equipment for extract. However, I still enjoy brewing and I've been able to make some pretty decent brew.

Cheers.

[Northbound]

Started my first batch of hard cider on the 28th.:)
Hope to have it ready by Christmas.
Used a wine yeast and juiced it up a little with sugar.
It is really going to town with the temps between 68 and 73 degrees.

That’ll be a nice treat at Christmas. What wine yeast did you use and how much sugar did you add?

Last month I made a cider and added 5 lbs of honey, bottled it Tuesday, based on a taste test it should be awesome, won’t be ready till next summer though.

[Northbound]

6 pages worth of comments and still no forum. I just finished my Pumpkin Porter and it is UNREAL! Perhaps we can get a little "gathering" together of ms-home brewers over the long cold winter. Anyone interested? I am in Kalamazoo and would be willing to drive to a central meeting spot if others would be.


It must be that time of year, I brewed a pumpkin ale yesterday. Although instead of fresh pumpkin, I used Libby’s canned, no spice or preservatives. Beyond that I mashed 2-row, malted wheat, caramunich, caramel 40L, gave it a nice orange color . The spices I kept to ½ teaspoon, along with a half a stick of cinnamon and 2 grams fresh ginger. Took a taste before pitching the yeast; I could have cut back even more on the spices, but it’s not bad.

I too wish we had our own forum.

[Frantz]

Yes, I planted this year. I had two vines that took off and got out of control before I could do anything with them, and they produced about 4#'s. I filled the rest with a little cider. Not sure how it will taste, but you never know till you try, can't be to bad, it is fruit!

I looked at the pumpkin wine recipes, but they were hit and miss on performance and end product and I am to low on carboy space right now to be messing around with trial recipes! I gotta build up a stock, been drinking more than I have been making!

[Airoh]

That’ll be a nice treat at Christmas. What wine yeast did you use and how much sugar did you add?

Last month I made a cider and added 5 lbs of honey, bottled it Tuesday, based on a taste test it should be awesome, won’t be ready till next summer though.

I put 2 lbs. of pure cane sugar in with six gallons in a glass carboy and used Lalvin EC 1118 yeast.

I wanted to use corn sugar but the store no longer sold it. So I went with the pure cane.

I plan to use half gallon wine bottles. So who knows, maybe there will be some left a year from now to try.

[Northbound]

Today I picked up 5 gallons of fresh cider, on sale, at a local orchard.

Plan to add 10 lbs of honey. Once it's ready to bottle I'll add the apple liquor extracted from two gallons of hard cider I have in the freezer. :woohoo1:

[Airoh]

Today I picked up 5 gallons of fresh cider, on sale, at a local orchard.

Plan to add 10 lbs of honey. Once it's ready to bottle I'll add the apple liquor extracted from two gallons of hard cider I have in the freezer. :woohoo1:

ZOWIES!!:xzicon_sm!

Do you rack your ciders? I'm reading both ways.

Are you going to prime your mix with honey? Or not at all?

Sounds like a cyser plus.
This is all new to me and and I'm having a blast with it.

[Northbound]

ZOWIES!!:xzicon_sm!

Do you rack your ciders? I'm reading both ways.

Are you going to prime your mix with honey? Or not at all?

Sounds like a cyser plus.
This is all new to me and and I'm having a blast with it.

It is fun, cider is great to work with.

I always rack ciders, clears them up nicely, mainly I want to get them off the yeast cake on the bottom.

Typically, I prime with sugar, it’s more consistent than honey. With this new batch if the alcohol level (ABV) is %17 or better I won’t prime it, probably wouldn’t carbonate.

In the summer, my wife has weekend quests up here, she makes melon balls from cantaloupe, mush melon and freezes them, then she puts a handful in a glass and pours cider on top. The frozen melon balls chill the drink and add a sweet flavor, chicks like it.

[twohats]

I havent done any brewing in along time. You got me going with this forum, So I through togethor some Mead with some orange rind and got the fermentor rocking. :D

[STEINFISHSKI]

I'm with you. Time to brew a batch of Chinook Stout. Been about 3 years since my last batch, anyone want to brew in the Grand Rapids area? I have everything we need, just a run to the store for a few items, and dust off my notebook with recipes.

Where is the best place to shop in GR? I used to go to B&B Liquors on 28th St, but I think it is gone now.

[GVSUKUSH]

I'm with you. Time to brew a batch of Chinook Stout. Been about 3 years since my last batch, anyone want to brew in the Grand Rapids area? I have everything we need, just a run to the store for a few items, and dust off my notebook with recipes.

Where is the best place to shop in GR? I used to go to B&B Liquors on 28th St, but I think it is gone now.


ME! ME! ME!!!!! Sicialiano's on Lake Michigan Drive Tim, everyone says it's a top notch place. (right across the street from Shawmut hills ATV/cycle)

[STEINFISHSKI]

Excellent Kush. We can shop one night and plan another to brew. I miss the smell of a good roasted, chocolate, crystal malt wort.:corkysm55 I bet my wife doesn't though.:lol:

Check your pm's and I will work on a list of ingredients we need.

[Northbound]

If you haven’t brewed in a while you’ll be notice an increase in the price of hops; apparently there is a worldwide shortage. Growers can’t keep up with the demand.

[PrtyMolusk]

Howdy-

Folks, the addition of a Home Brew forum is being discussed, but it's peak load around here, so give us some time.

I'd expect a wait until after gun season ends and things lighten up here a bit...

[Northbound]

That's good news!

Would be great to have a beer brewing/wine making forum!

Thanks for considering it!

[Frantz]

I am bottling my Zweisgelt tomorrow. I have been bulk aging it a little while I built a filter. I could not afford the $150+ bucks so I bought a whole house filter for $16, got some 1 micron filters for it from eBay and bought a transfer pump from the hardware for $8. I got about $40 into it with the wood I plan on getting to mount it all.

[twohats]

Brewed up another 5 gal. of Mead the other day for the fermenter. 12 1/2 lb. honey and added some cinnomin and cloves to spice it up a bit.

[1oldforester]

This past weekend I primed and bottled (12 oz) ten gal. of cider. Nine gal had fermented dry, been racked, and then aged for a month. Added a gal of fresh cider and some corn sugar to prime. Hoping for something drinkable by Christmas.

I also started a five gal batch of light blond ale and one of a high gravity red ale. Just hate it when I run out.

[Northbound]

I am bottling my Zweisgelt tomorrow. I have been bulk aging it a little while I built a filter. I could not afford the $150+ bucks so I bought a whole house filter for $16, got some 1 micron filters for it from eBay and bought a transfer pump from the hardware for $8. I got about $40 into it with the wood I plan on getting to mount it all.

Sounds like a great DIY project, home brewers DIY too, rather than spend the big bucks. Sometimes I think that's half the fun it.

I am not an experienced wine maker. Do you filter the wine just prior to bottling?

[Northbound]

Brewed a Belgian Blonde Ale yesterday. I'm still learning about Belgians:
I used Belgian Pils, 2-row, 1/2 lb malted wheat, 1/2 sugar, Styrian and Saaz hops, pitched white labs 570.

Hoping to have a light, slightly spicy ale when it is finished. Won't know till after Christmas, Belgians need a little extra time to condition.

[Northbound]

This past weekend I primed and bottled (12 oz) ten gal. of cider. Nine gal had fermented dry, been racked, and then aged for a month. Added a gal of fresh cider and some corn sugar to prime. Hoping for something drinkable by Christmas.

I also started a five gal batch of light blond ale and one of a high gravity red ale. Just hate it when I run out.

What yeast did you use for your light blonde ale?

[1oldforester]

Used Wyeast 1056 American Ale. Just looking for something light to drink during a slow ball game or whatever.

[Frantz]

I was thinking about trying a batch of beer, a good Honey lager. Northern Brewers has a $7.99 shipping special that covers most everything but glass and racks, so you can order 5 kits and only pay the $7.99 to ship. Thinking I will order the Honey Brown Ale kit for $27.99.

[Northbound]

I was thinking about trying a batch of beer, a good Honey lager. Northern Brewers has a $7.99 shipping special that covers most everything but glass and racks, so you can order 5 kits and only pay the $7.99 to ship. Thinking I will order the Honey Brown Ale kit for $27.99.

NB has good kits and I’ve ordered equipment from them recently, now that their shipping costs have dropped significantly. Another online HBS I use is http://www.austinhomebrew.com, they offer a flat rate shipping at $6.99 , I’ve used their kits, IMHO, they are comparable to if not better than NB.

[Northbound]

Used Wyeast 1056 American Ale. Just looking for something light to drink during a slow ball game or whatever.

1056 is my favorite yeast, I’ve had attenuation as low as 1.004.

[Airoh]

Well guys....Here it is. My first batch of cider. I racked it. I stole 16 oz. to try it and went ahead filled a wine bottle with a teaspoon of sugar to try at Christmas. I wasted 12 or more ounces that I left in the bottom of the carboy. Is that normal? I wanted to keep the yeast out.
I think there is more alcohol in it than a beer. It is a little on the warmside going down.:xzicon_sm

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/Airoh/Hardcider.jpg

[1oldforester]

Sitting here drinking one of mine right now. Not the best I have ever had, but still very drinkable.

Yours looks nice and clear. Mine is cloudy.

Leaving some in the bottom of the carboy is the best way I have found to avoid sucking up some yeast with the last few ounces.

Enjoy.

[ice fishin nut]

Charlie Papazian's "The Complete Joy of Homebrewing" (Often called the Homebrewer's Bible).

Bought it, reading it, you are correct. First batch (indian pale ale) in the carboy! Will post results in a few wks.



Take a look at page 202 or 212 or something like that the recipe is called Dr. Bock..... I believe,(cant find the book right now, but I remember the recipe!!!! its been a long time since I made a batch)

Stuff is black as tar, and POTENT!!!!!! But tastes soooooooo Good!!!!

[Airoh]

Sitting here drinking one of mine right now. Not the best I have ever had, but still very drinkable.

Yours looks nice and clear. Mine is cloudy.

Leaving some in the bottom of the carboy is the best way I have found to avoid sucking up some yeast with the last few ounces.

Enjoy.

I should of said the pic is from when I started this batch.
Do you ever make a sparkling cider out of your batches?

[Northbound]

[QUOTE=Airoh;1874085]..... went ahead filled a wine bottle with a teaspoon of sugar to try at Christmas.

Just a suggestion.

With sparkling cider, champaign bottles work well as do beer bottles, however, most wine bottles aren’t made to withstand the pressure created by carbonation.

You might do well to keep that bottle in your fridge wrapped in a one gallon zip-lock bag or better yet some kind of Tupperware container.

Typically, I prime a 5-gallon batch with ¾ cup of sugar, works great for beer however, with cider it seems to be hit-or-miss,
I believe much has to do with the final gravity and viable yeasts left to create the carbonation.

[Airoh]

Arrgh I just bought a case of bottles from Bells. Along with screw on caps.
I thought they were supposed to hold carbonation.

[1oldforester]

I should of said the pic is from when I started this batch.
Do you ever make a sparkling cider out of your batches?

I made three five gallon batches this year. One has been left as is. The other two I decided to prime and bottle condition in 12 oz bottles. Added a container of frozen apple concentrate to each of them as well as 1/2 cup of corn sugar. One bottle fermented well and is very carbonated, but it is very dry and has a slightly sour taste. The other only fermented a little, is sweeter and has some apple taste to it.

I have them in the basement to age, and have high hopes that they will improve over time.

[Northbound]

Arrgh I just bought a case of bottles from Bells. Along with screw on caps.
I thought they were supposed to hold carbonation.

Beer bottles are made to hold carbonation, wine bottles are risky.

[woodchuck71]

I have been throwing back and forth a new hobby, I told my wife I want to get into making wine. I have talked to a few people and they said it is pretty fun to do. So I think for x-mas my wife is going to get me a starter kit. Is there any kind you guys would suggest to just start off with. I have read some people start off with milk jugs and the ballon trick. I am really looking forwar to doing this and will need some help down the road for the diffrent kinds of wine. keep up the great thread it has been interesting reading through.

[Frantz]

I buy my wine kits from Grapstompers.com as they are a really good bunch of people and willing to help answer your questions and support what they sell. I am asure that is the same of a lot of places, this just happens to be my choice.

I would not get a kit so far as supplies go. I would instead get with someone and build a kit to suit your goals. When you talk to the retailer about the juice kits themselves, I would make sure you know what YOU expect out of your wine. Do you prefer a red or a white, on a scale of 0-5, how dry do you want or like your wine?

Wine and beer are two different beasts. One moves fast the other takes time and patience as things happen at a different pace. make sure you pick on or the other at first so you do not get frustrated.

[ice fishin nut]

I have been throwing back and forth a new hobby, I told my wife I want to get into making wine. I have talked to a few people and they said it is pretty fun to do. So I think for x-mas my wife is going to get me a starter kit. Is there any kind you guys would suggest to just start off with. I have read some people start off with milk jugs and the ballon trick. I am really looking forwar to doing this and will need some help down the road for the diffrent kinds of wine. keep up the great thread it has been interesting reading through.


woodchuck71
I see you are in New Baltimore, There is a store at 21 and Garfield that I go to. Right now, the name escapes me, (just got done working 12 hours) but will find it for you in a sec..........

Ok, found it.......
Cap-N-Cork Home Brewing
16812 21 Mile Rd, Macomb, MI 48044
(586) 286-5202

Good guys and very intellegent!!!!

They have permade kits, but you can substitute different things for you particular situation.

Hope this helps!!!!:D

[Northbound]

We have our own forum on MS! http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=210909 :woohoo1:

[Nine Milly]

Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!!!!! It looks like the idea was accepted! Thanks again everyone. Now, lets make some use of this!!!

[Steve]

I wondered when someone would notice.