BeerTools Discussion Forum

I recently decided to try and make a cranberry stout for a Winter Seasonal Ale, and have run into an intriguing problem. Everything has been going well untill I transfered my beer into the seconday. I steeped a pound of bruised/crushed cranberries at 150F for 10 minutes, let it cool (covered) and dr...

Hello, I'm hoping to use a bit of torrefied wheat in my next brew because the head retention of my beers is generally poor. However, the only type of brews I make are extracts. Can I use torrefied wheat similar to a specialty grain and steep for 25 minutes around 150F and still obtain the benefits o...

Ok, I have been doing some research in how to incorporate lemons when making beer. There was another post on this subject, but it still left me with some questions. What is the difference between using real lemon, and just lemon juice I buy from the store? How would I use a real lemon? Some people s...

Thanks for your responses. Currently I don't "think" I have any problem aerating. Right now I have not used any aeration systems or stones primarily because of financial constraints and simplicity. When I transfer my wort, I also make sure to drop it in from very high up, and mix it well, ...

Hello, I have a general question in terms of maximizing my yeast attenuation. My beers are usually sweeter than I would like, and I think maybe my yeast is not quite living up to it's potential. Assuming a 7 day fermentation primary, is it acceptable to shake the bucket a few times a day for the fir...

Hello all, It's getting closer to fall, and i've decided it might be time to try making a hard apple cider. I've done some research on some recipes, and I did have a question or two. I've noticed that people generally use either apple juice or apple cider in their recipes. Should I be using a generi...

Well, the yeast was added when the wort was approximately 80 degrees. It was a little higher than i would have liked. However, the fermentation bucket was quickly moved down to the basement, and the temperature there has been between 64-69 degrees for the last fourish days. I assume that the time th...

Hey everyone, I've had a lot of trouble discerning the smell that is coming from my fermentation bucket, but i've finally decided that it smells very sweet, similar to a cheap banana pineapple fruit juice you can buy at the store. Im really not sure what that means. I am making a pumpkin ale, and th...