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Homebrewers - Who is up for a BOTL brew?

Which style should the BOTL brew be? Vote for your top 3 styles.

  • Scottish Ale

    Votes: 11 28.2%

  • Oatmeal Stout

    Votes: 15 38.5%

  • Russian Imperial Stout

    Votes: 17 43.6%

  • Porter

    Votes: 12 30.8%

  • Nut Brown Ale

    Votes: 11 28.2%

  • English Special Bitter

    Votes: 3 7.7%

  • IPA / Imperial IPA

    Votes: 7 17.9%

  • Belgian Strong Ale

    Votes: 6 15.4%

  • Dopplebock

    Votes: 7 17.9%
  • Total voters
    39
CaptainRon

CaptainRon

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Can you make a decent brew from an extract kit? I tried it years and years ago, and it was just ok. I only made two or three batches back then. I still have much of what I need to brew, a couple glass carboys, capper, and a kettle that's a couple gallons large. I'd like a bigger kettle, but not sure if what I have is big enough. i'll look it up and post up what i have. I also have, I think, a decent brew shop in my area so I'll hit them up too in the coming weeks.
 
BrewinHooligan

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CaptainRon said:
Can you make a decent brew from an extract kit? I tried it years and years ago, and it was just ok. I only made two or three batches back then. I still have much of what I need to brew, a couple glass carboys, capper, and a kettle that's a couple gallons large. I'd like a bigger kettle, but not sure if what I have is big enough. i'll look it up and post up what i have. I also have, I think, a decent brew shop in my area so I'll hit them up too in the coming weeks.
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If you at least do some steeping grains or a mini mash on the stove you sure can. Some people (like me) are sensitive to extract flavors and others can't tell a difference. My boil kettle is an 8gal tamale pot I picked up for $20. If you use an aluminum pot like I do, you need to clean it out really well then do a full volume boil with just water before using it to brew with.

I gotta say Ron, I really enjoy pushing you down slopes!! Lol
 
CaptainRon

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BrewinHooligan said:
If you at least do some steeping grains or a mini mash on the stove you sure can. Some people (like me) are sensitive to extract flavors and others can't tell a difference. My boil kettle is an 8gal tamale pot I picked up for $20. If you use an aluminum pot like I do, you need to clean it out really well then do a full volume boil with just water before using it to brew with.

I gotta say Ron, I really enjoy pushing you down slopes!! Lol
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I've at least brewed before. But that was... good lord, 20 years ago?

You do seem to be the right guy to give me the nudge to doing stuff that I've been thinking about lol
 
jasonsbeer

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CaptainRon said:
Can you make a decent brew from an extract kit? I tried it years and years ago, and it was just ok. I only made two or three batches back then. I still have much of what I need to brew, a couple glass carboys, capper, and a kettle that's a couple gallons large. I'd like a bigger kettle, but not sure if what I have is big enough. i'll look it up and post up what i have. I also have, I think, a decent brew shop in my area so I'll hit them up too in the coming weeks.
Click to expand...
My first few batches were average, at best. Just gotta stick with it and refine. Each batch helps you identify where your techniques may need some attention. Also, gotta start with good water. I think water quality is overlooked by many early in their brewing career.

Edit: temp control during fermentation is also very important and is something many don't have in the beginning.
 
CaptainRon

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https://www.jaysbrewing.com/pots-and-spoons/

Brew pot is less expensive than I thought it would be (85) I'll keep my eye out for something used though.

I don't drink a lot of beer anymore. But maybe I can change that if I brew some of my own :)

Edit to add: sorry for my off topic posts. I'll start a new thread in the appropriate place as I slide back down yet another slippery slope.
 
jasonsbeer

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CaptainRon said:
https://www.jaysbrewing.com/pots-and-spoons/

Brew pot is less expensive than I thought it would be (85) I'll keep my eye out for something used though.

I don't drink a lot of beer anymore. But maybe I can change that if I brew some of my own :)

Edit to add: sorry for my off topic posts. I'll start a new thread in the appropriate place as I slide back down yet another slippery slope.
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This time of year you may find a big turkey deep fryer for cheap. They have something like a 5 gal pot and come with a big burner. Tough to beat. I bought one on craigslist for $10.
 
jasonsbeer

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StogieFisher said:
If you have questions ask away in here, maybe you will help push someone else down the slipper slope! I would check craigslist here in the next few weeks for used turkey fryer setups. There will probably be quite a few up for sale and they make excellent brewing setups.
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Big time slippery slope! Just as bad as cigars.
 
jasonsbeer

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HIM*

HIM*

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Thanks for bumping this I just cast my vote. RIS all the way!! Not only do they pair well but they age well. Another good style I think would be an Irish red. Im getting ready to brew one so I can lager it for March. Nice malty toffee/caramel forward style.
 
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