First Homebrew Today

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by Greg-504, Feb 17, 2015.

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  1. Greg-504

    Greg-504 Initiate (0) Feb 14, 2015 Ohio

    As planned, I brewed my first batch today. It seemed to go well without any major hiccups. I took copious notes as to my stove top settings for perfect rolling boil, when I added everything and duration. I learned several things that will help me on my next batch. I plan on brewing that one in about 2 weeks. I don't even know how this batch will turn out, other than tasting a sample that I drew for my OG that tasted really nice, but I'm hooked. My OG range was 56-60 and I came in at 59. Just finished taking labels off of about 36 12 ounce empties to go with the case of 22's I bought. I'm trying to finish as many now that I can to even it out to 48 empties. :slight_smile: All in all, I'm happy and really enjoyed my first brew!
     
    #1 Greg-504, Feb 17, 2015
    inchrisin, Genuine, 2ellas and 2 others like this.
  2. atrocity

    atrocity Pooh-Bah (2,264) Dec 18, 2013 Virginia
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Congrats! It hooks ya quick! :slight_smile:
     
    #2 atrocity, Feb 17, 2015
  3. OntheLambic

    OntheLambic Initiate (0) Jan 9, 2015 Connecticut

    Congrats, so begins your journey down the rabbit hole...
     
    #3 OntheLambic, Feb 17, 2015
    inchrisin likes this.
  4. GeoSteve

    GeoSteve Initiate (0) Aug 11, 2014 Maryland

    Congrats! This forum is a great place for finding info that will help your future brews. It has certainly helped the few I've done so far...
     
    #4 GeoSteve, Feb 17, 2015
    Greg-504 likes this.
  5. pweis909

    pweis909 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,250) Aug 13, 2005 Wisconsin
    Pooh-Bah

    What's your recipe? Did you use a yeast starter? What fermentation temperature?
    Don't feel compelled to address these questions now but when you find yourself posting questions about this beer, people will want to know.

    Meanwhile, congrats on your first homebrew.
     
    #5 pweis909, Feb 17, 2015
  6. mikehartigan

    mikehartigan Maven (1,421) Apr 9, 2007 Illinois

    Judging from the attention to detail in your post, it sounds like you're well beyond the dorm beer phase (you have more than simply a clue). From that perspective, I'm confident that you were deliberate enough in your process that this beer will turn out just fine.

    Welcome to the obsession.
     
    #6 mikehartigan, Feb 17, 2015
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  7. imdabuzzard

    imdabuzzard Initiate (0) Feb 17, 2015 Ohio

    Congratulations , you have opened yourself to a whole new world of obsession. For me the learning curve is the most fun part. Enjoy the ride.
    Check my new blog thebrewnorth.blogspot.com
    If you have questions feel free to ask. You'll find the homebrewer community is one of the most friendly you can find. Everyone will be willing to share anything they know.
     
    #7 imdabuzzard, Feb 17, 2015
    Greg-504 and PapaGoose03 like this.
  8. bvilord

    bvilord Initiate (0) Feb 14, 2015 Idaho

    Congrats on your first one. Your on your way to the fun filled journey thats is homebrewing.
     
    #8 bvilord, Feb 18, 2015
    Greg-504 likes this.
  9. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,057) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    Way to go, Greg. It sounds like you have been very deliberate when brewing this beer, so I'm guessing that you're going to have a successful beer that you'll love. Be sure to keep your records/notes for your own future reference.
     
    #9 PapaGoose03, Feb 18, 2015
    bvilord and Greg-504 like this.
  10. bluehende

    bluehende Initiate (0) Dec 10, 2010 Delaware

    Welcome to the obsession. Good notes is the key.
     
    #10 bluehende, Feb 18, 2015
    Genuine and Greg-504 like this.
  11. Greg-504

    Greg-504 Initiate (0) Feb 14, 2015 Ohio

     
    #11 Greg-504, Feb 18, 2015
    pweis909 and lambpasty like this.
  12. Genuine

    Genuine Maven (1,347) May 7, 2009 Connecticut

    Welcome to the world of HomeBrewing. I thought it was going to be a simple "every so often" hobby for me but It's something that I'm continually wanting to get better at and brew higher and higher quality beers. Seems like you'll be expanding in no time!
     
    #12 Genuine, Feb 18, 2015
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  13. Greg-504

    Greg-504 Initiate (0) Feb 14, 2015 Ohio

    Ok, I racked this brew to my secondary an hour ago. I'm very pleased with my observations and the process thus far. I'm still amazed at the process to include the krausen, aroma, yeast cake, and the fact I'm making my own beer, it's killer! My OG was 59 and my SG at racking was 20. I dry hopped it with 2 oz of Cascade. My FG range is 14-16 and I think I'm on track to hit this mark, but was hoping for input from you guys. I intend to leave it sit for 8-10 days in the secondary before taking my next hydrometer reading before going to the bottling bucket. Thanks in advance for any input.
     
    #13 Greg-504, Feb 23, 2015
  14. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Generally speaking, if you're going to do a secondary (which isn't necessary for most beers), you wait until you are either at or very near the final gravity before racking. Racking early isn't usually disastrous, but it's not ideal either. As it is, just make sure it has stopped moving before you bottle.
     
    #14 VikeMan, Feb 23, 2015
  15. Greg-504

    Greg-504 Initiate (0) Feb 14, 2015 Ohio

    Thanks VikeMan! The threads I read about racking to secondary suggested to do so before FG, I just didn't know how close you should be. For future reference, would you say within .02 of FG before racking or what would be considered close. Thanks
     
    #15 Greg-504, Feb 23, 2015
  16. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Yeah, I'd say that's about right. Opinions may differ though.
     
    #16 VikeMan, Feb 23, 2015
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  17. mikehartigan

    mikehartigan Maven (1,421) Apr 9, 2007 Illinois

    I think (hope) you meant to say that you want to be within .002 of target FG, not .02 :grimacing:
     
    #17 mikehartigan, Feb 23, 2015
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  18. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Yep. And I think that's what the original poster meant too.
     
    #18 VikeMan, Feb 23, 2015
    PapaGoose03 likes this.
  19. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,057) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    Eh, what's one measly little zero among friends? :wink:
     
    #19 PapaGoose03, Feb 24, 2015
  20. suavo

    suavo Initiate (0) Oct 29, 2014

    Don't do secondaries...migrate to All Grain on propane or preferably LP gas...as soon as possible...you won't regret it...also do beers that don't require temp control...and then get temp control as soon as possible...keg...Keep good notes...Don't fall into the automation trap...until you've accomplished all of the above and you are still all in...Welcome...
     
    #20 suavo, Feb 24, 2015
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