Are you keeping a homebrew log? If not, why not? Are you overwhelmed by the hundreds of data fields in your homebrewing software/app? Ever considered creating your own homebrewing log as an alternative? In this Homebrew Note, I shed some light on things you should consider tracking and a method for doing so. I even provide a template log that you can modify to fit your specific needs.
Category: Project
Making Multiple Yeast Starters in a Pressure Canner
Liquid yeast is awesome for one primary reason - variety. This variety enables you to choose a yeast that helps you achieve the precise flavor profile you're targeting. It gives you flexibility in esters, attenuation, alcohol tolerance, fermenting temp ranges, and more. However, if you're using liquid yeast, you're almost certainly going to need a starter and starters can be a pain in the ass to make on a one-at-a-time basis. That's why I, and many other people, create multiple starters at once by pressure canning them. If you aren't familiar with pressure canning, it may sound daunting but it really isn't. You just need to understand the key components of the process. So let's get to it!
Making a Frozen Stock Yeast Bank
Keeping your own yeast bank is surprisingly easy and quick to do if you have the right equipment. By having one, you'll save money, keep your favorite yeasts in stock, have a supply of rare yeasts, and you'll be able to help out your brewing friends in a pinch. Read this Homebrew Note to learn the details of how to Make a Frozen Stock Yeast Bank.
Tip: Make a Sanitizer Spray Bottle
As you probably know, anything that touches your wort or beer after the wort has been boiled must be sanitized. So naturally, one of the things you'll find yourself doing all the time as a homebrewer is sanitizing something to keep your wort/beer from getting infected. The easiest and most economical way I've found to do that is to keep a spray bottle of sanitizer around for just such an occasion. This Homebrew Tip provides you the simple process for creating your own sanitizer spray bottle.