www.nthba.org

rack04 wrote:I haven't seen a 2012 schedule posted for the events. Is anything coming up that I should start brewing for?

Click on file to get a better look.. The competitions comming up are the Jan/Feb COC, the Bluebonnet BrewOff, & AHA NHC.

Orlando's system is state of the art, he is using two pumps which jacks up the cost plus, because of the way he sparges, he needs a float switch which increases the complexity of his system. Actually, my system is not "state of the art". It does not have any type of automation or "ha...

The major downfall of “lautering” with a pump vs. gravity, is that using a pump does tend to "compact the grain bed". A compacted grain bed will cause a stuck mash/sparge. This is an issue I am very familiar with, but I have learned to minimize the effects. See pic below (my system set up ...

As a side note how does one recirculate from mash tun valve to top of mash tun? Just place a hose from valve to pump to top of tun into grain bed? Andrew Andrew, I just use a length of high temp hose coiled on top of the grain bed. Sparging.jpg Mash Tun.jpg IMHO if you are going 10gal batches you s...

From: Don Sajda, Comrades, Entries for the 16th Annual Big Batch Brew Bash can either be dropped of at DeFalco's or Brew It Yourself by next Friday May 6th or you can take them to Saint Arnold's Brewery next Saturday May 7th between noon and 2:00 pm. The style this year is 19A - Old Ale Best of luck...

Guerra wrote:Rob,
You should try to find this locally: http://store.weber.com//items/?pid=1272

I found the above, at least I think it was, at Academy (DNT & Parker) $12.98.

RobDrechsler wrote:anyone know where I can buy expanded metal mesh here in town?

I have purchased Steel from both:

Garland Steel
312 S International Rd, Garland, TX 75042
http://www.garlandsteel.com
(972) 494-6000

Wylie Steel Limited
2001 N Highway 78, Wylie, TX 75098
(972) 442-2568

Rob,

You should be looking for a "charcoal" grate. A charcoal grate is made from thicker material than the BBQ grate.

You should try to find this locally: http://store.weber.com//items/?pid=1272

The leak developed right between the plastic attachment and the regulator. Dave, when you say "plastic attachment" do you mean the plastic part shown in the "Type-1 fitting" shown below? Is the leak where the 1/4" end of the brass fitting is screwed into the regulator?? If ...

FYI, Kegs & Barrels has a special: "All 12 packs 2 for $22.00 including craft and European", through Tuesday 3/29:

Jim,

FYI, I sent a note to the LSC Rep for the Bexar Brewers (host of the ACCF). I asked if they would have anyone attending the BBO that could haul our entries down.

I have not received a reply.

Orlando

If you started with dry yeast. Just pitch more dry yeast. Do not rehydrate, just buy two packs, pitch it and hope for the best... IMHO. Also make sure your fermentor is somewhere that you can keep the temp stable. You definitely will benefit from making yeast starters. I agree if using liquid yeast,...

Finally made my hotel reservations this morning. I was told that ALL of the BBO blocked rooms for Friday were filled, and only 5 were available for Saturday. I was able to reserve a room using my "AAA" discount (must present AAA card at time of check-in). The AAA rate is $96.75 so it was j...

I had someone ask me about dropping off Bluebonnet Entries at one of the local drop off points. So I thought I would pass on some recommendations I have made in the past. Please keep in mind that the local drop off point is not the final destination for your entries. Your entries will be picked up f...

I'm thinking it is time to do a controlled test of the various Ferm Wraps and Brew Belts to see which works best. Have you tried insulating the fermwrap to the fermentor with a towel or something similar? Maybe that would allow the heat to better transfer into the fermentor and not be lost to the a...