Recent content by ssteph2747

Just found this from the barrelbuilders.com barrel maintenance and repair guide: The application of epoxy is an effective means to stop most leaks. The advantage to epoxy over paint is that it can be used on damp (not wet) wood. Empty the barrel to relieve the pressure on the leak. Clean the...

I bought this 3L barrel in June, sealed it according to directions (took almost 48 hours with water), then filled with whiskey (I know, I know, it's a wine forum). Almost a month later, we realized there was whiskey leaking out of the bottom - a large crack had formed. I contacted the company...

Well, to prevent me from looking like a Mouse with Popeye forearms, I could just get my fiance to use it...he likes spinach anyway :p

NSwiner, I didn't even think about youtube. I more of a reader than a watcher (visual versus auditory learning style, blah blah). But that's a great suggestion. I'll check it out!

Thank you both for the input. I'm still a ways off from upgrading, so all opinions count! (This hobby really lightens my wallet....)

Soo....I'm a total GIRL and have no idea how a Mityvac would work on a carboy - can someone please enlighten me as to the mechanics of a mityvac? Is there a better, comparably priced object I could use? I don't want to spend tons of money on a Gomco aspirator or whatever. I currently have a...

Wow, interesting. Forgive me for being mower ignorant, but do I get one of those at Lowes/Home Depot? How do you sanitize it? :d Thanks so much!

Ohh that's lovely! What a nice color! I have a funnel with a filter - is that what I would use? If so, how?

It certainly is! It reminds me a bit of root beer - I'd like to make a batch sparkling, but I haven't ever done that before.

OMG I couldn't even imagine the mess and the time!!! And it's not like they're that expensive.... my wine kit came with one :db

Thanks, all! I feel alot better now. The lees are starting to drop down and the tops are already clearing up. I know it will be quite a while before it's time to rack!

Hey all, strawberry wine is my second wine I made with a primary fermenter with fruit. I made it using frozen berries, pectic enzyme, etc. I have racked it to a secondary glass fermenter and it has been there since 1/20/2010 -we did NOT squeeze the bag. We've notice some weird "fog"...

Okay, I know this is an old post - but I am currently doing this, and I used red wine concentrate. The color looks really nice and it tastes great (I am an oversampler). It's pretty neat. We didn't have any black tea at the house, so we used Chai instead!

Thanks everyone!! My HUSBAND does know where to find me - I take my book in there to read (we have a sleeper sofa along the other wall). I enjoy the sound of the airlocks and the smell of the wine. :p Wade: I'm making the trip to the local brew shop this week - balloons were a quick fix...

Hey my wine rack looks JUST like that IKEA one! Imagine that! The guy told me it was from William & Sonoma....hmmm. Anyway, it's sturdy. It's IKEA - if you can put the pegs in the right place, you can build it. Unfortunately, their furniture is what we call "disposable" - only lasts a few...