Recent content by ThunderFred

When all else fails attack the messenger. Peace.

Hemp was de=scheduled (legalized) in the farm bill three years ago. Where are all these amazing products we were promised? Farmers tried to grow crops but learned that it takes specialized equipment and a lot of extra care. There aren't herbicides and pesticides developed for the crop. Male...

I think it's really cool that they are finally making cars that run on coal.

The thread title clearly says no politics. Why go there?

I thought the same thing about a filter when I first started. I was impatient like every other newbie and wanted it to be perfect right away. Now I own a filter that I never use. Bulk aging for a year and racking every three months to a clean carboy clears it right up. No sweat if a little...

I've used the plastic bag trick and it worked well. You can find youtube videos if you need a visual. Put a plastic grocery bag in the carboy, keeping part of it hanging out obviously. Flip and tip the carboy until the stopper is entangled in the bag and then pull it out. Super simple, cheap...

When I host company I generally try to provide food and libations I think they would enjoy. My invitations don't come with instructions on the proper way to consume what is provided. This whole thread is a bit fishy. Sweet troll Karen.

Mead maker, just chuck some turbo yeast into a jug of gape juice and tell us how it goes. Save $49.

Not everyone came to this hobby because a sainted grandpappy showed them the ropes. Lots of us had an interest and jumped in without a clue. That led to experiments, reading and even finding this website. Lots of folks will fall for the brewsey pitch and realize low grade prison toilet hooch...

Sweet troll Karen

My consideration for height was having enough space in a bottom shelf to store 6 gal carboys. I keep the empties down below, no need for airlock space, and the full ones in progress up top. If you go too short you lose that storage option.

I've bottled fruit wines and ciders in swing top bottles with no issues but those are usually gone in a year. I bottled a super tuscan blend in swing tops about 6 months ago. It had been bulk aged for two years and I've been opening them periodically for drinking. I don't have any experience...

Thanks for sharing that experience crushday, good for lots of us not to have to learn that one the hard way. Appreciate your transparency in helping others.

You can force carbonate using a keging system. They make very small and relatively inexpensive ones. I use one like in the link below for test batches. You don't get the tiny delicate bubbles like in champaigne but it is a quick and easy way to add some carbonation. Easy to control and you...

I've used them for several years for bulk aging and haven't had any issues. It's nice knowing that they won't blow off with temperature or pressure changes. There's vacuum when I pull them off for racking which I take that as a sign that they are working well.