Recent content by mrtona

Hi Not sure which section to post this but I'm after advise on building a cellar. I've a west facing deck on the back of my house with an area of 3m x 3m x 2 metres high underneath. I'm thinking of bricking it in and using it as a cellar. Do I need vents in the walls for ventilation or do I keep...

I'm thinking of using them. It's going to take a lot of cleaning.

Hi I was walking out the back of my mates shearing shed and a little way down the creek came across an old rubbish dump that had been uncovered from rain. Sticking out of the soil was a few beer bottles, some in complete state others smashed. A couple are dated 1942, most had dirt and other...

G'day I had a good look under my house that I bought a couple of months ago. Tucked away behind a pier I found a couple of brews in tallies, with rusty caps. Sept 91 date written on them. I haven't opened one yet but will next weekend. What are the chances of them being drinkable? Would It be...

The reading last night was 1016 and it tasted Ok. I'll take another reading tonight to see how it compares. I didn't bother with an initial reading. Thanks for you help.

There was a crust, which has since decreased. I'll take a reading tonight. I am in Canberra but I have the tub in a cupboard with a heater set at 18C. Thanks for the help.

Hi I've mixed up a can of Coopers Devils Half Ruby Porter and a can of CBW Porter. I put them both in the fermenter with the yeast, but there hasn't been any bubbling out of the airlock. The drum seal seems to be OK. It's been in the fermenter at 18C for just over 2 weeks. What have I done...

Hi I bought some very old flip top bottles off gumtree. The bottles have been under "old Mates" house for years and look like they have never been cleaned, some have spiders in them. I gave one a quick rinse and scrub with a bottle brush, which look a little of the muck away but I've a long way...

Hi I bought 100 swing top bottles off gumtree on the weekend, mainly Grolsch. Some are 12 years old. How often should I change the seals and what type should I get (silicone or rubber)? Thanks

Thanks for everyones advice. It is under temperature control. It's nearly ready, I assume, because there is a small difference in the reading over the last 2 days. I'll leave it in the tub. Thanks.

Hi I've got a pilsner in the fermenter which is nearly ready. I've just found out that I have to go away for 2 weeks with work on Monday. Should I bottle it tomorrow (Sunday) night or is it OK to leave it in the fermenter for an extra 2 weeks? Thanks

Thanks

I've had a taste of the brew, (it's still in the tub) and it doesn't taste too great. It's now 10 days after I started the brew and the last 4 days I've had it off the heat pad and it's cooled to around 12C. The hydrometer readings are the same after 2 samples in 24 hours. Would it be still...

Thanks for the advice. Living in Canberra I'm having trouble with my temps. It's way too cold in the garage and the house with no one home during the day drops to about 9C. That's why I tried the heat pad this time but as I mentioned it sits on 25C.

Hi It's nearly time for me to bottle my Amber Ale brew. I've had the brew on a heat mat and it's been going well, sitting at 25C. To bottle, do I turn off the heat mat and let the tub cool to room temp or keep it going till I bottle? Is then Ok to store the bottles in a cupboard that will be...