Love Temperature Control Box

After completing numerous home batches of beer and realizing that I did not have any control over my fermentation temperature, I decided to build a simple little device which I labeled the “Fermentation Temperature Control” (or FTC for short). 

This device works great for those want to ferment inside a refrigerator or freezer and have digital control over the process. The device pictured is installed on the side of a freezer.

The device consists of an electrical box, an outlet, and a LOVE brand temperature control. The LOVE control comes with a temperature sensor which I place inside the carboy by way of a stainless thermowell. You could also place the temperature probe (in a thermowell) inside a glass of water which is stored inside the freezer or refrigerator. Ambient air readings are not as accurate using the Love style temperature sensor.

The freezer or refrigerator is set to its coldest setting. The Refrigerator or freezer is plugged into the Fermentation Temperature Control outlet.  That’s all there is to it. Set the Love Control to the appropriate temperatures and watch your fermentation temperatures hold steady!

BCS 460 Temperature Control by Embedded Control Concepts

This Temperature Control has to be one of the coolest beer brewing gadgets I have had the chance to utilize. It truly takes temperature sensing and control to the next level. Their control systems are true network appliances. Each system employs a custom embedded web server, which allows all process monitoring and control to be done via web browser. Plug a BCS-460 into your network and control your process from any computer with internet access. (more…)

Bud Light Golden Wheat Ale

Inspired by consumer interest in a more flavorful light beer and the growing popularity of wheat beers, Anheuser-Busch introduces Bud Light Golden Wheat, an unfiltered wheat brewed with citrus, a hint of coriander and the superior drinkability of Bud Light.

From the bottle, this beer rates in at 4.1% Alc/Vol and packs 118 calories per 12 oz bottle. I’m not drinking beer to lose weight so I really don’t care much about calories in comparison to other brands.

This beer gives off the general wheat beer cloudy appearance. The bottle reads that the beer is unfiltered and will settle. I can only assume that this means the beer is somewhat  bottle conditioned.

I took a few swigs of this beer and tried to determine if I could taste the coriander. I must say, I couldn’t. Most likely not because it isn’t in the beer, but because I have no idea what it tastes like. I could, however, taste the hint of citrus. I could also taste the traditional American Wheat Flavor.

Overall, I would give this beer a very drinkable rating in the “session beer drinking” category. Go pick up a six pack of Bud Light Golden Wheat today and let me know what you think.

The Bavarian City of Leavenworth Washington is Gearing up for its

11^th Annual Leavenworth Oktoberfest 

This year’s Leavenworth Oktoberfest runs October 2^nd & 3^rd, 9^th & 10^th and 16^th &17^th. Once inside you”ll feel you’ve been transported to Munich Germany’s the sounds of oompah and the smells of sizzling bratwurst will lure you into dancing, singing and toasting.

Leavenworth Washington is located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.  Today more than a million tourists come to Leavenworth each year for their Traditional Bavarian Village and Events.

The first Leavenworth Oktoberfest was held in October 1998; it consisted of one venue and was attended by about 400 people. The next year about 1700 people attended the festival, and a band was brought in from Germany. 

The festival continued to grow each year and in 2003, a second weekend was added and two bands were brought in from Germany in addition to many performers from the US.  By 2005 attendance had grown to 10,000 and the Leavenworth festival was ranked as one of the top Oktoberfest celebrations in the Country. 

What started 11 years ago as a single weekend has now grown to 3 full weekends with 3 Venues of live entertainment that the entire family will enjoy. 

• Oktoberfest hours are Fridays 5pm -1am and Saturdays Noon-1am.
• Non-stop live entertainment including two bands direct from Germany
• Saturdays Noon- Bavarian Parade followed by the Keg tapping ceremony at 1pm.
• Leavenworth Oktoberfest is great fun for the youngsters as well.  Kinderplatz is an area dedicated for the kids to play until their hearts are content.  You”ll find a rock climbing wall, bouncing toys, clowns and more. 
• Minors are allowed inside the gates until 9pm.
• Arts and Crafts Vendors
• Authentic German Food and Beer
• The Leavenworth Oktoberfest is a non-profit organization operating under Projekt Bayern for more information on Project Bayern log on to www.projektbayern.com
• For more information on the Leavenworth Oktoberfest log on to www.leavenworthoktoberfest.com
• To request a Press Pass, please contact Amy Gustin listed above

Water and Dry Malt Extrat

Making a yeast starter may be intimidating to some, however this task really is simple and doesn’t take that long. First off, you should know why you are wanting to make a yeast started. Most five gallon batch don’t require a yeast starter.

White Labs stated that you should make a starter for brews with a starting gravity of 1.080 of higher. This would be considered a “high gravity” beer. You may also need to make a starter if you are brewing more than five gallons of beer. Some brewers create starters for faster fermentation starts.

The process of making your starter should take place 1-3 days prior to brewing your beer. I tend to make mine 2 days prior. You should plan for this time.

Before you create your starter, you must make sure that all items that come in contact with your wart have been properly clean or sanitized. This includes bungs, spoons, airlocks, tin foil, and any other item that might come in contact.

Most brewers create their starters in a flask. I tend to favor a 1000ml size, however it is common to use a 2000ml size as well. My end starter volume is approximately 900ml.

I use a light colored dry malt extract (DME) for my starters. I use light colored DME so it doesn’t tend to impact the overall ending color of my beer.

Get Snowed In at the 12th Annual Pyramid Snow Cap Party, benefiting the Surfrider Foundation’s Snowrider Project!

A night of revelry, wintertainment, and the first of the season’s Snow Cap seasonal ale!

Featuring Minus the Bear, and a special guest. Doors are at 7pm, with plenty of Pyramid flowing all night long!

Ticket: $18 in advance; $20 day of.

NOTE: No one under 21 years old will be admitted.

Leaving the brewery warning sign

Kona Brewing Company runs its flagship brewhouse in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island. Established in 1995, Kona Brewing Company introduced Pacific Golden Ale (now called Big Wave Golden Ale) and Fire Rock Pale Ale to Hawaii in bottles and kegs on February 14, 1995.

Kona Brewing Company is committed to producing, marketing and serving the finest handcrafted beers and tastiest cuisine with its exceptional team of motivated individuals who are passionate about quality and care about working in an environment where integrity, good will and discipline are the codes.

Beer Sampling at Kona Brewing

During the month of Jaunuary (2009), my wife and I had a chance to tour Kona Brewing in Kona. The staff was very friendly, knowledgable, and informative. During the tour, they spoke of their fermentation temperatures, hops, yeast, and grains.  It was a very positive experience for all involved.

Upon completion of the tour, we were treated with samples of their beer. Some of the beer samples were unique at best, but the majority was the high quality beer I would expect from Kona Brewing.

Gbrewing.com has changed its look after several years. We have switched to a blog friendly format which will help facilitate an even better exchange of information. This change will launch us and our members into the future.

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