Out Of Key Brewing

There is a huge discussion around the PBW vs OxyClean debate.
Bottom line 2 Parts sodium metasilicate(TSP from ace) to one part Oxyclean will work great and is a fine replacement for PBW.

There is a nice discussion of starting a brewery here:  Dunedin Brewery.  Ironiclly the only way to view the article is through the internet archive, because the company has gone out of business(?).  Kinda speaks to how hard it is.

This is a great page on vent-a-matic ultra flow taps. They are forward sealing taps which have many advantages I would like to shoot for two of these on my Kegerator. Perlick makes another version but the quality seems just a step below the vent-a-matics.

There is a great discussion on how to make a Homemade manifold over at the Northern Brewer Forums

Discussion:  http://www.cfhb.org/mead/oak.htm

Perhaps use some of the Oak from the jack daniels smoking chips. They must be steamed to avoid contamination.  Boiling extracts too many tannins

I have brewed two more batches since my last update. A Rye IPA and a Chinook IPA. I will update with my recipe notes as soon as I have the chance. Couple salient points about the brews.

I reused the yeast from the sweet stout, on the Rye IPA, and then on the Chinook IPA. Each time at just past peak Krausen I sanitized a Mason jar and measuring cup and scooped a bunch of yeast off the top. I then stored this in the fridge until the night of brewing. Each time I took a little of the mash out and put it in my starter flask. About a half hour into the boil I added the yeast to the flask. By the time I am at pitching temp the yeast in the flask is going nuts. I have had <12 hour lag time.

There may be some sanitation issues with this as the mash out has not been boiled and may contain bacteria. Its somewhat risky. But it is working.

The second thing is Star San is the shit. I will recommend it to all to anyone who asks.

Both beers turned out great. More from the notes.

Here is a great discussion of Lagering.  It is a bit past my equipment currently, but it is something I am planning on working towards.