On Wednesday (my day off), I received an automated phone call from UPS letting me know that they would be delivering my video card sometime during the day on Thursday and that someone needed to be home. This was problematic in that Kim was supposed to be working that day. She is a sub, and subs, as a rule, generally ought not get a sub for themselves. :) So I took a vacation day.
The video card came, and I quickly put it in the computer. It worked like a charm! WOOT! Back to playing LOTRO!
On Tuesday night, on the way home from work, I stopped by my local homebrew store and picked up the ingredients I needed to make a 5 gallon batch. I spent $82. Before you freak out too much, let me explain what all I picked up.
Sanitizer – I am switching from the old, crappy, bleach-and-water method of sanitization to a product called StarSan. StarSan is neat because it’s totally non-rinse, and sanitizes with a mere 30 seconds of contact. The reason it’s non-rinse is because it is only effective at a pH of 3.7 or below. As I understand it, if the pH goes above 3.7, StarSan no longer is able to sanitize, and becomes inert. It also adds no flavor, and has been reputed to actually increase the head retention of beer. John Palmer, who has an excellent book called “How to Brew” recommended it to me, and I’ve been researching it for a couple weeks.
Cleanser – I don’t have much to say about the cleanser I picked. It’s called Beer Line Cleaner, and as I understand it, it’s designed with professional brewers in mind. Supposed to work VERY well.
I also picked up another grain bag. The Bitter is going to require that I use far more hops than I am used to using. A single bag isn’t going to work… :)
Finally, I picked up some Irish Moss to be used as a clarifier. Basically, the Irish Moss powder bonds with the hot break proteins that help to cloud beer when it’s been refrigerated. When it bonds, it drops to the bottom with the rest of the trub. This helps to produce a more clear beer. Since this beer is going to be a lighter-colored ale, it seemed to me that a clear beer might be desirable.
The actual beer ingredients only cost about $40. Good deal for 5 gallons of tasty brew. :) I can’t wait to brew it!
