" Ditch's Stout " Master Class .....

[Ditch]

What went wrong ????

Seemingly, and quite possibly? Nothing. That's my best guess, based on my own level of understanding of the science behind it.

Either way, I'll be putting my money where my mouth's been. Next week, when I taste the FV concerned.

[6470zzy]

What went wrong ????

Seemingly, and quite possibly? Nothing. That's my best guess, based on my own level of understanding of the science behind it.

Either way, I'll be putting my money where my mouth's been. Next week, when I taste the FV concerned.

The science behind WHAT................. that is the question of the hour

[Ditch]

Patience, my friend ..... I'm banking on it, that I have this right. Else I've got four gallons of vinegar sitting there waiting for me. And absolutely no back up supply!

I've Got To be right!

[Deebee]

Patience, my friend ..... I'm banking on it, that I have this right. Else I've got four gallons of vinegar sitting there waiting for me. And absolutely no back up supply!

I've Got To be right!

But you got more kits...... right?

[Ditch]

A friend of mine was in the SAS, back around the sixties, Dave. One time, he was doing something around a military air field. The boss there said he'd like to show Bri' something and took him into a shed.

F**k me if, with the flick of a switch, the shed didn't start going down! It was a lift. Maybe one of Schindlers ones?

So, they stepped out into what amounted to an underground car park. Only, this was a plane park. Big as a football field and jam packed with planes. I forget what sort he told me they were. But, their wings were folded, or taken off, the better to cram so many in there.

Moral of the story the boss wanted to demonstrate to Brian was this: During the war, Britain had no shortage of planes. They had shit loads of the f**kers. Only trouble is, every plane needs an experienced pilot to fly it. And Those were a lot thinner on the ground.

I have only Two working fish tank heaters, mate.

[6470zzy]

And absolutely no back up supply!

This is sounding like an excuse to drink more Karpackie

[Ditch]

That's the last f**king excuse I need, Ozzy. I'll be buying a case or two, next time I'm in town.

We're putting the new roof on the stable here. Pat's due here any minute now. We'll be knocking up muck. Then, I envisage a day of drilling and hammering. Anything but getting those two f**king kits on that I so desperately need done!

F**king marvellous. This project's managed to morph into Twice the originally estimated cost. Now, because I hardly have a free moment a day, I can't make my beer ~ so that's gonna arse rape my bank account too! FFS .....

One sweet day, that f**king roof'll be on there. And I can have my life back again

[Ditch]

Well, I've just been too chilled out, this last couple of days, to even get round to talking about why I'm so chuffed now!

Stable roof went on, Sunday. Absolutely massive weight off me! Yesterday, I put two more stouts in. Today, six more arrived. My only niggle, now, is that f**king two heaters situation!

I don't keep strict or detailed records. But, it just seems like I always have a stash of empty, Karpackie cans round here. Because I, obviously, come unstuck on a too regular basis.

My latest plan then is to get my financial sh!t back together and then lash out on one of these 'TC Thermostats, for my electric blanket. That'll allow me to make four FV's at a time.

Vile workload, of a make day. But, save me a small fortune!


Ozzy; I'll be back ....!

[6470zzy]

I simply don't understand............. I read the whole post twice and I don't see a single reference to rice and raisin wine

[berts]

Me being a tightarse, I use one of these ditch, works a treat. http://www.ebay.com/itm/190718014384?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT I just sticky tape a piece of foam to the side of the FV and stick the probe inside it

[Ditch]

I just sticky tape a piece of foam to the side of the FV and stick the probe inside it.

Sorry, Berts; I just can't grasp exactly what ye mean by that

Why the foam? Why on the side? I'd figured I'd just drop mine over the (in)side, like I do my heaters now. I could sanitise the probe in a cup of bleach solution. Got this vague notion that in the wort would give me a more accurate reading.

Accuracy is important to me, see; I sail close to the wind. Couple degrees higher and I've lost my beer!

[6470zzy]

Ozzy; I'll be back ....!

I have never claimed to be a patient man

[berts]

I just sticky tape a piece of foam to the side of the FV and stick the probe inside it.

Sorry, Berts; I just can't grasp exactly what ye mean by that

Why the foam? Why on the side? I'd figured I'd just drop mine over the (in)side, like I do my heaters now. I could sanitise the probe in a cup of bleach solution. Got this vague notion that in the wort would give me a more accurate reading.

Accuracy is important to me, see; I sail close to the wind. Couple degrees higher and I've lost my beer!

Ill try to explain, the probe is resting against the side of the FV the foam is [high density like from a camping mat] covering the probe , the idea of the foam is to insulate the probe from the outside air and so it only takes the temp of the wort . I also have one of these red light laser temp guns and have tested the temp at different places all over the fv and the temp stays pretty good all over, my main brew is stout and do not have any problems using this method, I must add, I use a brew belt with this thermostat but I don't think what ever heat source you chose to use matters its personal taste, the reason for doing this method is sanitation no need to clean probe or risk infection

[Ditch]

Cheers, Berts. Got it now Glad ye pointed out what sort of foam it was too. I'd have gone with polystyrene!


Now then; Ozzy ..... I just can't f**king believe this, mate! I answered, the other night. Only, I got a bit distracted in it and somehow went off at a tangent. Then, realising my mind was wandering (isn't that a wonderful euphemism for " I was pissed as a f**king hand cart! " ? ) I copied it to Notepad, with the intention of editing / splitting it the next day.

Gone! F**k knows what happened to it. Now I'll have to work up the arsedness to type it all out over again Nothing more soul destroying than having to retell a story, is there?

Already, look, I'm thinking how I could just make another cup of tea ..... Should feed the horses ..... Might sneak out to my ditch ..... Walk the Dogs ..... Anything but try to recount something I've simply no enthusiasm for.

It's only a subtle little point. But, I feel it could use illustrating because, once again, it debunks a Home Brewers Myth.

That said? I'm off to get the kettle on. I'll return to this later tonight.

[6470zzy]

It's only a subtle little point. But, I feel it could use illustrating because, once again, it debunks a Home Brewers Myth.

That said? I'm off to get the kettle on. I'll return to this later tonight.

That kettle must have boiled dry by now..................................