105 replies to this topic

[positiveContact]

I just put step one of my starter in the fridge to crash this morning.  I won't be brewing for over a week.  I still have one more step to do between now and then.

[Big Nake]

I made the starter this morning. That's much more starter wort than I am used to using. I was also concerned that my stirbar was not big enough (That's what she said!)... oh wait, this isn't the PH. Anyway, at first I got ZERO 'stirring' in the flask so I turned it up and threw the bar. I eventually found a sweet spot where it's got a decent whirlpool going and the bar is in place. Also, this 2002 Gambrinus yeast smells lovely. A small drip landed on a paper towel in my prep area and when I was cleaning up I wanted to EAT that paper towel. Reminds me a little of 2782 Staro in the aroma. Cheers peeps and thanks again for the direction. The thread for my 4-year-old brain has gone on for 5 pages now!!

[HVB]

I always thought the stirbar size was decided on primarily by the magnates in the stirplate?  I have one that I found works well for 1-4l starters and that is a cross type like this. I think I have about 7-8 stir bars and this is my go to.

 

Edited by drez77, 04 March 2015 - 11:34 AM.

[Big Nake]

Dude. That's not a stirbar. That's a propeller. My stirbar looks like a piece of white Good 'N Plenty.

[SchwanzBrewer]

I always thought the stirbar size was decided on primarily by the magnates in the stirplate?  I have one that I found works well for 1-4l starters and that is a cross type like this. I think I have about 7-8 stir bars and this is my go to.

 

 

I use the regular old 1" variety for my 4L starters. You don't need a whirlpool in your starter. The real reason to have it on a stir plate is so that the yeast can't floc out and it grows to it's maximum potential.

[HVB]

I use the regular old 1" variety for my 4L starters. You don't need a whirlpool in your starter. The real reason to have it on a stir plate is so that the yeast can't floc out and it grows to it's maximum potential.

I just looked it up and this one is 1" x 9/6".  I agree the vortex on my bigger ones is more of a small surface dimple.

[Big Nake]

I use the regular old 1" variety for my 4L starters. You don't need a whirlpool in your starter. The real reason to have it on a stir plate is so that the yeast can't floc out and it grows to it's maximum potential.

Guys with small stirbars tend to say things like this. :PAs I was futzing with it, I knew that I didn't need a freaking tsunami in there, but at first I wasn't getting ANY activity at all. Yep, just keep things moving and it should be golden.

[SchwanzBrewer]

Guys with small stirbars tend to say things like this. :PAs I was futzing with it, I knew that I didn't need a freaking tsunami in there, but at first I wasn't getting ANY activity at all. Yep, just keep things moving and it should be golden.

 

It's not the size that counts, it's how you use it!

[Big Nake]

Got some activity...

[positiveContact]

I always find it tough to gauge starter activity.  Sometimes there just isn't much going on while other times there is a nice layer of krausen.

[SchwanzBrewer]

That's a purdy flask!

[HVB]

That's a purdy flask!

I think that flask will soon see a big brother too!

[Big Nake]

I agree that is a Purdy flask. It's a big-ass BOMEX flask is what it is. I feel like I'm going to break this thing. It's too big and fragile... I have to hold it like a baby. Hey Rich, my calendar tells me that it's MLPA Day today.

I think that flask will soon see a big brother too!

Don't forget to let me know of something to send in return. Looking for anything I may have? Just beer? I have beer. Oh I have that REAL GOOD!

[HVB]

I agree that is a Purdy flask. It's a big-ass BOMEX flask is what it is. I feel like I'm going to break this thing. It's too big and fragile... I have to hold it like a baby. Hey Rich, my calendar tells me that it's MLPA Day today. ;)Don't forget to let me know of something to send in return. Looking for anything I may have? Just beer? I have beer. Oh I have that REAL GOOD!

beer. . I like beer!

[SchwanzBrewer]

MLPA Day!!!     

[brewman]

MLPA Day!!!     

 

Is this anything like nudie magazine day

[Big Nake]

Is this anything like nudie magazine day

If that helps you Dan.

MLPA Day!!!     

I sure hope it makes it. Is that beer going to be warm when you get it? Oh well, let me know how it is.

[SchwanzBrewer]

If that helps you Dan. :PI sure hope it makes it. Is that beer going to be warm when you get it? Oh well, let me know how it is.

 

I'm sure it will be fine.

[SchwanzBrewer]

I got the beer! UBER clear and super cool bottles as well. I've never seen any like that. The bottles are chilling in the fridge. Thanks so much, Ken!!! You da man!

[neddles]

Ken!!! You da man!

This. He sent me a legit Helles several months back in a 750ml. Hope the MLPA is half as good as what he sent me. The man makes good beer.