Troubleshooting a Gas Manifold, How to Make a Drier Kolsch, & Brewing with Unusual Ingredients – Ep. 352

Howdy, brewer!

It’s time for another episode of our weekly Homebrew Happy Hour podcast!THE home brew #podcast where we answer all of your home brewing questions and discuss anything related to craft beer!

A NOT SO SUBTLE REMINDER:

If you appreciate the things we do here at Homebrew Happy Hour, consider joining our Trub Club! Not only will you be supporting our efforts, but you’ll also receive exclusive perks such as HUGE discounts to Kegconnection.com, welcome packs with our merch, discounts to BrewersFriend.com, and lots more! Click the link and join today  —  https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21132635

On Today’s Show:

Troubleshooting a Gas Manifold, How to Make a Drier Kolsch, & Brewing with Unusual Ingredients
00:00:00 – 00:18:11 Sponsors & Small Talk
00:18:12 – 00:22:43 Listener Feedback
00:22:44 – 00:30:42 Troubleshooting a Gas Manifold
00:30:43 – 00:44:48 Dry Kolsch
00:44:49 – 01:01:32 Brewing with Unusual Ingredients
Links for this episode:
Kegconnection Air/Gas Manifoldshttps://www.kegconnection.com/air-distributors/

We want to hear from you!

If you have a question that you’d like us to discuss on a future episode, please click on the “Submit a Question” link at the top of our website or you can now call in your questions via our questions hotline @ 325-305-6107 and leave your message after the beep. This is a friendly reminder that, if we choose your question for a future episode, we give you a $25 gift card to that episode’s sponsor!

Let us know what you think and enjoy the show!

cheers,

joshua

———————–

https://www.kegconnection.com/

Each and every episode is made possible by Kegconnection.com! Build the kegerator or keezer of your dreams using Kegconnection.com’s unique customizable product options that allows you to get exactly what you need. Kegconnection.com also stocks products and solutions for kegging kits, draft systems, hardware, components, cleaning and much much more. Kegconnection.com has been operating for more than 15 years in the industry and has established expertise and superior customer service. Visit Kegconnection.com and use our promo code HHH to receive 5% off of your order. Even better – join one of the premium tiers in our Trub Club and get up to 12% off your orders! That’s Kegconnection.com, promo code HHH or visit HomebrewHappyHour.com/club for more information.

————————–

Thank you to our show’s sponsor, Imperial Yeast, for supporting us and the homebrewing community. Learn more about why we LOVE Imperial Yeast by checking out their entire line, available at https://www.imperialyeast.com/

————————–

Thank you to our show’s sponsor, Hops Direct! Family owned and operated, Hops Direct provides a wide variety of hop selection and ships directly to your door. Learn more by visiting https://hopsdirect.com/?utm_source=HHH&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=HHH+link

————————–

This episode is brought to you by, Muntons Malts – a company that is passionate about providing premium malts to brewers worldwide. YOU can experience the difference Muntons offers by joining a recipe receiving tier of our Trub Club because every kit that ships out now includes premium Muntons Malt, join at https://www.patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour

————————–

Become a Patron!  Reminder that these episodes are ultimately made possible because of YOUR support. Consider becoming a member of our TRUB CLUB via our Patreon page and receive perks such as merch, exclusive group access and content, recipes, and some tiers even get monthly recipe kits mailed to you! https://www.patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour

————————–

Chilling the Wort: Essential Techniques for Homebrewers

In the craft of home brewing, it is crucial to understand and master the nuances of each step of the process. One such pivotal step in the beer-making process is cooling the wort post-boiling. This is a vital procedure as the rapid cooling of the wort can significantly impact the flavor, aroma, and overall quality of the finished beer. In this article, we will delve into various methods employed by homebrewers to chill the wort effectively before pitching the yeast.

1. Ice Bath

Advantages: Cost-effective and simple.
Procedure:

  • Transfer the hot kettle into a larger container or sink filled with ice and water.
  • Gently stir the wort with a sanitized spoon to ensure even cooling.
  • Regularly replenish the ice to maintain low water temperatures.

2. Immersion Wort Chiller

Advantages: Efficient and affordable for most homebrewers.
Procedure:

  • Comprising coiled copper or stainless steel tubing, this chiller is immersed directly into the hot wort.
  • Cold water is circulated through the tubing, extracting heat from the wort in the process.
  • Ensure a steady flow of cold water for maximum efficiency.

3. Counterflow Chiller

Advantages: Rapid and efficient cooling, especially for larger batches.
Procedure:

  • This device uses two tubes: one inside the other. The hot wort flows through the inner tube while cold water circulates in the opposite direction in the outer tube.
  • Heat is transferred from the wort to the water, cooling the wort rapidly.
  • Efficient water use makes this method ideal for drought-prone areas.

4. Plate Chiller

Advantages: Compact design and fast cooling.
Procedure:

  • A plate chiller consists of multiple plates stacked together, creating channels for the wort and cooling water.
  • As the wort flows through alternate channels, it comes into close contact with the plates, facilitating efficient heat transfer.
  • Utilize a pump or gravity to facilitate the flow of wort.

5. No-Chill Method

Advantages: Simplifies the process and conserves water.
Procedure:

  • The hot wort is transferred directly into a heat-tolerant, airtight container.
  • The container is sealed and left to cool naturally over an extended period, typically 24 hours.
  • While this method is less conventional, it can still produce excellent results with certain beer styles.

In Conclusion

The method you choose to chill your wort depends on various factors, including your batch size, budget, available equipment, and personal preferences. Regardless of the technique employed, the primary aim remains the same: to cool the wort rapidly and efficiently before pitching the yeast. This not only ensures optimal yeast health and fermentation but also preserves the desired flavors and aromas in your final beer product.

As always, cleanliness and sanitation are paramount. Whichever chilling method you adopt, ensure that all equipment comes into contact with the wort is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to prevent unwanted microbial contamination.

Fermenting in a Homebrew Keg, How to Use a Quick Carbonation Lid, & Brewing a Coffee Stout – Ep. 351

Welcome back, my friend

and thank you so much for tuning in to another episode of our weekly Homebrew Happy Hour podcast!THE home brew #podcast where we answer all of your home brewing questions and discuss anything related to craft beer!

A NOT SO SUBTLE REMINDER:

If you appreciate the things we do here at Homebrew Happy Hour, consider joining our Trub Club! Not only will you be supporting our efforts, but you’ll also receive exclusive perks such as HUGE discounts to Kegconnection.com, welcome packs with our merch, discounts to BrewersFriend.com, and lots more! Click the link and join today  —  https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21132635

On Today’s Show:

Fermenting in a Homebrew Keg, How to Use a Quick Carbonation Lid, & Brewing a Coffee Stout
00:00:00 – 00:20:08 Sponsors & Small Talk
00:20:09 – 00:25:32 Listener Feedback
00:25:33 – 00:41:52 Fermenting in a Keg
00:41:53 – 00:56:22 How to Use a Quick Carb Lid
00:56:23 – 01:11:08 Brewing a Coffee Stout
Links for this episode:

We want to hear from you!

If you have a question that you’d like us to discuss on a future episode, please click on the “Submit a Question” link at the top of our website or you can now call in your questions via our questions hotline @ 325-305-6107 and leave your message after the beep. This is a friendly reminder that, if we choose your question for a future episode, we give you a $25 gift card to that episode’s sponsor!

Let us know what you think and enjoy the show!

cheers,

joshua

———————–

https://www.kegconnection.com/

Each and every episode is made possible by Kegconnection.com! Build the kegerator or keezer of your dreams using Kegconnection.com’s unique customizable product options that allows you to get exactly what you need. Kegconnection.com also stocks products and solutions for kegging kits, draft systems, hardware, components, cleaning and much much more. Kegconnection.com has been operating for more than 15 years in the industry and has established expertise and superior customer service. Visit Kegconnection.com and use our promo code HHH to receive 5% off of your order. Even better – join one of the premium tiers in our Trub Club and get up to 12% off your orders! That’s Kegconnection.com, promo code HHH or visit HomebrewHappyHour.com/club for more information.

————————–

Thank you to our show’s sponsor, Imperial Yeast, for supporting us and the homebrewing community. Learn more about why we LOVE Imperial Yeast by checking out their entire line, available at https://www.imperialyeast.com/

————————–

Thank you to our show’s sponsor, Hops Direct! Family owned and operated, Hops Direct provides a wide variety of hop selection and ships directly to your door. Learn more by visiting https://hopsdirect.com/?utm_source=HHH&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=HHH+link

————————–

This episode is brought to you by, Muntons Malts – a company that is passionate about providing premium malts to brewers worldwide. YOU can experience the difference Muntons offers by joining a recipe receiving tier of our Trub Club because every kit that ships out now includes premium Muntons Malt, join at https://www.patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour

————————–

Become a Patron!  Reminder that these episodes are ultimately made possible because of YOUR support. Consider becoming a member of our TRUB CLUB via our Patreon page and receive perks such as merch, exclusive group access and content, recipes, and some tiers even get monthly recipe kits mailed to you! https://www.patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour

————————–

Hey Homebrewer: 5 Reasons Why You Should Switch from Bottling to Kegging

Introduction

The craft of homebrewing has seen exponential growth in recent years, evolving from a niche hobby to a mainstream pursuit. As techniques have improved, so have the tools of the trade. One area that has seen particular advancement is the method of storing and serving beer. For years, bottling was the go-to option for homebrewers. However, kegging systems have emerged as a more efficient and effective solution for storing and dispensing beer. This article aims to shed light on why homebrewers should consider making the switch from bottling to kegging their brews with 5 quick and easy reasons!

Time-Efficiency

One of the most persuasive arguments for switching to kegging is the time saved. Bottling involves the laborious tasks of cleaning, sanitizing, filling, and capping each individual bottle, which can take several hours for even a modest five-gallon batch. In contrast, kegging can cut that time down significantly, as you only need to clean and sanitize a single vessel—the keg. The filling process is also much quicker, allowing you to get back to what you love—brewing more beer.

Carbonation Control

Achieving the right level of carbonation can be a tricky process when bottling beer. Adding too much sugar can lead to over-carbonated bottles, which can even explode if the pressure becomes too high. Conversely, too little sugar can result in a flat brew. Kegging systems offer precise control over carbonation levels through regulated CO2 pressure, allowing you to customize the fizziness to your preference.

Consistency

Kegging your beer ensures uniform taste and carbonation throughout the batch. With bottling, inconsistencies can arise between bottles due to varying levels of sugar or yeast. This can lead to unpredictable results, ranging from bottle to bottle. A kegging system offers a much more consistent end-product, improving the overall quality of your brew.

Less Waste

The environmental impact is another factor worth considering. Kegging eliminates the need for dozens of bottles, caps, and labels for each batch of beer. A well-maintained keg can be reused indefinitely, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Easy Serving

Lastly, a kegging system streamlines the process of serving your beer. With the pull of a tap handle, you can effortlessly pour a perfectly carbonated glass of beer, whereas bottled beer requires opening each bottle individually and risking potential spillage. Moreover, kegs allow you to easily serve different quantities, from tasting samples to full pints, without the inconvenience of opening multiple bottles.

Conclusion

While bottling has its merits and nostalgic charm, the benefits of kegging—ranging from time-efficiency and carbonation control to consistency and sustainability—make it a compelling choice for modern homebrewers. By making the switch, you can not only improve the quality and enjoyment of your homebrewed beer but also embrace the advancements that continue to push the boundaries of this age-old craft.

Consider integrating a kegging system into your homebrew setup and experience the numerous advantages it brings to the table. The initial investment will pay off in the long run, enhancing your brewing experience and allowing you to focus on refining your craft. Cheers to the future of homebrewing!

Repairing Homebrew Kegs, Storing Equipment in Hot Garages, & Canning Homemade Yeast Starters – Ep. 350

Can you believe we’ve been at this for 350 episodes?!

CRAZY, right? Wow, thank you ALL for being a part of our community and helping get us this far. We hope you’re ready for another episode of our weekly Homebrew Happy Hour podcast!THE home brew #podcast where we answer all of your home brewing questions and discuss anything related to craft beer!

A NOT SO SUBTLE REMINDER:

If you appreciate the things we do here at Homebrew Happy Hour, consider joining our Trub Club! Not only will you be supporting our efforts, but you’ll also receive exclusive perks such as HUGE discounts to Kegconnection.com, welcome packs with our merch, discounts to BrewersFriend.com, and lots more! Click the link and join today  —  https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21132635

On Today’s Show:

Repairing Homebrew Kegs, Storing Equipment in Hot Garages, & Canning Homemade Yeast Starters
00:00:00 – 00:17:40 Sponsors & Small Talk
00:17:41 – 00:27:32 Listener Feedback
00:27:33 – 00:38:45 Repairing Homebrew Kegs
00:38:46 – 00:44:53 Storing Equipment in Hot Garages
00:44:54 – 00:57:35 Canning Homemade Yeast Starters
Links for this episode:
Dry Malt Extracthttps://amzn.to/3EN0Eec

We want to hear from you!

If you have a question that you’d like us to discuss on a future episode, please click on the “Submit a Question” link at the top of our website or you can now call in your questions via our questions hotline @ 325-305-6107 and leave your message after the beep. This is a friendly reminder that, if we choose your question for a future episode, we give you a $25 gift card to that episode’s sponsor!

Let us know what you think and enjoy the show!

cheers,

joshua

———————–

https://www.kegconnection.com/

Each and every episode is made possible by Kegconnection.com! Build the kegerator or keezer of your dreams using Kegconnection.com’s unique customizable product options that allows you to get exactly what you need. Kegconnection.com also stocks products and solutions for kegging kits, draft systems, hardware, components, cleaning and much much more. Kegconnection.com has been operating for more than 15 years in the industry and has established expertise and superior customer service. Visit Kegconnection.com and use our promo code HHH to receive 5% off of your order. Even better – join one of the premium tiers in our Trub Club and get up to 12% off your orders! That’s Kegconnection.com, promo code HHH or visit HomebrewHappyHour.com/club for more information.

————————–

Thank you to our show’s sponsor, Imperial Yeast, for supporting us and the homebrewing community. Learn more about why we LOVE Imperial Yeast by checking out their entire line, available at https://www.imperialyeast.com/

————————–

Thank you to our show’s sponsor, Hops Direct! Family owned and operated, Hops Direct provides a wide variety of hop selection and ships directly to your door. Learn more by visiting https://hopsdirect.com/?utm_source=HHH&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=HHH+link

————————–

This episode is brought to you by, Muntons Malts – a company that is passionate about providing premium malts to brewers worldwide. YOU can experience the difference Muntons offers by joining a recipe receiving tier of our Trub Club because every kit that ships out now includes premium Muntons Malt, join at https://www.patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour

————————–

Become a Patron!  Reminder that these episodes are ultimately made possible because of YOUR support. Consider becoming a member of our TRUB CLUB via our Patreon page and receive perks such as merch, exclusive group access and content, recipes, and some tiers even get monthly recipe kits mailed to you! https://www.patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour

————————–

Pros and Cons of Glass Carboys, Forgetting to Take Gravity Readings, & Using DME to Make Yeast Starters – Ep. 349

Howdy, Brewer!

A link for the Premium 18+ Liter Ball Lock Kegs we discussed in this episode: https://www.kegconnection.com/18-liter-ball-lock-keg-fully-remanufactured-aeb-safer-cornelius-see-description/

We hope you’re excited and ready for another episode of our weekly Homebrew Happy Hour podcast!THE home brew #podcast where we answer all of your home brewing questions and discuss anything related to craft beer!

A NOT SO SUBTLE REMINDER:

If you appreciate the things we do here at Homebrew Happy Hour, consider joining our Trub Club! Not only will you be supporting our efforts, but you’ll also receive exclusive perks such as HUGE discounts to Kegconnection.com, welcome packs with our merch, discounts to BrewersFriend.com, and lots more! Click the link and join today  —  https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21132635

On Today’s Show:

Pros and Cons of Glass Carboys, Forgetting to Take Gravity Readings, & Using DME to Make Yeast Starters
00:00:00 – 00:13:19 Sponsors & Small Talk
00:13:20 – 00:17:03 Listener Feedback
00:17:04 – 00:33:14 Pros and Cons of Glass Carboys
00:33:15 – 00:43:30 Forgot to Take Gravity Reading
00:43:31 – 01:00:35 Using DME to Make Starters
Links for this episode:
Wide Mouth Glass Carboy https://amzn.to/3LsB8ys
Dry Malt Extracthttps://amzn.to/3EN0Eec

We want to hear from you!

If you have a question that you’d like us to discuss on a future episode, please click on the “Submit a Question” link at the top of our website or you can now call in your questions via our questions hotline @ 325-305-6107 and leave your message after the beep. This is a friendly reminder that, if we choose your question for a future episode, we give you a $25 gift card to that episode’s sponsor!

Let us know what you think and enjoy the show!

cheers,

joshua

———————–

https://www.kegconnection.com/

Each and every episode is made possible by Kegconnection.com! Build the kegerator or keezer of your dreams using Kegconnection.com’s unique customizable product options that allows you to get exactly what you need. Kegconnection.com also stocks products and solutions for kegging kits, draft systems, hardware, components, cleaning and much much more. Kegconnection.com has been operating for more than 15 years in the industry and has established expertise and superior customer service. Visit Kegconnection.com and use our promo code HHH to receive 5% off of your order. Even better – join one of the premium tiers in our Trub Club and get up to 12% off your orders! That’s Kegconnection.com, promo code HHH or visit HomebrewHappyHour.com/club for more information.

————————–

Thank you to our show’s sponsor, Imperial Yeast, for supporting us and the homebrewing community. Learn more about why we LOVE Imperial Yeast by checking out their entire line, available at https://www.imperialyeast.com/

————————–

Thank you to our show’s sponsor, Hops Direct! Family owned and operated, Hops Direct provides a wide variety of hop selection and ships directly to your door. Learn more by visiting https://hopsdirect.com/?utm_source=HHH&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=HHH+link

————————–

This episode is brought to you by, Muntons Malts – a company that is passionate about providing premium malts to brewers worldwide. YOU can experience the difference Muntons offers by joining a recipe receiving tier of our Trub Club because every kit that ships out now includes premium Muntons Malt, join at https://www.patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour

————————–

Become a Patron!  Reminder that these episodes are ultimately made possible because of YOUR support. Consider becoming a member of our TRUB CLUB via our Patreon page and receive perks such as merch, exclusive group access and content, recipes, and some tiers even get monthly recipe kits mailed to you! https://www.patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour

————————–

Elevating Homebrewing Precision: Why the INKBIRD ITC-308 is a Game-Changer for Homebrewers

In the rapidly evolving world of homebrewing, the quest for precision, consistency, and quality is eternal. Whether you’re a novice trying to avoid that first disastrous batch or an experienced brewer seeking to fine-tune your favorite ale, one element remains crucial: temperature control. This is where the INKBIRD ITC-308 temperature controller comes into play, emerging as a revolutionary tool for homebrewers. This article will delve into why this piece of equipment can be such a game-changer for your homebrewing adventures.

The Importance of Temperature Control in Brewing

Before delving into the specifics of the INKBIRD ITC-308, it’s crucial to understand the role temperature plays in brewing. From the initial steps of mashing and fermentation to the final stages of bottling and conditioning, temperature exerts a pervasive influence. Deviations can result in off-flavors, poor yeast performance, and a range of brewing faults. In simpler terms, if you want good beer, you must control your brewing temperature.

Features of the INKBIRD ITC-308

Here’s what is included when you receive your Inkbird ITC-308

Dual-Stage Temperature Control

One of the standout features of the INKBIRD ITC-308 is its dual-stage temperature control. Not only can you use it to heat, but you can also use it to cool (Temperature Control Range:-50~120°C / -58~248°F)! This is critical during fermentation when maintaining a stable environment for yeast activity is crucial. You can connect a heating pad to the heating outlet and a refrigeration unit to the cooling outlet, and the INKBIRD will toggle between them to maintain the set temperature.

Plug-and-Play Setup

If you’re intimidated by the complexities of electrical wiring and setups, fret not. The INKBIRD ITC-308 offers a plug-and-play design that doesn’t require any complicated setup. Just plug your heating or cooling devices into the corresponding outlets, set your desired temperature, and let the device take care of the rest.

High Accuracy and Precision

With an accuracy level of ±1°C (-50 ~ 70°C) / ±2°F (-58 ~ 160°F), the INKBIRD ITC-308 is a highly reliable device for controlling temperature. When the stakes are high, especially during the fermentation phase, this kind of precision is invaluable.

Affordable

For all its capabilities, the INKBIRD ITC-308 comes at a surprisingly affordable price point. This is a huge benefit for homebrewers who may be operating on a tight budget but still desire a high level of control over their brews.

Excellent Protection for Outstanding Safety

The INKBIRD ITC-308 features compressor delay protection which is a safeguard that ensures the compressor does not cycle on and off too quickly. This helps prolong the life of your fridge/freezer/fermentation chamber and is a feature we certainly appreciate!

Built-in Alarms

The device features alarm functions for high and low-temperature limits. This is particularly useful for monitoring your brew when you can’t be physically present. If the temperature fluctuates beyond your set limits, an alarm will sound, allowing for prompt intervention.

Real-World Benefits for Homebrewers

The INKBIRD ITC-308 Mounted on a Keezer for Temperature Control

Consistency Across Batches

The INKBIRD ITC-308 enables you to recreate successful brews with a high degree of accuracy. By controlling temperature precisely, you eliminate one of the major variables that could otherwise result in batch-to-batch inconsistencies.

Experimentation with Confidence

For those who love experimenting with different types of beers, the INKBIRD ITC-308 provides the control needed to try out different fermentation profiles, yeast strains, and recipes, all while knowing that temperature won’t be a wild card in your experiments.

Time and Energy Efficiency

With automated temperature control, you free up your time and mental energy to focus on other critical aspects of brewing, like ingredient selection, mash efficiency, and sanitation.

Eliminates the Need for Constant Monitoring

The INKBIRD ITC-308’s built-in alarms and dual-stage control mean you can set it and forget it. No more constant checks or manual adjustments to maintain the right temperature.

The ITC-308 Mounts Easily & is Conveniently Accessible When You Need To Adjust It

Versatile Device for Various Temperature Controlling Scenarios

While we focused primarily on how a homebrewer would implement the INKBIRD ITC-308, it is worth noting that this product is also extremely useful for temperature controlling aquariums, terrariums, incubation set ups, and, really, any scenario you might find yourself needing precision temperature control. Given how affordable the ITC-308 is, it isn’t unlikely that I pick up another 1 or 2 for additional fermentation uses or other home projects I’ve got going.

Conclusion

In the age of smart technology and automation, the INKBIRD ITC-308 stands as a stellar example of how intelligent design can significantly benefit a traditional craft like homebrewing. By offering precise, dual-stage temperature control in an easy-to-use, affordable package, the INKBIRD ITC-308 has truly emerged as a game-changer in the homebrewing community. For anyone serious about brewing high-quality beer at home, incorporating this device into your setup can be a transformative experience.

Check out our unboxing & initial configuration video!

Converting a Fridge into a Fermentation Chamber, Using an Immersion Chiller as a Jockey Box Coil, & Should I Be Using RO Water for My Sanitizer – Ep. 348

Happy to see you, my friend!

A link for the Premium 18+ Liter Ball Lock Kegs we discussed in this episode: https://www.kegconnection.com/18-liter-ball-lock-keg-fully-remanufactured-aeb-safer-cornelius-see-description/

Thank you so much for joining us for yet another episode of our weekly Homebrew Happy Hour podcast!THE home brew #podcast where we answer all of your home brewing questions and discuss anything related to craft beer!

A NOT SO SUBTLE REMINDER:

If you appreciate the things we do here at Homebrew Happy Hour, consider joining our Trub Club! Not only will you be supporting our efforts, but you’ll also receive exclusive perks such as HUGE discounts to Kegconnection.com, welcome packs with our merch, discounts to BrewersFriend.com, and lots more! Click the link and join today  —  https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21132635

On Today’s Show:

Converting a Fridge into a Fermentation Chamber, Using an Immersion Chiller as a Jockey Box Coil, & Should I Be Using RO Water for My Sanitizer
00:00:00 – 00:18:50 Sponsors & Small Talk
00:18:51 – 00:26:35 Listener Feedback
00:26:36 – 00:37:05 Converting a Fridge into a Fermentation Chamber
00:37:08 – 00:44:53 Using Immersion Chiller as Jockey Box Coil
00:44:54 – 00:58:16 RO Water for Sanitizer
Links for this episode:

We want to hear from you!

If you have a question that you’d like us to discuss on a future episode, please click on the “Submit a Question” link at the top of our website or you can now call in your questions via our questions hotline @ 325-305-6107 and leave your message after the beep. This is a friendly reminder that, if we choose your question for a future episode, we give you a $25 gift card to that episode’s sponsor!

Let us know what you think and enjoy the show!

cheers,

joshua

———————–

https://www.kegconnection.com/

Each and every episode is made possible by Kegconnection.com! Build the kegerator or keezer of your dreams using Kegconnection.com’s unique customizable product options that allows you to get exactly what you need. Kegconnection.com also stocks products and solutions for kegging kits, draft systems, hardware, components, cleaning and much much more. Kegconnection.com has been operating for more than 15 years in the industry and has established expertise and superior customer service. Visit Kegconnection.com and use our promo code HHH to receive 5% off of your order. Even better – join one of the premium tiers in our Trub Club and get up to 12% off your orders! That’s Kegconnection.com, promo code HHH or visit HomebrewHappyHour.com/club for more information.

————————–

Thank you to our show’s sponsor, Imperial Yeast, for supporting us and the homebrewing community. Learn more about why we LOVE Imperial Yeast by checking out their entire line, available at https://www.imperialyeast.com/

————————–

Thank you to our show’s sponsor, Hops Direct! Family owned and operated, Hops Direct provides a wide variety of hop selection and ships directly to your door. Learn more by visiting https://hopsdirect.com/?utm_source=HHH&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=HHH+link

————————–

This episode is brought to you by, Muntons Malts – a company that is passionate about providing premium malts to brewers worldwide. YOU can experience the difference Muntons offers by joining a recipe receiving tier of our Trub Club because every kit that ships out now includes premium Muntons Malt, join at https://www.patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour

————————–

Become a Patron!  Reminder that these episodes are ultimately made possible because of YOUR support. Consider becoming a member of our TRUB CLUB via our Patreon page and receive perks such as merch, exclusive group access and content, recipes, and some tiers even get monthly recipe kits mailed to you! https://www.patreon.com/HomebrewHappyHour

————————–

Filtering Trub From My Fermentation Vessel, Pin Lock Keg Pressure Relief Valves, Our Pressure Fermentation Process, & Will Brewing At a Higher Temperature Affect My Beer’s Clarity – Ep. 347

Welcome back, homebrewer!

Thank you so much for tuning in to another episode of our weekly Homebrew Happy Hour podcast!THE home brew #podcast where we answer all of your home brewing questions and discuss anything related to craft beer!

A NOT SO SUBTLE REMINDER:

If you appreciate the things we do here at Homebrew Happy Hour, consider joining our Trub Club! Not only will you be supporting our efforts, but you’ll also receive exclusive perks such as HUGE discounts to Kegconnection.com, welcome packs with our merch, discounts to BrewersFriend.com, and lots more! Click the link and join today  —  https://www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=21132635

On Today’s Show:

Filtering Trub From My Fermentation Vessel, Pin Lock Keg Pressure Relief Valves, Our Pressure Fermentation Process, & Will Brewing At a Higher Temperature Affect My Beer’s Clarity
00:00:00 – 00:14:30 Sponsors & Small Talk
00:14:31 – 00:28:49 Filtering Trub Between Kettle & Fermenter
00:28:50 – 00:37:18 Pin Lock PRV
00:37:19 – 00:51:57 Our Pressure Fermentation Process
00:51:58 – 01:07:35 Brewing at Higher Temps & Beer Clarity
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The Difference Between Ball Lock Kegs and Pin Lock Kegs: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’ve delved into the world of homebrewing or craft beverage dispensing, chances are you’ve encountered the terms “ball lock” and “pin lock” kegs. While both serve the same primary purpose—storing and dispensing carbonated beverages—the two systems have distinct differences that can affect their compatibility and functionality. In this article, we will explore these differences in detail, helping you make an informed choice for your brewing or dispensing needs.

History and Origin

To understand the differences between ball lock and pin lock kegs, it’s helpful to know their origins. Ball lock kegs were initially created for the soda industry, specifically for Pepsi products. Pin lock kegs, on the other hand, were designed for Coca-Cola. Over time, homebrewers and craft beverage enthusiasts have adopted these kegs due to their reliable build and ease of use.

Physical Dimensions

Ball Lock Kegs

  • Height: Generally taller and slimmer, around 25 inches tall for a 5-gallon keg.
  • Diameter: Typically around 8.5 inches.

Pin Lock Kegs

  • Height: Usually shorter and fatter, about 22-23 inches tall for a 5-gallon keg.
  • Diameter: Approximately 9 inches.

The dimensions can influence how much space you have available for keg storage and what kind of kegerator setup you might use. The specific dimensions may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it’s always a good idea to measure the available space before purchasing a keg.

Connector Types

The primary difference between the two lies in the type of connector used to link the keg to the beer and gas lines.

Ball Lock Kegs

  • Gas-In and Beer-Out Posts: These are differentiated by a subtle collar around the base of the gas-in post.
  • Connector: The ball lock coupler clamps onto the keg posts using a quick snap-on, snap-off action, enabled by internal ball bearings.

Pin Lock Kegs

  • Gas-In and Beer-Out Posts: These are differentiated by the number of pins: 2 for gas, 3 for liquid.
  • Connector: The pin lock coupler attaches by sliding onto the keg posts and then turning to lock into place.

Compatibility and Interchangeability

Ball lock fittings are generally easier to adapt for various configurations, such as different types of tubing or connections. Pin lock fittings, while sturdy, are less versatile when it comes to customization.

Availability of Replacement Parts

Because of their widespread use and standardized design, ball lock kegs generally have more readily available replacement parts. Pin lock kegs are less common, which may make finding parts a bit more challenging.

Ease of Identification

Pin lock kegs make it nearly impossible to accidentally attach the gas line to the beer-out connector or vice versa, thanks to the different number of pins on each post. In ball lock kegs, the connectors can sometimes be mistakenly reversed, which may result in issues like beer flowing into the gas line.

Pressure Relief Valve

Both types of kegs usually come with a pressure relief valve to allow for the safe release of excess pressure. However, in most ball lock kegs, the valve is a pull-ring style that can be manually operated, while pin lock kegs often feature a pressure relief valve that automatically engages at a certain pressure level. You can also purchase a “poppet valve depressor” to make it easier to relieve pressure from your pin lock keg.

Cost

Generally, ball lock kegs tend to be slightly more expensive due to their greater availability and wider range of compatible parts. However, this can vary based on factors like quality, brand, and condition (new vs. refurbished).

Conclusion

Both ball lock and pin lock kegs offer reliable solutions for storing and dispensing your homebrew or craft beverages. Your choice between the two will likely depend on factors like available space, desired level of customization, and how much you value foolproof identification of gas and beer lines.

In essence, if you prefer a keg that offers greater compatibility, easier access to replacement parts, and don’t mind paying a bit more, a ball lock keg may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more compact design and want a foolproof system that minimizes the risk of accidental misconnections, a pin lock keg could be the better choice.