FINAL GRAVITY PODCAST

First off, my apologies for not posting and keeping this Blog updated with fresh content.  Sometimes things get busy and a bit hectic for me and that keeps me from being able to post here as much as I'd like. 

Now on to the good stuff!  I picked up a new 100QT Stainless (25Gal) kettle from a reputable seller on Ebay (stereo345) for under $100.00 shipped to my door and couldn't wait to start punching holes in it.  When it arrived I immediately unpacked it and the kids both jumped in to play with their "New Fort". 

I let them play in the "New Fort" for a couple of days before putting in a bottom drain, whirlpool port, sightglass/thermowell & a mash recirc port in the lid.  The kettle turned out pretty well, I dimpled and soldered all the fittings the same way I did previously in my keggle.  Next it was time for a wet test.  I fired up my 5500W Heatstick and went to town.  I let the kettle sit overnight after heating the water and getting my boil-off rate just to be safe.  

Everything went as planned and the kettle sat idle for a few weeks, but I had big plans for her maiden voyage...   ...I picked up a used Red Wine Barrel from a local Winery and wanted to do a Homebrew Club Barrel Project.  It was a bit awkward getting this thing in to the basement myself but it made it downstairs with no major issues. 

The kids obviously didn't miss the opportunity to have a little photoshoot with the barrel.  They have affectionately named it "The Cow". 

We debated as a club as to what style we should age in the barrel and it was finally decided that a Belgian Tripel would be just the ticket, so now on to the brewday.  Some brewed in the comforts of their own homes, and I had a few members of the Club out to brew at my place.  Much Homebrew was consumed, good food was eaten, and everyone had a good time. 

We are racking to the barrel in just a few weeks so I'll update with some pictures and commentary on that.  Just one thing to note before I go, 50+ LBS of grain is a real pain to lift out of a kettle if you BIAB, there are plans for a hoist the next brewday!