I bottled my first batch of beer today.

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for future reference, clear bottles = skunk beer. When light penetrates the bottle it reacts with the alpha-acids in solution, isomerized from the hops in the boil, and creates thiols, sulfur compounds, which create the skunky aroma and off taste.

Wow, had no idea there were so many home brewers on Pelican! I started about a year and a half ago, and am now 13 batches in. I think the next stout will really be right -- I'm pretty sure I've got the grain bill, hop mix, and adjunct combination right. My Belgian is still awful, but my cider is improving. It's a great hobby, gives me an excuse to have awesome parties, and it's way cheaper than paying retail for good beer. :)

Dan

(hijack on)This bottle is just for show. I'm going to keep one bottle from each batch I make. The rest are in tinted bottles, & dark cool storage. (hijack off)

Last summer's outdoor brew day in July...
 

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That's a damn good idea! May steal that one.

Wow
 

I'm blown away how many of you brew your own beer! I love pulling the gas supply from your pool heater and then just sitting around the pool waiting & dreaming of the next batch! From my part of the California wine county the waiting and dreaming is about the same. Lets all raise our glasses high in the enjoyment of a fine home made brew!
Cheers:D
art

You'll end up here at somepoint -

Hauled home 995 lbs of grain from Syracuse to Buffalo as part of a group buy. Only about 250 lbs is for me, but I picked up for some others in the area.

It made for a nice little road trip for me and my 2 year old, and the Mazda5 was more than up to the task.

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If you want to put your own labels on the bottles, try this, LABELEY.

I did that too....I think my part was about 200 lbs.