Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

First, I have started this thread as a place to keep all our beer and cider related issues, taunts and experiences (and over indulgences). Plus a place to discuss beer, wine and cider recipes. Please don't discuss moonshine or any illegal methods.....
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First Up.... Mexican Cerveza:

Anybody tried 'Corona' style beer making? I have picked one up from my local brewing supplier to give it a go. I go through so much Corona around here so it would be good to make my own similar tasting brew.

Any tips for keeping it cool during the fermentation process... It recommends 12-14 degrees C... I have never done a lager before so I was quite shocked at the recommended temps.

Anyone used a fridge for their brewing?

You sure about that 12-14 C? Thought even the European lager yeasts brewed at 18C.
I would find it strange that Mexico would develop a yeast to brew that low.

Only use the fridge for chilling them for drinking

Yeah, both the can and the guy in the shop recommended 12-14 degrees. It will work up to 30 degrees but the yeast will start to create a fruity taste above 20 degrees.

I think, I am going to use an insulated box, a coil of copper, a pump and a bucket of ice water. The pump will be controlled using a wine chiller controller.

Cool

Actually the wine fridges hold the temps at about that, so if you can get a second hand one would save you a lot of work.

I have an old fridge with an air con thermostat installed, Quite easy to control temps from 20 deg right down to below 10deg. "lagers" traditionally are brewed at temps that low or lower. I make lagers but brew them out at 18deg ish, have brewed them at lower temps but didn't get that much of an increase in the quality so I have stayed at doing them at 18deg. I have made a few Mexican lagers,(Coopers mex tins with extra 750gm light dry malt, 150gm powered corn syrup) and have sucessfully used liquid "mexican lager" (Whitelabs) yeast. It was really nice and now there is none left!
So you don't Have to keep it that low , but you are correct, under 20deg is better.
Good luck!
Axl

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Noli Illegitimi Carborundum

Only started a couple of months ago.
Made 3 brews ( Bottling number 3 today)
Can't say any have been successful

Brew 1: tasted more like sweet cider than beer, told it was because I fermented at too high a temp.

Brew 2: tried a glass last night, tastes sorta like beer but still on the sweet side may need more mutureing only 4 weeks old, 2 weeks in the bottle ( it has been suggested to leave at least 2 months before drinking but who can wait that long)

Brew 3: bottling today.

Brew 4: Making today.

Cheers, seasons greeting.
Ron

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I reserve the right to be completely wrong

I have a keg system setup in a fridge so I can carbonate etc in 3-4 days. Coopers mexican without modifications tastes great. Fermented in bathroom (in bath) around 20 deg. Any hotter and immerse in cold water. Remains constant temp or with small variations.

HEY! Who voted as me twice???

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I think I should have added an axl option as well....

Thanks for the tips... I am starting the brew after Christmas, I will get killed if I make any mess before then...

Its interesting to see the number of people who also home brew...

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"have you ever seen a one legged man try to dance his way free...if you've seen a one legged man you've seen me"

cheeky bugger

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haha

Can I add another option?
"Yes, Once or twice. but I am too lazy...."
tastes good but

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My system - Updated 24th August 2008
Less lawn, more grow beds !

Hi TimC,
I was told not to use copper pipes, because of the reaction the copper could have in contact with some liquids.
I know copper pipes are easy to bend into coils etc. and easy to work with.
Perhaps you could get a stainless steel coil.

I've been going to this forum

http://www.homebrewandbeer.com/forum/index.php

to try improve on my brewing technics

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I reserve the right to be completely wrong