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Beer/Questions Answered by Expert John Snyder
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Oiled Up | 10/22/2011 |
| Q: Can you explain the concept of summer and winter beer consumption from the basis of viscosity. I'd ... A: Summer and winter beer consumption is basically symbolic. Life is good again as spring ... | |
| FERMENTATION | 9/12/2011 |
| Q: During the fermentation process in beer,how can you relate sugar convertion to alcohol production? ... A: 1-- know the starting Specific Gravity ( O.G. )of the wort,before fermentation 2--take the Specific ... | |
| alcohol table | 7/31/2011 |
| Q: The value of alcohol strength depends on the temperature at the checking time. Right? Is there any ... A: I'm not sure I understand your question,as written.I'm assuming you want to compare the S.G. of beer ... | |
| Fermentation Temps for Wyeast Ringwood ale 1187 | 4/27/2011 |
| Q: Greetings John, I brewed a 5 Gal batch of IPA past Friday and pitched in Wyeast Ringwood Ale 1187. I ... A: 1---type of yeast strain yeast is major contributor to ester formation 2---increase wort ... | |
| Fermentation Temps for Wyeast Ringwood ale 1187 | 4/25/2011 |
| Q: Greetings John, I brewed a 5 Gal batch of IPA past Friday and pitched in Wyeast Ringwood Ale 1187. I ... A: The formation of esters has already taken place.The fermentation you have described has been ... | |
| The Real Answer? | 12/25/2010 |
| Q: Hey Mr. Snyder, I talked my girlfriend into getting me a Home brew kit for Christmas and my ... A: Congratulation's.I'm sure you will enjoy Homebrewing. Let me start by saying,continue with the ... | |
| Cider Fermentation | 11/22/2010 |
| Q: John, Thanks for the previous advice and I have started the fermentation process off, however it is ... A: Over yeasting may affect the cider taste,slightly.The white froth on your starter signifies to ... | |
| Cider Fermentation | 11/19/2010 |
| Q: I am aiming to make / brew cider for the first time from the apples dropping in my garden. I have ... A: Sorry I wasn't more clear with the "tight fermentation temperature" 1---the temperature of the ... | |
| Cider Fermentation | 11/18/2010 |
| Q: I am aiming to make / brew cider for the first time from the apples dropping in my garden. I have ... A: the driver is the residual extract that remains in the fermenting container,at transfer.Assuming you ... | |
| Cider Fermentation | 11/18/2010 |
| Q: I am aiming to make / brew cider for the first time from the apples dropping in my garden. I have ... A: Basically,the process is fine.I would add the following: 1---Make a yeast starter 2---carry out ... | |
| brewing | 9/1/2010 |
| Q: i was wondering if i can brew a fairly decent beer with inexpensive ingredients .mainly from stuff ... A: brewing a decent beer requires malt,hops,brewers yeast,and good water.Sugar can be used as a ... | |
| priming for bottling | 3/2/2010 |
| Q: Can I use Dried malt extract for priming instead of using corn sugar? ANSWER: Yes you can,but the ... A: to prime 5 gallons of beer for bottling with DME,use 5&1/2 oz.by weight,or 1&1/4 cup by ... | |
| homebrew kit alcohol content | 2/18/2010 |
| Q: I am just about ready to bottle my second batch of homebrew beer (a stout kit from an online ... A: Mfgrs.make malt extract by mashing grains,using traditional processes to produce wort(a sweet sugary ... | |
| homebrew kit alcohol content | 2/18/2010 |
| Q: I am just about ready to bottle my second batch of homebrew beer (a stout kit from an online ... A: On the assumption,that your readings were accurate,and your procedures were done according to ... | |
| Question | 2/8/2010 |
| Q: Sorry if this question is off topic, its something my friends and I have been wondering for some ... A: A normal low tolerance,for alcohol,stems from never having consumed alcohol.I.E.flushing of the ... | |
| Wort mix stability | 2/7/2010 |
| Q: I've been trying to brew using "Mr. Beer" products to first learn basics. Once I mix the wort from ... A: If the above stated temperatures 65F to 75F are accurate,then the fermentation will be completed in ... | |
| Expration | 1/29/2010 |
| Q: How long will it take for caned beer to go bad when keeped cold A: Beer doesn't go "bad"as related to a health issue.Beer loses it's freshness,flavor,aroma,and ... | |
| Caramel and Specialty Malts | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: John, In formulating extract/specialty grain recipes, I have read a wide range of opinions on how ... A: The amount of "sweetness"depends on how much barley dextrin remains after the malting process,and ... | |
| beer | 11/19/2009 |
| Q: describe a quality of beer that is beneficial to beer? A: I'm not sure if I understand your question,as written.My take is you are wanting to know what in the ... | |
| cider kit | 9/30/2009 |
| Q: Do you use the same procedure to brew the cider kit as to brew the lager kits hope you can help me ... A: You can bottle 1/2& barrel 1/2;however,if doing so,you would leave a big headspace in the barrel.All ... | |
| cider kit | 9/29/2009 |
| Q: Do you use the same procedure to brew the cider kit as to brew the lager kits hope you can help me ... A: You can use the same equipment,both for cider and beer,but once you have used it for 1 or the ... | |
| Hops | 9/11/2009 |
| Q: I live in the northern central part of Saskatchewan and have a hops plant growing in my yard. I ... A: I can't make a complete judgement,from that picture.The cone is not fully finished growing.I would ... | |
| Bad Batches! | 7/11/2009 |
| Q: I am an extract brewer that has made @ 10 batches. My first 6 batches turned out great! I am in a ... A: Let me ask the following: Have the last batches,during fermentation been active:I.E.having ... | |
| EXPIRATION OF BEERS | 5/12/2009 |
| Q: Do beers really expire? All beers though bottled or canned will have expiration dates printed on the ... A: On the bottle of Corona if it specifically,stated it was the production date,or as Budweiser ... | |
| EXPIRATION OF BEERS | 5/11/2009 |
| Q: Do beers really expire? All beers though bottled or canned will have expiration dates printed on the ... A: Beer is subject to taste and aroma decline,after packaging.It's a normal aging process.Brewers put ... | |
| fermentation stoped... | 4/26/2009 |
| Q: This is my second brew... this time I've chosen a beer kit named "brewferm", type: "Ambiorix". I ... A: That's excellent,carry on with your process,the S.G.is where it should be.CO2 bubbles trap ... | |
| fermentation stoped... | 4/24/2009 |
| Q: This is my second brew... this time I've chosen a beer kit named "brewferm", type: "Ambiorix". I ... A: 25 C is a high temp,for adding the yeast.Most likely,the real active fermentation has taken place ... | |
| alcohol in beer | 4/20/2009 |
| Q: Can you tell me how much alcohol is in beer? Thanks A: the following website has a chart of alcohol content of beer and ale.The alcohol is reported by ... | |
| specific gravity | 4/17/2009 |
| Q: Could you pls show me how to convert SG(20/20) to SG(20/4)? Thanks a lot. A: What you need is a temperature correction chart,or calculator. This site has an excellent ... | |
| Foam | 4/3/2009 |
| Q: This is my first time brewing beer.I got a eco kit with all the equipment.I'm brewing a cooper ... A: 27C was high.I would have not gone above 16C,for a lager.Yeast vitality and a too rapid fermenation ... | |
| beer odor | 3/22/2009 |
| Q: I live in a house that has been divided into 3 apartments. The tennant and landlord of the basement ... A: The skunk like odor could be that of aroma hops.Essential oils are produced from aroma hops,during ... | |
| Banana taste/smell.... | 3/9/2009 |
| Q: I haven't been brewing too long, but I've probably done about 6 batches of beer. I just bottled a ... A: No it's not an infection.It's a fruity character(esters) found in some ales.the banana aroma/flavor ... | |
| low sugar yield | 3/7/2009 |
| Q: I have been brewing for over 20 years. I recently bought a new 50 lb bag of 2 row pale malt. I ... A: There are a number of possibilites,beginning with the malt,itself,here are a few of them 1--was the ... | |
| Home Brew from grains | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: I have been brewing brewing ale for some years and gradually refined my brewing process by reading ... A: Gypsum is fine.You can also use Epsom Salt,and calcium chloride,or a combination. Keep any addition ... | |
| Home Brew from grains | 2/19/2009 |
| Q: I have been brewing brewing ale for some years and gradually refined my brewing process by reading ... A: It may be Astringency,which is sometime confused with bitterness,or sharp after taste. 1-It could ... | |
| fermentation again!? | 2/18/2009 |
| Q: I was ready to bottle my Canadian Lager home brew just yesterday when I noticed that it started ... A: If it was on the top end of the range,I would let it go another day.It may have been the ... | |
| hydrometer readings in beer making | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: I have a basic hydrometer. The beer I am able to brew at this time is 2 gallons each brewing. I ... A: During the production of malt extract,the concentration of the wort produces meanoidins,a color ... | |
| yeast activation | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: my boyfriend and i make beer alot and we are curious....why are you supposed to oxygenate the wort ... A: oxygen is vital to yeast at start of fermentation.It promotes the start of growth and reproduction ... | |
| hydrometer readings in beer making | 2/4/2009 |
| Q: I have a basic hydrometer. The beer I am able to brew at this time is 2 gallons each brewing. I ... A: First thing you need to know,is that the beginning and ending S.G.has already been determined by the ... | |
| O.G. Reading | 1/26/2009 |
| Q: I had a quick question on an O.G. Reading that I had after brewing my beer. The beer I am making is ... A: There will be no fermentation problem.The alcohol content will be lower. Did you boil the wort long ... | |
| Dry Hopping with Pellet Hops | 1/21/2009 |
| Q: I'm getting ready to rack my brew into the secondary fermentor and am planning on dry hopping. I've ... A: 5 days in fermentation was a little too soon to go to secondary,and the fermentation was still too ... | |
| Dry Hopping with Pellet Hops | 1/15/2009 |
| Q: I'm getting ready to rack my brew into the secondary fermentor and am planning on dry hopping. I've ... A: 1 oz.of hop pellets is ok.Some use up to two oz's/5 gallon,depending on hopping amount and types ... | |
| Dry Hopping with Pellet Hops | 1/8/2009 |
| Q: I'm getting ready to rack my brew into the secondary fermentor and am planning on dry hopping. I've ... A: My preference is for hop pellets,and added directly to the secondary(no Bag)the pellets sink right ... | |
| CO2, etc. | 1/7/2009 |
| Q: hope you had a nice holiday. I just had the best beer of my life -- the first bottle of my last ... A: Probably at any home brew store,a CO2 cartridge,and a dispenser.Years ago you could buy at retail ... | |
| sugar to yeast ratio | 1/7/2009 |
| Q: I'm new to homebrewing and was wondering what a good sugar to yeast ratio is for a 5 gallon batch? ... A: Joe Please provide me with more info:before I can be specific are you referring to priming? are ... | |
| CO2, etc. | 1/6/2009 |
| Q: hope you had a nice holiday. I just had the best beer of my life -- the first bottle of my last ... A: I enjoyed my holidays also.I indulged in import beers,during this time.It had been awhile,since I ... | |
| secondary fermenting | 12/26/2008 |
| Q: I have a plastic container without a spigot and am considering using a glass carboy for secondary ... A: Yes it is.Siphon the beer slowly,quiet(no splashing)Place the siphon hose at the bottom of the ... | |
| post carbonating wine and bottling containers | 12/10/2008 |
| Q: I'm working on buying all of the equipment needed to post carbonate wine and water. I'd like to ... A: Beer carbonation averages around 2.60 CO2/volume.At 10PSI & 33 -34 F,you would be in that average.At ... | |
| finings | 12/9/2008 |
| Q: is there a alternative you can use instead of beer finings to clearer beer.can you use gelatin and ... A: Ian Actually gelatins are beer finings Liquid Gelatin: 15ml/23 liters(approx 1/2oz./approx ... | |
| spoilage | 12/5/2008 |
| Q: I'm a first timer and with out knowing better (lack of reading the instructions completely) opened ... A: No you haven't ruined the batch,but did increase the chance for oxidation to take place(air getting ... | |
| various | 11/24/2008 |
| Q: I have a question, but I really just want to thank you for past information. The most notable is the ... A: I believe the head room i was referring to was in connection with transferring beer to secondary ... | |
| various | 11/23/2008 |
| Q: I have a question, but I really just want to thank you for past information. The most notable is the ... A: Glad to hear that the hose was the problem.It can be very frustrating,and time consuming tracking ... | |
| Bigger batches | 10/19/2008 |
| Q: I have been a homebrewer for a couple of years and a 5 gallon batch is just not enough. Between my ... A: Before answering yourwhat equipment and size do you have now,include -Bottling set up -heating ... | |
| acidic taste | 8/14/2008 |
| Q: I have been attempting to be consistent at brewing with kits. I have not been very happy with ... A: A sour vinegary could indicate an Aceto Bacteria infection.The term would be acetic.The ethanol ... | |
| fermentation/secondary fermentation | 8/11/2008 |
| Q: should I be adding a priming ingredient to the secondary fermentation? This is my first batch ever, ... A: Listed below are things you should not have done: 1--pitching yeast for 5 gallons,in a 2&1/2 ... | |
| acidic taste | 8/7/2008 |
| Q: I have been attempting to be consistent at brewing with kits. I have not been very happy with ... A: Your problem is most likely from a bacterial infection in your wort.Also possible during your ... | |
| Honey | 8/2/2008 |
| Q: Where would suggest to use honey and what quantity would you go for. I've read on a few of the ... A: Honey can be used,at wort boiling,or at fermentation,depending on taste you are looking for.Honey ... | |
| Air pick up | 7/4/2008 |
| Q: I've been reading many of your responses to questions in order to learn more about this great hobby. ... A: if you don't have a bottling bucket,open the fermenter and gently pour the priming solution into ... | |
| Air pick up | 7/4/2008 |
| Q: I've been reading many of your responses to questions in order to learn more about this great hobby. ... A: It is not bad to allow the beer to foam up when bottling.You want just enough foaming to slightly ... | |
| Removal of Crausen | 6/27/2008 |
| Q: it's only me again :) Tell me, some people say it is a good idea to remove the crausen created ... A: the initial kraeusen is removed by this method.It gives the best safeguard against air pick ... | |
| Removal of Crausen | 6/27/2008 |
| Q: it's only me again :) Tell me, some people say it is a good idea to remove the crausen created ... A: The only part of the foaming process,that you may want to get rid of is that foam that is formed ... | |
| Boiling wort | 6/26/2008 |
| Q: with extract brewing, you stated that boiling the wort is beneficial for many reasons. What is the ... A: 60 mins is norm.There is no difference between Lager and Ale boiling time.Boiling the wort will ... | |
| Boiling Wort | 6/23/2008 |
| Q: G'day, I'm fairly new at making home brew beer and I'm trying to learn as much as possible to ... A: Boiling of wort is very benefical.It sterilizes the wort,denatures the enzymes that were active in ... | |
| You asked me to list a few Brands of Beer | 6/20/2008 |
| Q: You asked me to list a few Brands of Beer so that you may better understand the 'taste' I'm looking ... A: Basically all of the above brews have these taste characteristics in common: fresh fruity aroma ... | |
| Sulphurous Taste in Beer | 6/19/2008 |
| Q: John, I'm an extract home brewer and I'm looking to achieve the Sulphurous Taste that you find in ... A: Again water conditioning is done during the mashing process,to make best use of enzymatic ... | |
| Sulphurous Taste in Beer | 6/19/2008 |
| Q: John, I'm an extract home brewer and I'm looking to achieve the Sulphurous Taste that you find in ... A: I'm still not really sure what that is that you are trying to describe.Carbonation could give you ... | |
| Sulphurous Taste in Beer | 6/19/2008 |
| Q: John, I'm an extract home brewer and I'm looking to achieve the Sulphurous Taste that you find in ... A: I think what you may be describing as a sulphur taste in commercial beer,is not actually that ... | |
| PH in water | 6/19/2008 |
| Q: the local water supply in our district has a PH of 8 to 8.5 and I was thinking of lowering it to ... A: Definitely not,never under any circumstance.Brewing water treatment is done with brewing salts,such ... | |
| Reusing yeast | 6/18/2008 |
| Q: may I reuse the yeast at the bottom of the fermentation container, for another batch, immediately ... A: Yes you can right after fermentation. transfer the yeast slurry to a clean container,add cold ... | |
| Beer storage/maturing | 6/17/2008 |
| Q: John, a while back someone asked you about beer/ale storage and you replied "flavor,taste,and aroma ... A: Yes that is a normal aging process,for packaged beer.It also applies to beer that is being ... | |
| Can brewing | 6/17/2008 |
| Q: I'm a can brewer wanting to get the very best from this simple method. Would you kindly itemize the ... A: I'm not sure what you mean by "can brewer"can you elaborate? Brewing 1-good ... | |
| Beer quality | 6/17/2008 |
| Q: Is it possible to make a Good Commercial quality beer using a can only ? Commercial beers ... A: That is false,no chemical additive is added to brewing process,just for taste,nor at any area of the ... | |
| Kegerator | 5/28/2008 |
| Q: Are you able to answer a question about a kegerator and the Co2 tank? ANSWER: yes.What is your ... A: First check for valve and fitting leaks.Use soapy water,on the valve and fittings,with the CO2 on.I ... | |
| Shelf Life of Miller Lite Beer | 5/24/2008 |
| Q: What is the shelf life of Miller Lite Beer? I'm asking this question because we have three cases ... A: normal shelf life for Miller Lite,or other light beers is normally 6 months,from packaging ... | |
| barley | 5/22/2008 |
| Q: hy, first off: as i understand it, malted barley contains sugars that have been converted from ... A: Let me say first:Malted barley does not contain sugar converted from starch.Malt contains ... | |
| finishing process of beer | 5/6/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering what exactly the finishing process of beer is and if it requires special equipment ... A: The finishing process is essentially as follows: 1---maturation of beer after fermentation ... | |
| using a dishwasher to clean bottles | 4/21/2008 |
| Q: I have some old dirty bottles that I found in the garage and I soaked them overnight in a bleach ... A: Here is what you should do:cleaning 1---fill the old bottles with straight bleach,and allow to sit ... | |
| Cooling the Wort | 4/21/2008 |
| Q: When I was cooling the wort in a sink of cool water I did not put a lid on my pot. It took about an ... A: Taste,unless you are equipped with a lab to do wort plating,and incubation.Just prior to ... | |
| Beer won't ferment (...yet...) | 4/15/2008 |
| Q: All grain brewing for 15 years. Moved and water here is very hard (8.5ph). Used acid-blend to ... A: What was your mash Ph?How was the malt modification? What temp did you hold your wort ,after ... | |
| Fermentation Questions | 4/9/2008 |
| Q: this is my first try at brewing my own beer so i most likely messed up already. I am using a Beer ... A: Take your sample,right after you fill your fermenter,then put the airlock on.Since you have no ... | |
| Fermentation Questions | 4/9/2008 |
| Q: this is my first try at brewing my own beer so i most likely messed up already. I am using a Beer ... A: By your description,of the fermentation process thus far,i would say that you had a good ... | |
| fermentation not starting. | 3/2/2008 |
| Q: (says it is lager yeast) The wort was about 75 when i pitched the yeast after a good 5 min ... A: 1st-75 degrees was too warm to pitch a Lager yeast,60 or less 2nd-55 degree was too cold to let the ... | |
| New batch | 1/28/2008 |
| Q: It has been over 36 hrs and no bubbles have appeared. The temp reads 60 deg because my wife wont ... A: You did well,that was a good fermentation.The fermentation is finished,and the gravity looks ... | |
| fermintation problem | 1/9/2008 |
| Q: It has been over 36 hrs and no bubbles have appeared. The temp reads 60 deg because my wife wont ... A: there are several causes for a fermentation not to start. I would say the number 1 cause here was ... | |
| very amateur brewer | 1/1/2008 |
| Q: I bought a Mr. Beer kit on the recommendation of a friend. My original plan was to get good cheap ... A: read the following websites,then if any questions,I will be glad to help you.The info provided by ... | |
| fermentation | 12/21/2007 |
| Q: How do you know if you got a bacteria infection. My pale ale started to ferment.After 1 day stoped.I ... A: By taste,sour or buttery tasting.By your description,it appears your problem was a big temperature ... | |
| {new} CLASSIC 1960's SCHLITZ BEER | 12/20/2007 |
| Q: WHERE CAN I PURCHASE THE ABOVE SCHLITZ BEER IN MINNEAPOLIS? A: Here are Schlitz Distributors for Mn.Call one of them,near you,and they can tell you what retailer ... | |
| scope | 11/23/2007 |
| Q: it's me. You mentioned the use of a microscope to determine bacterial colonization in my siphon ... A: Rinse the bag,after use,then clean in the washing machine,followed by soaking in a sanitizing ... | |
| scope | 11/22/2007 |
| Q: it's me. You mentioned the use of a microscope to determine bacterial colonization in my siphon ... A: I will put together a list tomorrow,for you to look at in the scope.I'm too full of turkey now.Here ... | |
| Upping alcohol content | 11/17/2007 |
| Q: I am a beginning home brewer and on our last batch we made an Irish Stout from a kit. After we ... A: No,not without ruining the taste.The next time,a boil over occurs,evaporate more of the wort,to ... | |
| sanitation | 11/9/2007 |
| Q: John, I use Star-san on my equipment and rubbing alcohol to swab the decks and even pass spoons over ... A: no that hose must be replaced.There are brushes available that can be used to clean the inside ... | |
| sanitation | 11/7/2007 |
| Q: John, I use Star-san on my equipment and rubbing alcohol to swab the decks and even pass spoons over ... A: your kraut activity won't cause the problem you have.Definitely throw out that siphon hose.If you ... | |
| hops | 11/5/2007 |
| Q: it's me again. What could happen if too few hops are used in the boil? Thanks, -Jim S., ... A: Again Jim you have an infection problem,and need a good sanitation clean up in your system.Acidity ... | |
| hops | 11/5/2007 |
| Q: it's me again. What could happen if too few hops are used in the boil? Thanks, -Jim S., ... A: Jim that is definitely an infection,not lack of hops.At what stage do you first note the sourness?I ... | |
| first time largar brewer | 10/13/2007 |
| Q: could you tell me witch book would help me with my larger brewing and is it better to bottle the ... A: Definitely better to bottle it.Plastic barrels can have an adverse affect on beer taste,and ... | |
| sugar on beer | 9/27/2007 |
| Q: In February you posted that the carb content in a regular 12oz. beer is about 12-16 grams of which ... A: the carbohydrate makeup in wort,is Glucose,Fructose,Sucrose,Maltose,and Maltotriose.Maltose is the ... | |
| storage help | 9/10/2007 |
| Q: is it best to use plastic fizzy pop bottles or glass for storage at the moment use ing plastic beer ... A: Aways use glass.I'm confused is it beer or wine you are describing as vinegary.Poor sanitation,and ... | |
| culturing yeast | 9/7/2007 |
| Q: I am wanting to start culturing my own yeast. i would like to use sediment from some commercial ... A: 1---after the primary fermentation has finished,put the fermenter in the refrigerator 2---after 1 ... | |
| beer | 9/3/2007 |
| Q: IS THERE A FORMULA OR WAY TO FIGURE; THE AMOUNT OF SUGAR, HONEY, BROWN SUGAR, MALT... THAT WILL BE ... A: Hydrometers used by Brewers are either scaled in Plato,or Balling.the two scales are so close,that ... | |
| culturing yeast | 9/2/2007 |
| Q: I am wanting to start culturing my own yeast. i would like to use sediment from some commercial ... A: I hate to disappoint you,but the process you are describing would be a waste of time and ... | |
| culturing yeast | 9/2/2007 |
| Q: I am wanting to start culturing my own yeast. i would like to use sediment from some commercial ... A: Can you be more specfic about,about culturing your own yeast?By that do you mean growing a culture ... | |
| adding more yeast | 8/30/2007 |
| Q: I started a West Coast Pale Ale Mr Beer kit last night, I took a chance on the yeast that was with ... A: fermentation has a lag phase,of up to 24 hrs,before it takes off.Was your dry yeast Re-hydrated ... | |
| dry hopping | 8/29/2007 |
| Q: it's me again. I am still having trouble with strong flavors in my brew. After a lot of thought I ... A: Jim,that flavor is probably in the wort due to the release of these tannins (polyphenols) from the ... | |
| fermentation | 8/23/2007 |
| Q: Ive recently been given a brewing kit and have started brewing an ale from a can kit. i followed the ... A: I don't know what your starting S.G.was so I can't tell you how far the fermentation had ... | |
| Carbonating wine or other beverages | 7/25/2007 |
| Q: I asked you about making a malt beverage earlier this month. Sorry but I'm back. I haven't tried the ... A: Equipment needed: 1-CO2 tank 2-Gas pressure regulator 60-100 psi 3-Cornelius Keg,or kegs ... | |
| Malternative Brews | 6/30/2007 |
| Q: Mr. Snyder, I'm very interested in making my own malt beverage, similar in taste to Mike's Hard ... A: Colin go to this site: http://www.howtobrew.com/section1/chapter1.html and read this ... | |
| Malternative Brews | 6/30/2007 |
| Q: Mr. Snyder, I'm very interested in making my own malt beverage, similar in taste to Mike's Hard ... A: I have never tasted Mike's Hard Lemonade,so I can't tell you if the following satisfy what you are ... | |
| Fermentation stopped? | 6/25/2007 |
| Q: : First let me thank you for taking the time to answer questions for people... it's VERY ... A: There are several things that may have been the cause,based on your statements. Since the ... | |
| beer temperature | 6/19/2007 |
| Q: What is the proper temperature to serve beeer? A: Beer at room temperature will bring out the flavors and aromas,for rating beer,but,is to warm for ... | |
| Brewin! | 6/13/2007 |
| Q: I am just starting out brewing and don’t have the money to buy any of the ready made kits, so I’ve ... A: first let me recommend you to this site,then click on homebrew: ... | |
| keeping yeast from primary fermenter | 6/6/2007 |
| Q: I have searched and asked questions on forums, but have yet to find a simple procedural answer to ... A: If using water: 1-it should be sterile distilled 2-chill to 33 to 38 F 3-wash the yeast ... | |
| wort issue | 6/1/2007 |
| Q: it's me again. My question this time is: How much does the malt/sugar percentage effect the ... A: Dry hopping is used to impart strictly aroma in beer.Usage is normally a 1/4 oz to 1 ounce.Figure 4 ... | |
| wort issue | 5/30/2007 |
| Q: it's me again. My question this time is: How much does the malt/sugar percentage effect the ... A: I'm not quite understanding,what you mean by hot saccharin solution,or hop elements. Malt/sugar% ... | |
| finished beer | 5/21/2007 |
| Q: I had started the question and I don't know if I sent it or not so I'll start again!! I have ... A: First,i'm sorry to say, dump the bottles and start over.Don't be dismayed,by that batch.Questions: ... | |
| beer storage | 5/19/2007 |
| Q: Can you remove beer: corona, miller etc. from a cold ice chest and store back at room temperature? A: Yes you can.Just keep in mind that at room temperature the fresh crispness taste of the beer will, ... | |
| How to tell you have Bad beer? | 5/17/2007 |
| Q: I brewed three times from home. The first time I brewed a red killians type of beer that had ... A: the higher the fermentation temp,the faster the fermentation proceeds.64-66 F is too high for a ... | |
| allgrain | 5/12/2007 |
| Q: would like to try allgrain brewing,but would like to brew low alcohol about 2.5%to 3% can you tell ... A: Ingredients: 7-LB Pale 2 Row Malt 1.5-LB Crystal 60 malt 1/2 oz.Styrian hop pellets 1 Oz.Fuggle hop ... | |
| allgrain | 5/11/2007 |
| Q: would like to try allgrain brewing,but would like to brew low alcohol about 2.5%to 3% can you tell ... A: Ok,you have enough equipment for brewing.The starch testing is to make sure that you have converted ... | |
| Miller Lite Bottle Beer | 4/29/2007 |
| Q: John: What is the shelf life of this beer in the refrigerator? A: assuming the beer was refrigerated at the retailer,9 months to 1 year,before the freshness and ... | |
| flip top bottles and flat beer | 3/13/2007 |
| Q: We recently brewed a batch of beer and bottled 1/2 of it in regular 12 oz. metal capped bottles and ... A: Based on the info,you submitted,I would surmise the problem was in the sealing of the flip top ... | |
| sugar on beer | 2/13/2007 |
| Q: Hey, thanks. It did help, but I should have been more precise. I'm not diabetic. I have unusually ... A: The range of carbohydrates in regular beer is 12-16 grams.There are 4 sugars that are part of the ... | |
| beer kit expiration | 2/7/2007 |
| Q: My friend gave me 2 cases of John Bull beer making kits. The expiration on the bottom of the can is ... A: the yeast would definitely not be suitable.Expiration dates are normally based on worst case ... | |
| priming-krausening | 1/17/2007 |
| Q: Would you please tell me more about the answer you gave on 05/28/2004,on the same subject: "What you ... A: the method,i described above will work fine,and no problem with exploding bottles,if done ... | |
| priming-krausening | 1/16/2007 |
| Q: Snyder,in your answer on how to prime green beer, by using stored wort,there is no mention of using ... A: Krausening is adding fermenting wort,that still has very active yeast,and fermentable sugars left,to ... | |
| Ice Brewing | 1/4/2007 |
| Q: What distinguishes the Ice Brewing process from other brewing processes? What are the advantages of ... A: The difference is after the brewing process. In the storage,or finishing process,the beer is chilled ... | |
| yeast | 12/19/2006 |
| Q: Is it possible to add more yeast to the wort after the fermenting process is done. I added the yeast ... A: It's possible,but tricky,and can greatly affect the taste,in a bad way. Briefly can you give me the ... | |
| Ice beer | 10/26/2006 |
| Q: Is it a fact that the ice brewing process further removes some of the enzymes creating hangovers? A: No that is not true."Ice Brewing"removes more of the haze producing particles,such as tannins,and ... | |
| beer and chemicals | 10/17/2006 |
| Q: which common pub beers contain added chemicals or arent natural? A: I hate to tell you this,but it's a myth that beer has loads of chemicals added to it.There are ... | |
| hop schedule | 10/17/2006 |
| Q: it's me again. I've been putting your advice to good use. I'm going to brew again soon so here's ... A: Based on what you are telling me,Jim,I would say the hops you just got is the problem.It appears to ... | |
| Opened Beer Expiration? | 9/26/2006 |
| Q: if a 40 oz of beer was opened approx. 3 months ago, but kept sealed and untouched since, is it still ... A: assuming the beer you are asking about is stored in the fridge: 1-if full,slighty flat,and loss of ... | |
| Beer not clearing | 9/3/2006 |
| Q: I brewed bitters about 10 yrs ago & have just come back to it, but I have forgotten some basic ... A: You can use additional finings.Give it 10 days,then transfer to another barrel,or to bottles,then ... | |
| beer storage | 8/29/2006 |
| Q: Is it true that once beer has been refrigerated, it shouldn't be taken out of refrigeration and ... A: not true.Beer naturally goes bad faster in flavor and taste when left in room ... | |
| Oyster Lager | 8/27/2006 |
| Q: I took a tour of the Anhauser-Busch plant in Merrimack, NH recently. The guide was talking about ... A: The guide is partially correct.Some English Stouts were made with oysters (shucked),oysters ... | |
| Lime in a Corona? | 8/17/2006 |
| Q: Please clear this up for me. Some of the gentlemen in my office think I talk out my a-- when it ... A: That is one of several reasons given for the lime Another that the beer being so light was almost ... | |
| Fermentation temperature | 8/1/2006 |
| Q: . The initial phase was very active. The foam didn't reach the airlock, because there was too much ... A: Looks like your fermentation was not affected by the temp drop in the room because the room temp ... | |
| Fermentation temperature | 8/1/2006 |
| Q: This is my first time brewing, and I had an unexpected problem. 2 days after I put the wort into the ... A: How active was the fermentation,before the room temperature drop?How was the activity,since?It's ... | |
| Foaming Beer | 7/26/2006 |
| Q: I have made homemade beer for years and have never had this problem. When I open a beer I get ... A: most cases of gushing,as your description suggests,is due to overpriming or microbial spoilage in ... | |
| gelatin? | 7/23/2006 |
| Q: John. Per your suggestion I plan to wait longer before I bottle and try fresh hops at the next ... A: Jim the plan overall looks good to me,with one exception: I would put the gelatin in when the hops ... | |
| gelatin? | 7/22/2006 |
| Q: Yeah, John. I think you advised me to do the gelatin at bottling a few days ago. Is that what you ... A: In our discussion about isinglass,(gelatin) I said put it in at the end of fermentation stage,when ... | |
| decanting | 7/21/2006 |
| Q: John! From your discussion I would gather it's a good idea to change carboys along the way(every ... A: It's safe to do dry hopping 7 days after pitching.As i said earlier the bubbling rate drops off ... | |
| another Q | 7/21/2006 |
| Q: Does the 2-3 weeks of conditioning you describe have more to it than just dry hopping? I suppose the ... A: The condtioning period is very important.This process is a function of the yeast.Many different ... | |
| aging temperature | 7/19/2006 |
| Q: but I'm trying to sort out your answer. Maybe I should just get down to the particulars. I brewed ... A: Let me back up,now that I know what process you are using.I was describing a process,for a brewer ... | |
| aging temperature | 7/18/2006 |
| Q: I'm back with another question. As a very small-scale home brewer in Southern California I naturally ... A: When fermentation is finished,the aging of the fermented product should be done cold,32 to 34 F.Once ... | |
| Growing Hops | 7/11/2006 |
| Q: Is it possible to grow hops im my area? Our elevation is aprox. 4200 feet and is in south Idaho ( ... A: I would say you should have no problem growing hops in your area.Idaho is 1 of three states where ... | |
| hops | 6/23/2006 |
| Q: Yeah I should have told you that. I live in Colorado, zip code 81235. Thanks.I am interested in ... A: There are a total of 20 varieties of hops,for brewing,grown in the USA.The states growing these hops ... | |
| wort concentration | 6/19/2006 |
| Q: I only use light malt extract, I don't mash. Would there be much difference? Also, what is ... A: It wouldn't make that much differnce,but as i said add the water just prior to bottling. Isinglass ... | |
| fermentation | 6/18/2006 |
| Q: ihave a geordie lager brewing and is at the fermentation stage and has a sg of 1.04 after two weeks ... A: Not knowing what your original specific gravity was,i cannot tell you the extent of your ... | |
| gypsum | 6/18/2006 |
| Q: So gypsum lowers PH, meaning makes it more to the acid side of the scale? Hmm. I know you can't ... A: Drinking water PH is in the 6 to 8.5 range.Above 8.5 water hardness becomes great.Mash optimum PH is ... | |
| wort concentration | 6/18/2006 |
| Q: I'm back with another question! I am quite the amateur home brewer - no expert - and I have this ... A: The only advantage is if fermenting capcity is limited.The water should be added at the end,just ... | |
| gypsum | 6/17/2006 |
| Q: Remind me again what exactly gypsum does for the brewing water? Some older recipes say to add ... A: Gypsum is Calcium Sulfate.It adds calcium if the water is low in sulfate.It lowers Ph.Brewing salts ... | |
| CO2 | 6/8/2006 |
| Q: I used to "home brew" using bottles. A freind of mine, who works in the restaurant industry, gave ... A: the CO2 is still usable.The question would be is there any left.If the outlet valve had a minute ... | |
| Beer Making | 5/31/2006 |
| Q: John, Can you help me get set up making beer. I don't have a clue where to start. Thanks, Jason ... A: Jason let me start you off,with this website.After you have gone through the material,I will answer ... | |
| beer storage | 5/13/2006 |
| Q: My stepfather brought some bottled Miller Genuine Draft over on election day. the color was dark and ... A: from your description,i would agree with you,the beer was stored too long.Heat ruins beer ... | |
| fermenting | 5/13/2006 |
| Q: i was just wondering why the pH of the yeast is so important during fermentation and why it drops ... A: Normal yeast Ph is 5.0 to 5.7.This is based on the make up of the yeast cells.Yeast Ph actually ... | |
| yeast | 4/15/2006 |
| Q: What are your thoughts on re-using yeast from your last batch? Thanks, -Jim S. A: That's fine,depending on how the yeast is handled.Breweries reuse their yeast,for 5 or 6 ... | |
| beer storage | 4/6/2006 |
| Q: While my question is not directly a part of your expertise, i really can find no where else to find ... A: no the caps won't blow off;however,storing beer at those temperatures will ruin the taste,in as ... | |
| Why had my beer stopped bubbling? | 1/19/2006 |
| Q: I recently brewed my first batch of light Ale beer. It has been 4 days and the bubbling during the ... A: From your description,i would say that the fermentation is normal. Here is a thumb nail series of ... | |
| clone | 10/1/2005 |
| Q: i bet you havent heard this question, but my girlfriend really enjoys light beer i wan to brew a ... A: You haven't stated whether,or not you have ever made a homebrewI'm assuming that you have not.Please ... | |
| school | 4/25/2005 |
| Q: I am a single mother of 1 and I am looking for a college that I can get my brewmasters degree. I ... A: Ms Burkett:Here is the best site for you to look at: www.ucdavis.edu/.This university has an ... | |
| Sterilising of bottles | 10/31/2004 |
| Q: One other thing, what's the best chemical for cleaning bottles? Thanks for your help.I have been ... A: A 2% caustic solution,(sodium hydroxide)is best,for cleaning residue from beer bottles,or fermenting ... | |
| Sterilising of bottles | 10/29/2004 |
| Q: I have been told of two ways to sterilise your bottles. The first is to rinse bottles and let them ... A: The first thing to remember,before sterilizing your beer bottles in the methods you described,or any ... | |
| water ph | 10/23/2004 |
| Q: where do i obtain litmus paper and the colour chart to go with it.In south australia there are no ... A: W.Lord,check out this site ... | |
| milk products in beer | 10/15/2004 |
| Q: I wonder if you could tell if most beers contain milk protiens or lactose. I am allergic to these ... A: Most beers do not contain milk proteins,or lactose.Lactose is used by some breweries,to give the ... | |
| brewing beer | 9/7/2004 |
| Q: I had a question about home brewing. I brewed my first batch and am ready to bottle it. I tasted it ... A: The cidery taste won't go away.There is nothing you can do about it being watered down.the cidery ... | |
| No bubbling | 9/5/2004 |
| Q: John, I just made a batch of wort with what may have been old yeast. Anyway, the wort didn't appear ... A: Most likely your yeast wasn't viable enough,based on the age of it.You could still test it,by ... | |
| No bubbling | 9/4/2004 |
| Q: John, I just made a batch of wort with what may have been old yeast. Anyway, the wort didn't appear ... A: Personally,i wouldn't heat up the wort again.With yeast already in the wort,and hops,you would be ... | |
| Brewing Recipies | 8/11/2004 |
| Q: I would like to know what you need to make good beer from the types of pots you need, hops, etc.. I ... A: Here are 2 sites,that you should look at: www.howtobrew.com/section1/chapter1-1.html ... | |
| brewing | 7/17/2004 |
| Q: i hope u remember me , i am a malster and i have been asking on malting.Today again it is a problem ... A: As stated earlier malt pH is around 6.0,with the min being 5.1 and the max 6.2.Alpha- Amylase ... | |
| brewing | 7/15/2004 |
| Q: How does PH value effects the brewing.My customer has given me a range of 5.5 to 5.7. Generally it ... A: pH values affect the mash program,affect extract yield,hop bitterness,malt flavor,beer ... | |
| grog | 6/24/2004 |
| Q: Please tell me the reciepe for grog? Is it a beer based drink? Or is it a rum based drink? Can you ... A: Grog was a Rum,diluted 3 to 1 with water,then lime,or lemon juice added,plus sugar to taste.A pint ... | |
| priming/ carbonation | 5/28/2004 |
| Q: i was wondering if you could tell me a way to carbonate my home brew in the bottle without the ... A: What you are looking at is a process called Kraeusening,that involves adding freshly fermenting wort ... | |
| Maltster | 5/2/2004 |
| Q: Could you please explain what a maltster did in the beer making process, presumably at village pubs, ... A: The maltster selected cereals,mainly barley,from the growing fields,for malting.The barley could ... | |
| beer bottles | 4/1/2004 |
| Q: I have been told that you can use the "twist top" bottles which some of the major beer manufacturers ... A: The bottles that use twist caps,are put on by a special capper.Those bottles are also very thinned ... | |
| storing strong ales | 3/25/2004 |
| Q: i was wondering about storing strong beers (10% or more ABV). is it okay to age strong beers? if ... A: flavor,taste,and aroma begin to deteriorate in beer and ales as they age in the bottle.This is a ... | |
| Ice Brewing | 12/7/2003 |
| Q: What is the process of brewing that results in an ice brew? like natural ice, michelobe ... A: The ice process takes place just prior to the packaging operation.The finished beer is subjected to ... | |
| Beer & Wine | 10/20/2003 |
| Q: I want to about the art of making wine from grapes. Could you help ? also could you please tell me ... A: My expertise is brewing,not wine making.Go to this site for info,on beer ... | |
| Beer storage | 10/2/2003 |
| Q: Every time we have a party my boss puts heaps of beer bottles in the fridge. And we have lots of ... A: There is no immediate problem with removing the beer from the fridge,and storing it,at room ... | |
| malting | 7/11/2003 |
| Q: i have already put this question to many experts on this site but no to the point reply.If you can ... A: Germination,or house fans-push or pull large volumes of humidified,attemperated air through the ... | |
| any comercial beer | 3/5/2003 |
| Q: How much sugar is in beer? Or to the point Carbohydrates? Is it safe to drink for a diabetic? A: The average beer contains 13 to 15 grams of carbohydrates/12oz.Light beers contain an average of 5 ... | |
| plastic taste brown ale | 1/20/2003 |
| Q: I recently brewed a batch of all grain terrible tasting brown ale that has an overpowering taste and ... A: Assuming the beer tasted fine until you packaged it;the following are possibilities: 1 the ... | |
Beer
Answers by Expert:
John Snyder
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I will answer questions about the brewing of beer,it`s process flow,quality control,and raw materials used in the brewing process.Brewing calculations, recipe formulations,and solving of brewing,fermenting, storage and finishing problems,will also be answered
Experience
41 years in the beer industry,with 20 years as Brewmaster;10 years as brewing Chemist
Education/Credentials
B.S.in chemistry.Brewmasters degree.Sensory training
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