1 last mash tun question before my first AG brew...

[Fierce Beard]

Hey fellas

I built a stainless steel braided ring as per the instructions in "How to Brew." I ran into trouble when I was fitting the braid to the 5/8" compression t fitting. One end of the braid slipped into the compression fitting neatly and without hassle. The other end, however, got kind of mauled as I tried to get it through the copper tubing. It's sort of crushed.

I could cut off the 2" or so of the braid that is crushed and re-fit it to the 5/8" compression fitting (using a dremel tool, I think, so I don't crush it anymore since the hose is already pulled out), but I'm concerned that I won't have enough braid to go round.

I'm really excited to do my first AG batch on Saturday, and could really use the $20 bucks or so that a new braided hose will cost for yeast...

Can I get away with my set-up on Saturday, or will I just wind up angry and ashamed?

[snowcapt]

Just do it.

[snowcapt]

How did the brew session go? Riddled with spills and stickiness? Hit your numbers? Did it work?
Do tell!

[Fierce Beard]

How did the brew session go? Riddled with spills and stickiness? Hit your numbers? Did it work?
Do tell!

The actual brew didn't go so bad. I came close to my numbers (first brew on a new system, still dialing in), and had a pretty good time.

However...

I failed to take into account that my street is under construction, the city water lines are being replaced, and I'm on "temporary water."

I knew I was on temp water, but I'd tasted it and looked at the report. What I failed to account for was this: the water source itself is far, far away. It snakes toward my home through black, above-ground hoses. My coldest water last Saturday was 90 degrees - after letting it run for way too long, it was over 100 for a quite a few minutes.

So, when I went to use my immersion wort-chiller, it didn't chill very well. I spent 25 dollars on ice (racing back and forth between my home and the gas station) trying to cool my 1st full volume boil in an icebath. The sink isn't deep, not much of the kettle was actually beneath the surface of the icebath. It took me over 2 hours to cool to 80 degrees, and by then I was so tired and frustrated I just said f it and pitched.

She's bubbling away happily right now, but I doubt it will be the best beer ever.

Next time, I should have cold water.....

[snowcapt]

Sounds like it was a typical first brew! Not too daunting, I presume.
When are you thinking of doing another one? I have to be in St Cloud some time this week, probably Friday afternoon. Perhaps a pint or 3 at McCann's? And congrats!

[Fierce Beard]

Sounds like it was a typical first brew! Not too daunting, I presume.
When are you thinking of doing another one? I have to be in St Cloud some time this week, probably Friday afternoon. Perhaps a pint or 3 at McCann's? And congrats!

As much as I'd love to meet you for a pint (or 3), my older sister bought me tickets to We Fest for my birthday. It's not exactly my scene, but I'll get to hang with my sister and my older brother (who I haven't seen for like 6-7 years). On the plus side, I'll get to see Willie Nelson & Charlie Daniels, which should be pretty fun.

That said, next weekend would be better...