Originally Posted by David Wilson (Post 3005438)

I'm keeping up, pretty interesting stuff, but clearly you guys are talking above my pay grade.

All I do is drink the stuff.

Originally Posted by cmbdiesel (Post 3005469)

Beer is a captivating thing. Making it can be as simple or complex as you want to make it. I just try to follow good sanitary procedures, and wing it, based on what I happen to feel like and what I have for ingredients...;) I generally don't keep a log anymore, nor follow recipes.

Originally Posted by cmbdiesel (Post 3005281)

The mash is all the grains steeping in the hot water, much like tea. When the tea, or wort, has reached the targeted goal (either starch conversion or specific gravity) then begins the runoff and sparge. Sparging is the introduction of hot water to the top of the mash as the wort is drained from the bottom. If you have fine ground grain or adjuncts like oats or rye in the mash, they can create a virtually impassable barrier to the wort as it tries to pass through the screen at the bottom of the mash tun. That is a stuck mash. Ideally, the screen is only there to keep the initial grains from passing through, and then the remaining grains create the actual filter. When the mash gets stuck, you really have no option but stirring or poking, either of which will introduce considerable cloudiness to the runoff.
Certainly not the end of the world, but can be concerning to some.;)

Originally Posted by MS Fowler (Post 3005669)

Doesn't that make it difficult to repeat a great brew? I would think a log would be a great help in not repeating past mistakes, or re-creating the best batch you ever made.
Maybe your memory is sufficient, and you don't need a log.

Originally Posted by cmbdiesel (Post 3005719)

I keep track of my grist bill when I'm making something new, but generally I brew variations on a theme. Seeing as how I haven't made a Grand Cru in a year, I will likely dig out my recipe from the last one, but making any of the English style pales, bitters or porters, I like to be able to call an audible from the line...;)

Originally Posted by benhogan (Post 3004898)

If I do lawn mower work for neighbors, instead of paying me in money, I ask for beer.

New Castle Brown Ale

Originally Posted by MS Fowler (Post 3005746)

My guess is that your "mistakes" are still quite drinkable.

Originally Posted by SwampYankee (Post 3005932)

My late uncle, who lived in Maine most of the year, spent the majority of his winters in the Keys. He worked at one marina as a mechanic for dockage for his boat and at another for beer.

Beer. It's not only the perfect "food", it's also a well-established currency! :D