The Bar Towel

@boney How would you rate the overall patronage levels in Hamilton's craft beer establishments these days -- up or down? (Relative to better economic times.) I'm also wondering if smoking rates rise and fall with economic climates. (And how beer preferences -- craft/macro -- correlate. Canadian is c...

This thought seemed ludicrous when it first crossed my mind, but, the more I think of it, is it possible that certain beers are formulated to appeal to smokers? For example, in my extremely unscientific study, I've attended my local pub for almost 25 years. I've noticed that those who order craft (o...

We had an indoor cat go missing for several days a couple of years ago. She hadn't an ounce of street savvy, and our property is close to a ravine with a population of foxes, raccoons, and, so my neighbour tells me, coyotes. All under the close eye of a kettle of hawks. She's beside me as I type thi...

I should probably amend my comment to just say there's a serious QC problem, whatever the cause.

I bought two bottles today -- neither had a bubble of carbonation. Taste was good though, so my observations are generally in agreement with previous comments. I noticed a very small amount of crusting around the mouths of the bottles. I'm wondering if there's been an adjustment on the bottling line...

Very sad news. I'm definitely going to miss this place. (My musician-type friends and I would often stop in for a post-rehearsal pint or two.)

I shall wholeheartedly welcome the new operation with a permanent boycott.

I hadn't considered the starter angle for longer hold times...

How is your fermentation progressing?

Your window is about 2 weeks, max. When your current primary is finished: 1. Sanitize the same sort of jar you'd use for a starter -- it'll need a stopper and an airlock. 2. Sanitize a spoon or a ladle. After racking, scoop the yeast from the bottom of your primary fermenter and put it into the jar,...

Are you planning to brew again as soon as this batch is finished primary fermentation?

Agreed. Sounds like fermentation is going well at this point.

Please keep us posted.

Keep an eye on your airlock and how long you notice action. My main concern at this point might be your OG -- you've added extra DME and your initial wort volume is less than the recipe called for. You may want to add a gallon of boiled and cooled water to the fermenter, along with another shot of y...

My best advice is to not worry about it -- yet, at least. My first batch was potentially botched in every way possible, but it turned out great. (Note that 'great' at that point just meant it was drinkable and not infected.) I find the brewing process can sometimes seem stressful; I often feel I'm u...

I wish I'd seen this. Takeaway lesson: Keep an eye on the events board...