4 Dog Brewery

I can do a one step starter in my 5 L flask. There is a change of plans due to being busy. I made a small starter just to update the yeast before it gets too old.  Made a 1.4L starter. ( used all of my DME I had ) I ended up with basically 200 billion cells. That will sit in the fridge until I can top it up to brew a Kolsch in July sometime. I have to let it slide for 17 days and make another starter just for brew day. On July 12, make a 4 L starter and when done, remove 500 ml for an over build. Done. After this I can just make a simple starter when ever I want. If you want to brew earlier, just do it. The few days won't make a difference in the size of your starter. You won't need all 4 litres of starter wort, just do it to have lots so if there is any delay, you will be okay. You won't be brewing your Kolsch before company on Aug. 9, so you won't be rushed.                                   ...

  This will not be my first smoke of the year. As soon as I get most of my work done around here, I want to get 1 or 2 smokes in to just get some experience doing it. I have decided on a 4 hour process which is plenty.  I bought the rib rack so I can smoke 5 ribs at once. There will only be 6 people eating Ribs. Jeff and Anne are Vegans, poor things. Follow the recipe in the binder. Use your new thermometer if you can jam it in the ribs. Kind of big for ribs, but give it a try. Misplaced my thermopen and hope to find it sometime. I looked for bulk rib rub on the internet and it is around $75 to $100 for 5 lbs. of it. I don't need that much at a time. I am going to the Bulk Barn and stock up on spices I don't have and buy enough for a full bottle. I think I made enough for 4 Ribs. There is only 3 couples eating Ribs so 4 will do nicely. Time is 10 am and it is already 25C and climbing. Quite humid out.                      ...