en-US Friendly homebrewing discussion forum for the United Kingdom & beyond. Homebrewing forums for beer, wine, cider & mead. Beer recipes, brewing recipes & beer making kits forum. Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:06:06 +0000 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:06:06 +0000 The Homebrew Forum - Homebrewing Forums https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:05:13 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/how-to-balloon-co2-collection-bruloonlock.89874/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 89874 invalid@example.com (DocAnna) DocAnna I do worry about the amount of air and the oxygen it carries being drawn into my fermenter at cold crashing. I don’t have a CO2 cyclinder yet and am not at all sure about the investment in kegging and all the associated gas line paraphernalia. Having read about using mylar balloons to capture CO2 here on the forum and at Brulosophy 7 Methods For Reducing Cold-Side Oxidation When Brewing Beer

..… I thought oooh that looks a smart idea and I could do that instead. In all the guides I’ve...

Read more]]> 64 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:03:37 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/st-peters-india-pale-ale.108300/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108300 invalid@example.com (thorjürgen) thorjürgen Hello, I'm new on the forum, just signed up, and picking up on a fairly dated thread. But it's the one that convinced me to join - so very helpful and, unexpectedly, entertaining. I'm also rather a novice at home-brewing but I'm patient and keen to learn, experiment etc.

I have two batches of ale from Muntons extracts under my belt (Geordie Bitter and Mexican lager) - followed the instructions religiously and the FG measures panned out. About 80 bottles put aside for a nice, long wait in a...

Read more]]> 26 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:58:15 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/dodgy-fermentation-heater-in-fermentation-fridge.108307/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108307 invalid@example.com (Leckdude) Leckdude I recently replaced my 6 year old 300mm tube heater which had failed with a new one which was a different make. On the very 1st fermentation it is behaving strangely. Dialled up to 27 Degrees C for Kviek, the heater fails to hold the temperature and gradually reduced to 23 degrees over 3 days. The heater is working, but I think it keeps cutting out before achieving the set temperature. I suspect that the heater internal safety cut out is tripping it off. Has anyone come across this...

Read more]]> 3 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:23:59 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/change-one-letter-game-4-letter.106546/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 106546 invalid@example.com (Chippy_Tea) Chippy_Tea As the 5 letter game is still going strong -

BREW]]> 1372 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:23:01 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/change-one-letter-5-letter.85759/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 85759 invalid@example.com (Chippy_Tea) Chippy_Tea As members will be staying off work i thought reintroducing this game would pass a bit of time.

Change one letter to make a new word -

I will start with -

BREWS]]> 19208 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:06:30 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/hello-from-across-the-pond.108296/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108296 invalid@example.com (Red Snapper) Red Snapper Hello,

New member from the US. I've browsed the forums here occasionally over the years and finally decided to create an account. I hope to learn more about British brewing and improving the ones that I brew at home.

Cheers!]]> 12 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:28:54 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/haggis-neeps-and-tatties-burns-night-tonight.108281/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108281 invalid@example.com (peterpiper) peterpiper Anyone else partaking?

This year, my haggis won't be seeing a bagpiper.
As the premium spent getting this basic meal, at hotels or pubs. Seems better spent on grain.]]> 14 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 14:15:24 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/alkalinity-and-lack-thereof.107716/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 107716 invalid@example.com (foxy) foxy Without hijacking the How did it turn out thread, I have started this one to reply.
@Zadkiel I know my source water starts at 0. But then I leave it out overnight as part of my pre-brewday process, so it'll absorb some CO2 from the atmosphere - that will mean there'll be some HCO3 as a result, but as to how much, I have no idea.

You are right, atmospheric gases do enter water that has been sitting overnight, but it is very minimal and not even worth considering, and as the water...

Read more]]> 40 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:29:36 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/free-keg-king-apollo-30l-unitank-inc-castors.108295/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108295 invalid@example.com (Manxnorton) Manxnorton Hi everyone,
Xmas & my birthday allowed me to get another toy, another FV.
But alas no room so this Unitank & its is up for grabs.

I'M EDITING THIS, AS I DID PUT IT UP FOR SALE.
Full transparency, I NEVER SELL ANTHING THAT I CAN HANDLE MYSEL! as in operate, sprip, clean etc.
But as most know ive only got use of my right arm, so faffing on is a PITA.
Anyways, to fully dismantle, clean and assemble as you imangine 2 hands would be better.
I WILL CONTITUE TO GET TO THE NITTY GRITTY OF...

Read more]]> 3 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 10:31:56 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/polytunnel.76522/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 76522 invalid@example.com (Clint) Clint latest project...20 x 12 polytunnel...nearly done me in putting it up! Excuse me acting daft....]]> 770 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:43:44 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/what-are-you-drinking-tonight-2026.108186/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108186 invalid@example.com (Chippy_Tea) Chippy_Tea Thread open.

Please don't post in it until the new year starts, thanks.]]> 315 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:40:59 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/wordle.97695/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 97695 invalid@example.com (scomet) scomet If you cant show off in the snug well…
powerlanguage.co.uk

Wordle 220 3/6




That took some brain scratching.]]> 8863 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:26:16 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/who-remembers-what-is-this.108252/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108252 invalid@example.com (Chippy_Tea) Chippy_Tea Why is this here what does it do?



]]> 39 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 08:07:41 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/what-are-you-listening-to-tonight.90895/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 90895 invalid@example.com (Gerryjo) Gerryjo Just received POWER UP by AC/DC today and I've only played it once.What makes it special is it's the first AC/DC vinyl album i have bought in years though i did buy Roxette The Look a few weeks back.Now I find myself listening to a few so far AC/DC - POWER UP,Blow up your video : Def Leppard- Hysteria : Scorpions - World Wide Live and the night is young.....PS it's all vinyl and the quality is fantastic.]]> 949 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 06:21:57 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/spam.104991/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 104991 invalid@example.com (Chippy_Tea) Chippy_Tea Thanks for the reports its the second one today spamming the same "Girls in your city" links.]]> 6 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 05:37:52 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/efficiency.108288/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108288 invalid@example.com (foxy) foxy What is efficiency? Efficiency is what you get compared to what a homebrewer is impossible to get. Why do we need to know our efficiency? We need to know it to formulate recipes and be consistent with what we brew. It doesn't come from an app; it comes from our own measurement, and it doesn't matter what the brew house efficiency is; it's your indication of how well you and your system are performing.
I have read a few different posts and efficiency claims that just don't add up; it doesn't...

Read more]]> 28 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 05:29:41 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/cool-box-mash-tun.64804/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 64804 invalid@example.com (samnorfolk) samnorfolk i brew up 5 gal brews, what size cool boxes do people use for theirs?

Cheers]]> 17 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 23:07:18 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/the-homebrew-forum-gather-app-testing.108291/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108291 invalid@example.com (THBF) THBF We've partnered with Gather (and are helping build it) to bring you a mobile app for the forum. Some of you may remember we had a branded app years ago that got pulled by Apple. People have been asking for a mobile option ever since. Apple removed it because it was a branded app and Apple said it was not substantial enough. So this time Gather incorporates lots of forums but you can set it up so only The Homewbrew Forum shows for you.

The app is still early and we need your feedback to make...

Read more]]> 13 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 23:06:54 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/pubs-shutting-down.108190/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108190 invalid@example.com (Rodcx500z) Rodcx500z Just been reading that 365 pubs closed last year and they were blaming The budget why, here are figures going back to 2018 So 365 closed in 2025. Why did 554 close in 2022, 450 in 2019, and 914 in 2018?, answers on a postcard please]]> 118 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 22:10:32 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/greetings-from-a-newbie-northern-cousin.108299/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108299 invalid@example.com (thorjürgen) thorjürgen Warm greetings to my British cousins from wintry southern Norway! Ten below outside my frosty window, eyes glued to the iPad screen, I just chanced upon this forum as I was contemplating tapping a batch of IPA - so glad I did :-) Tapped in St Peter's IPA and hit search and wow...I poured through the entire thread without stopping and my heart rose. Your collective well-spring of insights and experience, clear and timely advice, and entertaining anecdotes had me - a home-brew...

Read more]]> 8 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:07:07 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/hazelwood%E2%80%99s-brewday-part-2.97509/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 97509 invalid@example.com (Hazelwood Brewery) Hazelwood Brewery First brew of 2022 and I thought I’d treat myself with a new brewday thread.

Todays brew is a Saison, a simple recipe that’s mostly pale malt with a little wheat and a splash of rye. Hopped with Styrian Goldings, seasoned with Coriander, and fermented with Belle Saison.

The kit I’m using for the mash is a 30 litre hot water heater, a grain basket, pump, and a bit of hose. The temperature is being controlled by an Inkbird. Simple.



After the mash, the sparge...

Read more]]> 1317 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 19:05:04 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/picture-or-video-of-the-day.97686/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 97686 invalid@example.com (Chippy_Tea) Chippy_Tea Post your favourite photos anything goes but please keep it clean.

I love old American cars the 1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM HARDTOP is one of my favourites.







]]> 5342 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:14:43 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/best-place-for-grain.108098/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108098 invalid@example.com (Polcho) Polcho I would be interested to know where people get their grain from, and why they use that particular supplier.]]> 68 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:07:36 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/amazon.108298/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108298 invalid@example.com (Chippy_Tea) Chippy_Tea I assume we have all seen the stories and video about life working for Amazon if you take a job with them what do you expect, lets be honest if they could automate the whole warehouse they would and probably will in time.

We are all to blame we want out stuff at out door the next day and its got to be cheaper than in the Highstreet shops obviously something is going to give.


]]> 0 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:06:00 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/ph-meters.108297/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108297 invalid@example.com (StrangeBrew) StrangeBrew Looking to up my game by incorporating PH control into my brewing.

However PH meters seem to need a lot of faffing about ? Solutions to calibrate them often quite frequently, probe tips need to be kept wet with a solution to stop deterortation over time. As probes can degrade over time some of the better meters have replaceable probes, is that a must option ?

Is there such as thing as a PH meter you just use ?

Are PH test strips just an easier option for the ocasional brew ?

Educate me !]]> 6 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 16:26:33 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/thoughts-on-this-please.108294/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108294 invalid@example.com (Rodcx500z) Rodcx500z Would you eat like this today
]]> 5 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:55:25 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/anyone-know-of-a-supplier-with-fawcetts-halcyon-or-what-else.107210/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 107210 invalid@example.com (Druncan) Druncan Hi For some reason I am struggling to source Fawcetts winter barley Halcyon, unless I order a half pallet direct @ £179 shipping,,,,

Or advise what other grain is similar ?(Not MO,,,,, )]]> 17 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:43:07 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/invert-sugar-in-brewing.108102/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108102 invalid@example.com (SteveB.) SteveB. I see that some brews use inverted sugar made by boiling ordinary granulated sugar in an acidic environment for a period of time.
To my logic would that happen naturally if you put the granulated sugar into the wort when you start to boil. Will it invert during the boil as wort is acidic anyway?
If it does invert during the boil then there would be no need to invert it prior to brewing.
Also is invert sugar the same as the clear Belgian candi sugar?
Steve B.]]> 47 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 08:05:00 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/tv-licensing-detector-units.108258/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108258 invalid@example.com (Chippy_Tea) Chippy_Tea Remember them back in the day driving round the streets, here we go again, i wonder if anyone will fall for it this time




Full article - https://crimewatch.co.uk/tv-license-vans-are-catching-people-all-across-uk-in-minutes/]]> 53 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 23:14:49 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/brewzilla-gen-4-advice-and-experiences.103328/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 103328 invalid@example.com (Ross1974) Ross1974 So I've returned, and in process of a refund on, my Grainfather S40. Thanks to Gareth @brew2bottle for helping me out with that and making it as painless as possible, with the exception of a couple of ditched brews.

I am now on the lookout for a new, and hopefully more enjoyable and controlled brewday experience.

Having had a look at whats on offer and whats at the right price point, the Brewzilla Gen 4 looks to have the features that should make for a more controlled brewday.

I've a few...

Read more]]> 792 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 21:35:05 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/muntons-i-am-your-guava-pale-ale-review.106383/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 106383 invalid@example.com (GhostShip) GhostShip Kit started 2nd November 2024.
Added 1.2kg Mangrove Jacks Liquid Malt Extract, Pure Brew, and then made up to 21L with Tesco Ashbeck mineral water.
Fermented in brew fridge at 20°C.
Kit hops added on 11th November.
Bottled on 14th November, with one sugar stick per 500ml bottle and put into brew fridge at 20°C.
Moved out to shed on 16th December.
First pint - Christmas Day 2024

I've never really shown much interest in the Muntons Tap Room series of kits. They just always looked a bit 'cheap...

Read more]]> 3 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 19:01:14 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/january-competition-2026-all-pale-ales.108194/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108194 invalid@example.com (Agentgonzo) Agentgonzo Happy New year everyone!

This month's competition is international pale ales.

Let me know if you want to send something in. My address hasn't changed since I joined the forum, so if already have it you can just use the same address. Otherwise let me know and I'll DM it to you.

]]> 18 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:35:20 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/alastair70s-brewdays.101922/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 101922 invalid@example.com (Alastair70) Alastair70 I’ve decided its time to pull all the brewdays into a single thread. Today was brew No.50 on the Grainfather.

Soundtrack: System of A Down and Dave Lee Roth.
Disasters: Discovered a mouse had got into one of the grain bins, fortunately none of todays grains were involved.

Brew: Munich Helles
Grain: 90% pilsner, 8% Munich II, 2% melanoidin
Hops: Mandarina Bavaria/Saaz
Yeast: W-34/70

21L in the conical at 1.044. Hope it looks as pretty at the other end.

]]> 139 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:25:27 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/storm-chandra-has-brought-strong-winds-and-flooding-to-large-parts-of-the-uk-as-it-sweeps-across-the-country.108290/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108290 invalid@example.com (Chippy_Tea) Chippy_Tea How was it where you live?

We got hit hard this morning but the rain wasn't as bad as i was expecting so as far as i know no flooding, a lot of tree branches came down and the roads were a bit tricky for a while but fortunately no big trees on the main routes or on the power lines.



The named storm - the third so far this year - has caused road closures, as well as rail, ferry and flight cancellations.

Schools have closed in some parts of England and...

Read more]]> 1 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 16:10:23 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/ring-ins-apparently-not.108260/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108260 invalid@example.com (foxy) foxy I thought that as folk appeared and just as quickly disappeared, they were ring-ins put up by the Admin. But on further investigation, though they aren't active on this forum, they are active on another!
Why are those interested in home brewing leaving one forum to go to another? The other forum they are on, like many on this forum, is Homebrew Talk

@THBF]]> 61 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:03:58 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/how-many-litres-of-home-brew-have-you-made-2026.108185/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108185 invalid@example.com (Chippy_Tea) Chippy_Tea Previous years -

2025 total - 10,643

2024 total - 11,591

2023 total - 12,396

2022 total - 16,816

2021 total - 30,084

2020 total - 33,156 (Covid)

2019 total - 22,170

2018 total - 15,337]]> 38 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:57:42 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/what-did-you-do-today.91986/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 91986 invalid@example.com (Gerryjo) Gerryjo Well today I went at my taps and keggerator with Ernest pulling them apart as they have been out of use for a few months.
Dismantled both taps to clean in a mixture of fairy and oxi and the amount of gunk wet and dried that came off was disgusting and didn't even take a picture but take my word.
Anyway cleaned and sanitised as is the keggerator and a full keg of Pale Ale I brewed in October which I sampled last night and will murder after I've transferred a lager to keg and start cold...

Read more]]> 409 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:15:22 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/scottish-nationals-jan-2026.108086/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108086 invalid@example.com (YeastFace) YeastFace Scottish Craft Brewers have a few entries left. BOS Judging is 25th January and delivery window is 12-17th January.

It's an Open, so any style goes:

https://scottishcraftbrewers.org/SNHC_2026/

Previous years' medals have been very cool.]]> 17 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 11:26:58 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/whc-dried-yeasts.106301/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 106301 invalid@example.com (Clint) Clint Hello all
Just wasting an hour on Malt Miller website and came across the WHC dried yeasts...anyone tried them?]]> 53 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 11:19:14 +0000 https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/commercial-beer-poll.108283/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss 108283 invalid@example.com (Chippy_Tea) Chippy_Tea How often do home brewers drink commercial beer at home?]]> 12