Category Archives: Review Updates

Hands on Review: Northern Brewer Anti-Gravity Transfer Pump + Limited Time DEAL

This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Brad Probert.  Brad is an engineer, expert homebrewer and experienced reviewer.  Grab a link to Brad’s website at the end of this review.

Northern Brewer Anti-Gravity Transfer Pump

Some homebrew gear has a wide range of use, and some fills a very specific purpose. Those that fill a specific purpose typically become a critical piece in your process that you wonder how you managed before you had it. For me, that was the Anti-Gravity Transfer Pump from Northern Brewer. This pump is specifically intended for use in transferring beer or wort from vessel to vessel during your fermentation and/or kegging processes.

Closeup of Pump Head

The Anti-Gravity pump is a diaphragm pump, which is different than your typical wort pump. Wort pumps are usually an impeller design with a pump head inside with rotating blades that push little bits of fluid along from the inlet to the outlet as they spin. A diaphragm pump has a flexible membrane inside that oscillates back and forth like a trampoline. When the membrane is pushed in one direction, it compresses the fluid and forces it to the outlet. And when the membrane is pulled in the opposite direction, it creates a vacuum in the pump chamber which draws fluid in. A set of check balls ensures flow only goes in one direction.

Hose Connection on Inlet and Outlet

Limited Time DEAL:

17% Off at AIH! – use coupon code LUCK17

This deal makes this pump $49.79 when you using coupon code LUCK17

Self-priming Anti-Gravity Transfer Pump

Check Prices and Availability, Review Continues Below:

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Hands on Review: VineCo Winemaking Equipment Kit from MoreBeer!

Thank you to HBF Contributor Aaron Nord for this hands on review!  Aaron is an advanced award winning brewer, a long time reader and a serial tipster!

Winemaking Equipment Starter Kit Review

There are many ways for someone to enter a hobby like beer and winemaking. One of the more common avenues is by way of an equipment starter kit. This is how I made my foray into the world of homebrewing in 2009 and in retrospect I am glad for the experience. Buying an off the shelf kit that had nearly everything I needed was a great place to start since I really didn’t know what I was getting into. It helped me avoid the analysis paralysis that would likely have ensued in trying to figure out what I needed, in what quantity, size or quality all on my own. Thankfully, there were experienced minds who put thought and effort into packaging a collection of gear for the nascent homebrewer to be able to focus on the task of making beer. Let the analysis paralysis come later when the brewer decides to advance in the hobby.

An opportunity arose recently for me to start down a new path with winemaking by way of Winemaking Equipment Starter Kit. Since I had fond memories of a similar kit helping me get started in a hobby that became a passion (and near obsession at times), I was excited for the chance.

This review will cover the contents of the Winemaking Equipment Kit for VineCo Concentrate Kits from MoreBeer which consists of the following items:

  • 7.9 gallon food grade bucket and lid with airlock hole
  • 6 gallon plastic carboy for aging
  • Airlock and stopper
  • 7/16″ Siphon assembly
  • Bottle brush
  • Sample taker/thief
  • Triple scale hydrometer
  • Bottle filler with removable spring
  • Bottle corker
  • 100 Corks – 1 3/4 in.
  • One Step Cleanser

Make Your Own Wine!

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Hands on Review: Torpedo Hand Held Stainless Steel Picnic Faucet + Limited Time DEAL

Torpedo Stainless Steel Picnic Tap!

If there’s been one constant in homebrewing over the years that I’ve been a homebrewer, it’s been… the cobra/picnic tap. 🙂  These things have not changed in years. They’re basic and generally cheap. There have been a few newer options, but the picnic tap itself has received no love.

Limited Time Deal

Limited Availability Deal of the Day: As of this posting, this on sale as as a MoreBeer Deal of the Day. Shipping is also free to addresses in the contiguous US with most $59 Orders. Availability: This is available today only, while supplies last. Quantities are limited. Check the MoreBeer’s Deal of the Day to check today’s offering.

Product Description – Here – Use coupon code BEERDEAL to get this discount.

Deal is valid 3/12 only while supplies last.

Torpedo Keg Hand Held Stainless Steel Beer Faucet D1264

Enter… The Torpedo Handheld Stainless Steel Faucet!  Finally a stainless steel option!  Here’s a hands on look.

The box. This is a “hand held” stainless steel faucet. It could also be called a stainless steel picnic faucet or stainless steel cobra faucet. It’s manufactured under MoreBeer’s Torpedo Brand. Of course, Torpedo manufactures kegs – Hands on Review –  but Torpedo brand kegs are not a requirement to use this faucet. It faucet works with any homebrew keg. One side of the faucet. It features a 1/4″ OD outlet barb that will work with 1/4″ or 3/16″ ID draft tubing.

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Hands on Review: Ss Brewtech FTSs2 Heating and Cooling System + Limited Time DEAL

This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Brad Probert.  Brad is an engineer, expert homebrewer and experienced reviewer.  Grab a link to Brad’s website at the end of this review.

Brewtech FTSs2 Heating and Cooling System

From multiple accounts, the temperature at the start of fermentation is key in controlling the flavor nuances of various yeast strains. Even if you have an elaborate system of heat pads, blankets, towels, water buckets, etc. that allows you to hone in on your desired temperature, it can’t react to changes in your fermentation. If things start to really heat up overnight while you’re sleeping, or during the day when you’re at work, you’re out of luck. Once you start caring about fermentation temperature, it doesn’t take long before you conclude you need something that has its own control to adjust and react to temperatures in real time.

Limited Time Deal:

Chronical FTSs Heating and Chilling Package – 7 gal. FE850

Why are deals on Brewtech gear are rare?

This is a MAP item. MAP = Minimum Advertised Price.  It’s an agreement between sellers and manufacturer’s not to sell an item below a certain price.  This gear generally sells for about the same price no matter where you purchase it from and is rarely discounted.

Compare Prices and Selection, Review Continues Below:

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Hands on Review: FermZilla All Rounder Fermenter + Rare DEAL

Thank you to HBF Contributor Aaron Nord for this hands on review!  Aaron is an advanced award winning brewer, a long time reader and a serial tipster!

FermZilla All Rounder

Fermenting under pressure has been a technique I have had my eye on for some time now and have felt the urge to experiment with it more and more lately. To me the most appealing benefit of pressurized fermentation is that at the end of fermentation the beer is fully carbonated and ready to drink (not accounting for beers that benefit from a period of conditioning). Other benefits include a potentially quicker fermentation, a higher retention of desirable aroma compounds that otherwise might be off gassed (e.g. hop aromas), and the ability to ferment at warmer temperatures without a high presence of unwanted esters.

Limited Time Deal (Rare!)

Deals on FermZilla are relatively rare. This is a MAP item. MAP = Minimum Advertised Price.  It’s an agreement between sellers and manufacturer’s not to sell an item below a certain price.  This gear generally sells for about the same price no matter where you purchase it from and is rarely discounted.

(Workaround)… Get a FREEBIE

Top Draw Corny Keg Lid via William’s Brewing

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

Do you want to drink the clearest beer possible from your keg as quickly as possible? The Top Draw® Keg Lid Beer Pick Up Tube fits any homebrew keg with an oval lid, and includes a beer ball lock with a Top Draw Beer Pick Up Tube in the lid. As the level of the beer in the keg drops, the pick up tube remains 1″ below the surface, always drawing the clearest beer all the way until empty. The stainless float ball itself is 1.75″ in diameter.

Installs in a few seconds – just switch out keg lids. For shorter kegs, cut the silicone tube to length.

Includes 22″ of tubing, 304 grade stainless float with attached pickup tube, and oval keg lid with both a pressure relief valve, and a beer ball lock fitting welded into the center.

 

Top Draw Corny Keg Lid

Get One FREE w/Qualifying Order!

  • Use coupon code X05 with an order of $89.99 or more and you’ll get one for free.
  • No need to add it to your cart.  Just use the coupon code at checkout.

 

 

This works with FermZilla fermenters including the All Rounder!

Check Current Pricing & Availability, Review Continues Below:

Related Reviews:

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Hands on Review: BrüMate Hopsulator Trio

brumate hopsulator trio review

BrüMate Hopsulator Trio

I received a BruMate Hopsulator Trio as a birthday present from my beloved daugher. I had seem them around, but hadn’t had a chance to pick one up yet, so I was excited about the present.

BruMate makes a number of can coolers or high end coozies. These generally double wall insulated stainless steel construction and are designed to work with different sizes of cans and for some models (like the Trio), they’ll also function as tumblers all by themselves.

Hands on Review

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New Updates… Hands on Review: Tilt Bluetooth Fermentation Hydrometer

tilt review

This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Brad Probert.  Brad is an engineer, expert homebrewer and experienced reviewer.  Grab a link to Brad’s website at the end of this review.

Tilt Bluetooth Fermentation Hydrometer

I get pretty excited about most homebrew gear. As an engineer, I love trying to find new tools that let me brew more consistently, or give me control over processes that previously were just a spectator sport. The Tilt Bluetooth hydrometer is one of those devices that pulls back the curtain a bit on a part of the brew process that’s a bit more mysterious. It lets you see what’s going on within your fermenting beer in a way that makes you wonder how you managed without it before.

Deals on TILT are Rare, Why?

TILT is a MAP item. MAP = Minimum Advertised Price.  It’s an agreement between sellers and manufacturer’s not to sell an item below a certain price.  This gear generally sells for about the same price no matter where you purchase it from and is rarely discounted.

Limited Time Deal!

Coupon code welcome10 takes 10% off most things on your first SoCal Brewing Supply order. Shipping is also free to many US addresses with some exclusions for orders of $99 or more.

10% Off at SoCal Brewing Supply – remember promo code welcome10

Or 5% Back

  • Adventures in Homebrewing’s Rewards program typically offers about 5% back. Each qualifying item earns 1 point per dollar. 200 points gets you a $10 discount code.
  • My contact at AIH says this works on EVERYTHING excluding gift cards.
  • Note: In order to earn rewards points, you must log in to your AIH account.
  • See: Rewards Program Complete Details

This is a loophole or sorts that gets you a rare, de facto discount on TILT

Tilt Hydrometers at Adventures in Homebrewing

Check Current Prices & Availability

Check product pages and searches for current availability, description and pricing

A note about colors: The function of all models is the same. If you want multiple TILTs you should choose different colors because your app can monitor only one of each color

TILT Wrench

TILT Range Extender

This article contains affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won’t pay more and you’ll be supporting Homebrew Finds and more content like this. Thank you for your support!

Related

The device comes in a compact clear polycarbonate tube, sealed on each end to keep the battery and fancy circuitry dry as it floats along in your fermentor. It’s completely no-strings-attached, and you just drop it in your fermentor and the Bluetooth chip on board broadcasts to your smartphone or tablet to report Standard Gravity and temperature. It makes use of a novel concept to track your gravity. It has a digital inclinometer on board, which measures how much it’s “tilt”-ed . The weight of the device makes it want to sink in your beer, and buoyancy of the cylinder counteracts it. The thicker your wort is, the Tilt doesn’t sink as much and as a result has a greater tilt. As your fermentation progresses and the gravity drops, the buoyancy decreases and Tilt sinks lower and becomes more vertical. The circuitry measuring the angle does some calculations and outputs the angle as a gravity measurement.

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Hands on Review: Blichmann Engineering Beer Gun

Thank you to HBF Contributor Aaron Nord for this hands on review!  Aaron is an advanced award winning brewer, a long time reader and a serial tipster!

Blichmann BeerGun v2

After I quickly realized the benefits of kegging, I was happy to forgo the bottling routine and looked forward to never cleaning, sanitizing, and filling 53 twelve-ounce bottles with caps again. Then I decided I would throw my hat into the ring of homebrew competitions. Back to the bottling world.

Blichmann gear is rarely discounted. Why? This is a MAP item. MAP = Minimum Advertised Price.  It’s an agreement between sellers and manufacturer’s not to sell an item below a certain price.  This gear generally sells for about the same price no matter where you purchase it from and is rarely discounted.

Compare Models, Prices and Availability, Review Continues Below:

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Hands On Review: Insulating Neoprene Kegerator Tower Wrap – Fight the First Foamy Pint!

The idea behind a Neoprene insulating tower wrap is to help insulate the tower to help keep beer in your lines cold.  Warming of beer in the lines is a leading cause of first foamy pints.  The beer warms up and CO2 comes out of solution more easily.  When you vend this warm beer it has a tendency to foam.  Keeping lines as cold as possible reduces or eliminates this effect.  The additional insulation could also help you save some electricity.

Here’s a hands on look at Redwood City Brew Supply‘s (via Amazon) Neoprene wrap.  Multiple sizes and configurations are available.  I have a two tap KOMOS Kegerator – Hands on Review – so I went with the two tap 3″ version.

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Hands on Review: Nukatap Counter Pressure Bottle Filler! + Limited Time Freebie

Thank you to HBF Contributor Aaron Nord for this hands on review!  Aaron is an advanced award winning brewer, a long time reader and a serial tipster!

Nukatap Bottle Filler

As with many homebrewers, my experience with the hobby began with making a boxed kit on my stovetop with about 50 bottles of drinkable beer when all was said and done. It was enough to keep me coming back, advancing in skill and acquiring equipment as time went on. I realized quickly that bottling was my least favorite part and was looking forward to ditching the bottles and getting into kegging. This change was one that made a big impact as far as increasing enjoyment of the hobby for me – that and getting out of stovetop brewing and into an electric brewing setup.

Inevitably, I found myself in the situation where I still needed to fill a few bottles from time to time, mainly for competitions. Now that I was kegging all my beer, I wanted an option that wouldn’t interrupt that practice too much. At the time, the most prevalent options for homebrewers were complicated counterpressure systems or the Blichmann Beer Gun. I opted for the latter and used that for several years to successfully bottle my competition beers. It has its pros and cons (discussed more later), and I always kept my ear to the ground on other options.

Limited Time Deal – Great Price at William’s Brewing AND FREEBIE

Nukatap’s Counter Pressure Bottle Filler

+ Get a Free TopDraw Lid!

Top Draw Corny Keg Lid via William’s Brewing

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

Do you want to drink the clearest beer possible from your keg as quickly as possible? The Top Draw® Keg Lid Beer Pick Up Tube fits any homebrew keg with an oval lid, and includes a beer ball lock with a Top Draw Beer Pick Up Tube in the lid. As the level of the beer in the keg drops, the pick up tube remains 1″ below the surface, always drawing the clearest beer all the way until empty. The stainless float ball itself is 1.75″ in diameter.

Installs in a few seconds – just switch out keg lids. For shorter kegs, cut the silicone tube to length.

Includes 22″ of tubing, 304 grade stainless float with attached pickup tube, and oval keg lid with both a pressure relief valve, and a beer ball lock fitting welded into the center.

 

Top Draw Corny Keg Lid

Get One FREE w/Qualifying Order!

  • Use coupon code X05 with an order of $89.99 or more and you’ll get one for free.
  • No need to add it to your cart.  Just use the coupon code at checkout.

Check Current Pricing & Availability:

Continue reading →

Hands on Review: FermZilla Tri-Clamp Conical

fermzilla conical fermenter review

Thank you to HBF Contributor Aaron Nord for this hands on review!  Aaron is an advanced award winning brewer, a long time reader and a serial tipster!

FermZilla Tri-Clamp Conical

There have been some exciting new offerings over the last five years or so in the homebrewing fermenter market. With loads of offerings from companies like Spike, Ss Brewtech, Blichmann Engineering, Kegland, as well as from a product line called BrewBuilt developed by MoreBeer, a home brewer has a lot to choose from when considering upgrading or replacing an existing fermenter. One of the features that is becoming more common on new fermenter offerings is the ability hold pressure, either to enable pressure transfers or to allow fermenting under pressure – both of which enable low-oxygen brewing along with other advantages. If a brewer wanted to upgrade to a pressure fermenter there are a range of prices and options to consider. For those who want to try pressure fermentation before investing many hundreds or even thousands of dollars, thankfully there are some excellent newer plastic options that perform the job admirably.

Related: Fermenting Under Pressure

Kegland is a noticeable leader in the pressurized fermenters market. With their line of FermZilla fermenters, a brewer can experiment with pressure fermentation without investing a ton of money to see if this method fits into their brewing operations. I have been a satisfied user of the FermZilla All Rounder fermenter for nearly three years now. Before that I was using a Chronical from Ss Brewtech. While both have their advantages, forced to choose between the two I would choose the All Rounder for its flexibility, cost, and higher pressure rating (the Chronical only held a few psi to allow for transfers). One thing that the Chronical has that the All Rounder is missing is the ability to dump trub and collect yeast. Thankfully there is another option from Kegland that combines the flexibility of the All Rounder with the trub and yeast management of a conical fermenter.

Continue reading →

Hands on Review: Jaybird Ball Lock Canning Jar Hop Randall from NorCal – convert a Mason Jar into a Hop Randall

This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Brad Probert.  Brad is an engineer, expert homebrewer and experienced reviewer.  Grab a link to Brad’s website at the end of this review.

NorCal Canning Jar Randall

The original intent of the Randall was to infuse beers with additional hop flavors and aromas, but it can be used to infuse your beer with a variety of flavors. In addition to hops, fruits are often used, but also things like vanilla beans and cocoa nibs. The beauty of the Randall is that you can experiment with these different additions without dedicating the whole keg of beer to it. If it isn’t just right, you can change it up, and you haven’t ruined a whole keg of beer with what “seemed like a good idea at the time”.

Five Star -...image
Five Star - 6022b_ - Star San - 32 Ounce - High Foaming Sanitizer
$28.98 -$0.03 $28.95
Five Star -...image
Five Star - Star San - 16 Ounce - Brew Sanitizer High Foaming Acid Anionic
$19.65 ($1.23 / Ounce) -$0.13 $19.52 ($1.22 / Ounce)
Five Star -...image
Five Star - Star San - 8 Ounce - High Foaming Sanitizer
$26.99

With all of your additions, the flavor impact is fairly minor. Think of it more like adding complimentary flavors, not making a flavor showcase. For hops, the flavor and aroma addition are different than other hop additions due to the temperature you add them. There’s no boiling isomerization so you’re not getting bitterness. And it’s not like dry hopping where you’re soaking them in ~70 degree beer for a couple of days. With the Randall, the hops have a couple seconds of contact time at 35 degrees (or whatever you like to keep your keezer serving pressure set to).

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Hands On Review: Nite Ize DoohicKey Stainless Multi-Tool and Bottle Opener

review Nite Ize KMT-11-R3 DoohicKey Multi-Tool, Stainless

I’m a big fan of Nite-Ize Gear.  I have… the S-Biner Ahh Caribiner Clip Bottle Opener (standard equipment for me when traveling), KBB9-03-01 KnotBone Adjustable Bungee, SBL-03-11 S-Biner GetLit, Stainless, C9L-02-01 Large Figure 9 Carabiner and Gear Tie Clippable Twist Tie.  In my opinion… they make some really well thought out, innovative and quality stuff.

Here’s a look at their DoohicKey Stainless Multi Tool

Hands on Review Nite Ize DoohicKey

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Hands on Review: Anvil Bucket Fermentor!

This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Brad Probert.  Brad is an engineer, expert homebrewer and experienced reviewer.  Grab a link to Brad’s website at the end of this review.

Anvil Stainless Steel Bucket Fermentor

It’s well known that you don’t have to just ferment in that plastic bucket that came with your homebrew beginner’s kit. When you are ready to upgrade there are multiple material options, and varying levels of size/features. As it goes with most homebrew gear, brewers love stainless steel. So, of course you can get your fermentor in stainless steel, too.

Stainless provides a better oxygen-proof barrier than the plastic brew buckets and is easy to clean. The easy cleaning not only makes the worst job in homebrewing (brew day clean-up) slightly better, it also means you don’t have to worry about things hiding in crevices to sneak out and do funky things to your beer. Stainless is also durable and long-lasting, meaning you can look at it like a longer-term investment. Typical price tags on steel fermentors also make you consider it from a longer-term investment perspective as well.

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Hands on Review: FermZilla Tri-Clamp Conical

fermzilla conical fermenter review

Thank you to HBF Contributor Aaron Nord for this hands on review!  Aaron is an advanced award winning brewer, a long time reader and a serial tipster!

FermZilla Tri-Clamp Conical

There have been some exciting new offerings over the last five years or so in the homebrewing fermenter market. With loads of offerings from companies like Spike, Ss Brewtech, Blichmann Engineering, Kegland, as well as from a product line called BrewBuilt developed by MoreBeer, a home brewer has a lot to choose from when considering upgrading or replacing an existing fermenter. One of the features that is becoming more common on new fermenter offerings is the ability hold pressure, either to enable pressure transfers or to allow fermenting under pressure – both of which enable low-oxygen brewing along with other advantages. If a brewer wanted to upgrade to a pressure fermenter there are a range of prices and options to consider. For those who want to try pressure fermentation before investing many hundreds or even thousands of dollars, thankfully there are some excellent newer plastic options that perform the job admirably.

Related: Fermenting Under Pressure

Kegland is a noticeable leader in the pressurized fermenters market. With their line of FermZilla fermenters, a brewer can experiment with pressure fermentation without investing a ton of money to see if this method fits into their brewing operations. I have been a satisfied user of the FermZilla All Rounder fermenter for nearly three years now. Before that I was using a Chronical from Ss Brewtech. While both have their advantages, forced to choose between the two I would choose the All Rounder for its flexibility, cost, and higher pressure rating (the Chronical only held a few psi to allow for transfers). One thing that the Chronical has that the All Rounder is missing is the ability to dump trub and collect yeast. Thankfully there is another option from Kegland that combines the flexibility of the All Rounder with the trub and yeast management of a conical fermenter.

Continue reading →

Hands On Review: Stanley Classic Vacuum Insulated Growler! – Includes Temperature Trials

cln_0-64-out

Stanley’s Stainless Steel vacuum insulated growler features vacuum insulated body and foam insulated lid to keep beer cold for 16 hours.  Made of 18/8 stainless steel and BPA free.  The heavy duty handle makes it easy to carry and allows you to pour smoothly with one hand.  Steel inner lid means no plastic is in contact with your beer.

It’s available in multiple colors and sizes, both 64 ounce/2 Quart/Half Gallon capacity as well as in a smaller 32 oz size.  It’s also part of a Gift Pack Set that includes the growler along with stacking pints.  Stanley makes a non-insulated version version as well.

Check Prices and Available Models, Review Continues Below:

STANLEY Classic Easy-Pour...image
STANLEY Classic Easy-Pour Growler | 64 OZ
$57.00 -$5.62 $51.38
Stanley Classic Easy-Pour...image
Stanley Classic Easy-Pour Growler 64oz, Insulated Growler Keeps Beer Cold & Carbonated Made with Stainless Steel Interior, Durable Exterior Coating & Leak-Proof Lid, Easy to Carry Handle
$57.00 -$13.79 $43.21
Stanley 01941-076 Classic...image
Stanley 01941-076 Classic Vacuum Growler, 0.4 gal (1.9 L), Green, Ice Container, Carbonated Drinks, Beer, Cold Retention, Camping, Dishwasher Safe, Genuine Japanese Product
$108.37
Stanley Classic Vacuum...image
Stanley Classic Vacuum Growler, 0.4 gal (1.9 L), Matte Black, Ice Container, Carbonated Drinks, Beer, Cold Retention, Camping, Dishwasher Safe, Authentic Japanese Product
$94.15
STANLEY Classic Easy-Pour...image
STANLEY Classic Easy-Pour Growler 64oz Charcoal Glow
$57.00 -$6.15 $50.85
Stanley Classic Easy-Pour...image
Stanley Classic Easy-Pour Insulated Growler Keeps Beer Cold & Carbonated made with Stainless Steel Interior, Durable Exterior Coating & Leak-Proof Lid, Easy to Carry Handle, 64 Oz, Cream Gloss
$57.00 -$13.53 $43.47
Stanley Classic Easy-Pour...image
Stanley Classic Easy-Pour Growler 64oz, Insulated Growler Keeps Beer Cold & Carbonated Made with Stainless Steel Interior, Durable Exterior Coating & Leak-Proof Lid, Easy to Carry Handle
$64.95
Stanley Classic Easy-Pour...image
Stanley Classic Easy-Pour Growler 64oz, Insulated Growler Keeps Beer Cold & Carbonated made with Stainless Steel Interior, Durable Exterior Coating & Leak-Proof Lid, Easy to Carry Handle
$81.36
Stanley Classic Easy-Pour...image
Stanley Classic Easy-Pour Growler 64oz Stainless Steel Shale
$57.00 -$3.37 $53.63

Note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at these links

Since this review was published, additional models have become available.  Search Amazon for “stanley vacuum insulated growler” to see what may be available.  Note that specifications and colors may vary from the model reviewed in this post.

Continue reading →

Hands on Review: Maple Landmark Solid Red Oak Tap Handle – Made in Vermont

Maple Landmark hand makes hardwood tap handles (and more)  in their shop in Middlebury, Vermont, USA. They make tap handles out of both Oak and Maple woods. Each product page has a number of size and shape options.

Here’s a hands on look at Maple Landmark’s Solid Red Oak Tap Handle.

Hands on Review: Maple Landmark Tap Handles

In the package
Other side includes the description and ASIN number

North Mountain Supply...image
North Mountain Supply - FT-05-3 Fermentis SafAle US-05 Beer/Ale Yeast - Pack of 3 - Fresh Yeast
$9.99 ($8.27 / Ounce)
Safale - 2353X6...image
Safale - 2353X6 US-05 (Six Packages, 11.5 g ea)
$19.86 ($3.31 / Count) -$0.11 $19.75 ($3.29 / Count)
Fermentis S-04x3 Safale...image
Fermentis S-04x3 Safale S-04 Multicolor (3 ct.11.5 g Packs)
$9.99 ($8.26 / Ounce) -$5.15 $4.84 ($4.00 / Ounce)
Safale S-04 (11.5...image
Safale S-04 (11.5 g Packs) 6 Count
$17.69 ($7.28 / Ounce)
North Mountain Supply...image
North Mountain Supply - FT-04-3 Fermentis SafAle US-04 Beer/Ale Yeast - Pack of 3 - Fresh Yeast S-33
$11.99 -$1.25 $10.74

Check Current Pricing, Review Continues Below:

  • Straight 5″ Solid Red Oak Tap Handle – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
  • More options in Oak and Maple woods. Each product page has a number of size and shape options.
Straight 5
Straight 5" Solid Red Oak Tap Handle
$12.99 -$0.1 $12.89
Tapered 6.5
Tapered 6.5" Solid Red Oak Tap Handle
$18.49
Unfinished 7
Unfinished 7" Solid Maple Paddle Tap Handle
$20.99
Classic 11
Classic 11" Solid Red Oak Tap Handle
$22.79
Unfinished 11
Unfinished 11" Solid Maple Paddle Tap Handle
$25.39
Unfinished 12
Unfinished 12" Solid Maple Angled Tap Handle
$24.99
Unfinished 12.5
Unfinished 12.5" Solid Maple Tapered Tap Handle
$25.99

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Hands On Review: Mark’s Keg and Carboy Washer

mark ii keg and carboy washer review

Hands on Review Mark’s Keg & Carboy Washer

The Mark II Keg and Carboy Washer is designed to help you easily clean and sanitize kegs, carboys and more.

Compare Prices and Check Availability, Review Continues Below:

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Hands on Review: FermZilla Tri-Clamp Conical

fermzilla conical fermenter review

Thank you to HBF Contributor Aaron Nord for this hands on review!  Aaron is an advanced award winning brewer, a long time reader and a serial tipster!

FermZilla Tri-Clamp Conical

There have been some exciting new offerings over the last five years or so in the homebrewing fermenter market. With loads of offerings from companies like Spike, Ss Brewtech, Blichmann Engineering, Kegland, as well as from a product line called BrewBuilt developed by MoreBeer, a home brewer has a lot to choose from when considering upgrading or replacing an existing fermenter. One of the features that is becoming more common on new fermenter offerings is the ability hold pressure, either to enable pressure transfers or to allow fermenting under pressure – both of which enable low-oxygen brewing along with other advantages. If a brewer wanted to upgrade to a pressure fermenter there are a range of prices and options to consider. For those who want to try pressure fermentation before investing many hundreds or even thousands of dollars, thankfully there are some excellent newer plastic options that perform the job admirably.

Related: Fermenting Under Pressure

Kegland is a noticeable leader in the pressurized fermenters market. With their line of FermZilla fermenters, a brewer can experiment with pressure fermentation without investing a ton of money to see if this method fits into their brewing operations. I have been a satisfied user of the FermZilla All Rounder fermenter for nearly three years now. Before that I was using a Chronical from Ss Brewtech. While both have their advantages, forced to choose between the two I would choose the All Rounder for its flexibility, cost, and higher pressure rating (the Chronical only held a few psi to allow for transfers). One thing that the Chronical has that the All Rounder is missing is the ability to dump trub and collect yeast. Thankfully there is another option from Kegland that combines the flexibility of the All Rounder with the trub and yeast management of a conical fermenter.

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Hands on Review: Inkbird Vacuum Sealer

Why would you want a Vacuum Sealer for homebrewing?

Vacuum sealers are indispensable for storing hops.  You can save money by getting in on bulk hop buys – See: Recent Hop Finds. Use your vacuum sealer to break these up and to preserve freshness.  You can also store specialty grains in vacuum bags.  Other uses include: storing base grains, partial dry yeast packs and storing and preserving other beer ingredients.

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