fascination peaked

[Aquaman13]

Hello Everyone.
Its nice to know I'm not alone. I am absolutely a beginner at this and I am fascinated with the idea of making alcohol. Actually, the whole idea of infusing anything together and making it not only drinkable, but enjoyable. I'm currently working with a simple sugar mash just to get the feel of things and crossing my fingers that I'll fulfill my expectations. I've asked lots of questions along the way using my browser but now I decided the best way to obtain knowledge was to join this forum and do some studying. Wish me luck!

[Jstroke]

Welcome aboard. Lots and lots of reading ahead. Reach out if you get lost.

[squigglefunk]

good luck

[Bradster68]

Lots of luck. Welcome

[jonnys_spirit]

Welcome and good luck Aquaman13 !

Just a friendly note that you're sure to come across in your research:
- A mash is a process where grains are converted to sugars by mashing in with malts and/or enzymes at specific temperatures. An exampke would be a all-grain bourbon, or an all malt whisk(e)y..
- A wash is typically a sugar based ferment perhaps with some other flavor contributing ingredients. Eg; UJSSM, Shady's Sugar Shine, etc..

Cheers!
-jonny

[StillerBoy]

Welcome to HD

" Good luck " and " Crossing one's fingers " will lead nowhere..

Researching, comprehension of what's read/researched, making notes, will lead to developing understanding of the task..

Mars

[sadie33]

hello and welcome

[Aquaman13]

So I thought I would leave a little comment as to where I was before joining this forum and learning I was heading down the rabbit hole head first.
Prior to being here I had purchased a small setup and items I felt would work in a little home brewing attempt. I mixed a small sugar wash and tried my best not to open it too often just to 'see' what it was doing. I kept reading bits and pieces as I had questions and purchased several additional items I realized I needed. I figured my wash should be ready in a week or so and I noticed the activity had slowed or maybe even stopped, but I was still getting a sweet smell. I tasted it and it was still sweet. So again I began reading and found ph issues could be involved. Sure enough, ph was 2.7 in the wash and I figured it was start over time. Rather than throw it away and do additional studying prior to starting new, I decided to use some baking soda mixed in distilled water to raise the ph and 'see what happens'. 12 hours later I have active bubbling again. I realize I have a lot of studying to do to actually get to a point where I understand what I am doing and can 'fix' an issue when it shows itself, but I have to admit I am a trial and error kind of guy. I truly wish I had someone close to me that would show me the ropes personally but until then I'm going to proceed with study and some experiments. any one in the 95301 area like to teach? Hope to hear comments on what you think with where I'm at with this wash, what I'm doing wrong, if I've crossed any lines I should not have crossed, or just help (good or bad, we learn from it all)

[Bradster68]

Most will say to add some pickling lime(calcium hydroxide)to raise ph. I hang a small bag of egg shells in my washes. I only have to monitor ferment temp after that. My TFF's finish in 4 days every time.

[Ben]

I think you mean "piqued".




Welcome.