[QUOTE=JimNasium]I use a rectangle cooler and stainless hose braid. Batch sparging is the only way to go IMHO. Check it out: http://www.tastybrew.com/articles/dennyconn001[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the link. It will be very helpful. I'll be coming back off the road on the 22d of DEC and may try to construct it then. It will definately reduce my cost just in extract alone. I have a few other plans for the spring as well. I have the perfect spot for planting hop rhizomes and will be planting Tettnanger, Hersbrucker, Hallertauer, Cascade and Fuggles. I will have to do some research on how to test for AA content in fresh hops but that is a bit down the road.

[QUOTE=CHIEF4EVER]I can't decide on whether I want to screw with raising hops or not. As I understand it, it is tough to determine the AA thus making them better candidates for aroma hops. Maybe I can learn from your experience.

I suppose it will be just a case of learning as I go. I'll do a little digging on testing for AA. I am also interested in how hard/advantageous it would be to learn how to culture my favorite strains of yeast myself. On another note, the last 2 days I tested a few beers to determine if I would want to try cloning them. I tested Boulevard Pale Ale, Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat and Killians Irish Red. The only one of the 3 that I liked was the Pale Ale. The Wheat was just LOUSY. A pitiful attempt to brew Weizen. I wasn't particularly fond of Killians either. I may brew a decent IPA sometime in the near future and will definately do a British Bitter.

i dont think ive eaten this much in one day so far in about 3 years, seriously wow

:hmmm: Must have been good stuff, as I don't see you around here....;) Happy Thanksgiving to you and all.