Birallee Beer & Brewing: australia

Showing posts with label australia. Show all posts

Sunday, 23 January 2022

Cheeky Peak Brewery - Nano X Fermenter Range - Rundown

In late 2021, Cheeky Peak Brewery (Albury, NSW) released a new range of stainless steel fermenters called "Nano - X". We were particularly interested in these fermenters as the pricing of them was really sharp, especially compared to other stainless offerings on the market current, however, upon diving down the rabbit hole of looking at the different options available, we were quickly overwhelmed and somewhat confused by the different options available, so we wanted to break it down for our own understanding, and yours.

We're going to focus on the 30L versions, but we suspect these differences/options will apply to the 50L and 70L versions as well, though the prices will obviously vary.

Entry Level Option - Nano - X 30L Flexi Bucket Fermenter

Although it is called a "bucket" - it is still a conical style fermenter!

What you get in the kit;

Flexi Bucket Fermenter
2 x 1.5" welded ports on the fermenter body (1 on middle right, the other at very bottom where the dump valve would attach).
1 x 1.5" tri clover end & 1/2" valve assembly racking port (middle of conical part of fermenter)
1 x 2" welded port on the fermenter body (middle left)
1 x 22mm laser cut hole on the fermenter body (for thermowell/temperature probe)
Flat lid with 1.5" welded port on top
1 x thermowell (assuming this is what is in the 22mm laser cut hole previously mentioned?)
1 x 2" tri clover clamp, end cap and seal
4 x 1.5" tri clover clamps (why 4?)
2 x 1.5" tri clover end caps (one for each of the 2 x 1.5" ports on the fermenter body)
4 x 1.5" seal
1 x 1/2" tubing racking cane
1 x 1.5" tri clover fitting with 1/2" elbow barb for fermenter blow off tubing (this attaches to the 1.5" tri clover port on the lid)
4 x adjustable feet
Price - AU$410

Middle Level Option - Nano -X Flexi Unibucket 30L

What you get in the kit

Everything in the Flexi Bucket kit EXCEPT for the 1 x 1.5" tri clover end & 1/2" valve assembly racking port (middle of conical part of fermenter)
1/2" sight glass ball valve instead of the above (AU$37.95)
Flexi bucket pressure lid (AU$210)
Price AU$640 (AU$17.95 cheaper than buying the Flexibucket then buying the additional parts listed above)

Check out our Unboxing of the 30L Flexi Unibucket Fermenter post.

Top Level Option - Nano - X Flexi Conical Unitank 30L

What you get in the kit

Everything in the Flexi Unibucket kit, plus
1.5" dump valve assembly (AU$139.95)
Price AU$810 - this makes no sense to us as the price difference for the whole kit is AU$170, but the only difference is a single part that is worth AU$139.95?

We like the way Cheeky Peak have approached this, by trying to make the range completely modular, so brewers can start and upgrade their fermenter in stages to avoid a large initial financial outlay, because let's face it, stainless steel equipment is expensive and the additional components can begin to add up very quickly.

If you're going for the middle or top-tier option, you'll at least need a couple of extra bits and pieces to be able to do pressure fermentations and transfers.

1.5" tri clover PRV 15psi (AU$41.95) - this is a must have, as the pressure lid is rated to 15psi so a PRV is essential to ensure that the pressure inside the fermenter never exceeds 15psi to avoid damaging the fermenter. This will attach to one of the 1.5" tri clover ports on the pressure lid.
3" tri clover gas & liquid ball lock male head (AU$48.95) - another must have. Attach a spunding valve to one of the ball lock heads (for pressure fermenting) and a liquid dip tube to the other (so you can get your beer out of the fermenter!) OR
2 x 1.5" tri clover single ball lock male head (AU$22.95 each) - these will attach to 2 of the 1.5" tri clover ports on the lid. Use these is if you want to keep the 3" port unused for dry hopping etc.
Floating dip tube (to attach to one of the ball lock heads as mentioned above (AU$8.50)
Blow-tie spunding valve (to attach to one of the ball lock heads as mentioned above (AU$45.10)

There are of course loads of other things you may want, to be able to do oxygen free dry hopping for example. but the above is the minimum to get going with pressure fermentations and transfers.

Check out our Unboxing of the 30L Flexi Unibucket Fermenter post.

You can also see the full range for yourself at the Cheeky Peak Brewery website

Thursday, 20 January 2022

KegLand BrewZilla Gen 4 Release - First Impressions

The next generation of KegLand's all in one brewery system, the BrewZilla has finally been published on the KegLand website. Here's our initial thoughts on the design and features now that we have confirmation on the details.

BrewZilla Gen 4
Image used with permission from KegLand

The general size and footprint of the unit appears to be relatively unchanged - which is good as the small footprint was convenient for storage, and brewers with limited space. The tall narrow design does cause temperature variations between the top and the bottom, compared to shorter and wider designs though but this can compensated for relatively easily.

BrewZilla Gen 4
Image used with permission from KegLand
Release date (for Australia) is March 16, 2022.
Possibly the biggest and most significant change is the relocation of the digital display and control panel from the base of the unit to the top. This is a big step in the right direction and will greatly improve the ergonomics and usability of the BrewZilla. There appears to be a single lead connecting the display back to the base of the unit which would likely be easily disconnected for removal and cleaning. No more worrying about getting the display wet when cleaning! The screen is now colour as well which is a nice addition and can be tilted up/down for easier viewing depending on your height.
Pump and heating elements are all now electronically controlled from the display. Time will tell how this one plays out - we liked the benefit of having a 'kill switch' for the pump and electric heating elements. Certainly in the case of a boilover, it was great to be able to quickly shutoff the heating element(s) with the flick of a switch. Some closeup pictures of the screen (which aren't currently available) would help determine how this works. Perhaps physical buttons instead of touch screen functions for this?
The base of the unit is now concaved meaning that wort can be more easily drained from the unit without needing to tip/tilt it.
Rapt portal integration - brew day information such as mash time and temperature can be logged to the Rapt portal and it also appears the BrewZilla can be controlled from the portal (or app) as well. Notifications and alarms can also be setup to automatically notify on certain events such as strike temp being reached, hops needing to be added etc. The Rapt portal is an exciting and innovative idea and we're excited to see how it plays out with the integration of a range of different brewing devices/equipment.
Bluetooth gateway - the BrewZilla can act as a bluetooth gateway/ repeater meaning that other devices such as bluetooth thermometers can communicate with the BrewZilla which can then repeat/relay this information elsewhere - such as the Rapt portal.
Ball lock tap at the base of the unit appears to be unchanged from the previous model.
Recirculation pipe from the base of the unit with a flow control valve also appears unchanged. KegLand state an "improved recirculation arm design". It's unclear so far what this means. As far as we can tell from the photos it's still got a standard camlock fitting which was known to come loose fairly easily on the previous generation BrewZilla. Strongly suspect this issue would have been addressed though.

BrewZilla Gen 4 - recirculation pipe and lid
Image used with permission from KegLand
False bottom protection screen - an additional screen to go over the false bottom to help filter hop/trub material and prevent it from entering (and clogging) the pump
Standard IEC power cable - similar to what plugs into the back of most computer power supplies, this is a good improvement as the power cable can now be removed when cleaning the unit and for storage.
Immersion chiller - still appears to be stainless steel and unchanged from the previous generation.
Two stage malt pipe removal - the malt pipe can now be lifted and set to 2 different heights for sparging - useful for smaller batches.

BrewZilla Gen 4 - malt pipe removal stage 1
Image used with permission from KegLand

BrewZilla Gen 4 - malt pipe removal stage 2
Image used with permission from KegLand
Pump for the recirculation arm is still located in the base of the unit and is easily accessible for repairs/servicing. Obviously there are fewer electric components in the base now which is good due to the relocation of the digital display. There are still some electronic components in the base which are sealed away, and the bottom cover has been removed completely leaving the pump and hoses/connections exposed.
BrewZilla Gen 4 - underside view of base with no cover
Image used with permission from KegLand
Larger, more ergonomic handles on the glass lid. The handles are now made of stainless instead of the previous plastic 'ball' type handles.

BrewZilla Gen 4 - new glass lid handle
Image used with permission from KegLand
Larger malt pipe design - malt pipe is now 30% larger than the previous generation meaning more grain and therefore high gravity beers can now be made without needing reiterated mashes.
There is an optional accessory for an "low volume CIP rotor" - ie. cleaning in place head. No pictures or info on this yet but we're looking forward to seeing more detail on this.
Available in 35L, 65L and 100L versions.
"Ultra Low Watt Density" heating elements are stated, but not clear on the exact power rating on these and if they are the same or changed from the Gen 3 BrewZilla.
Advertised price is currently AU$599 which is AU$200 more than the current price of the BrewZilla 3.1.1 (AU$399). Although a sizeable 50% increase from the previous version, it is still significantly cheaper than other single vessel breweries such as the recently released GrainFather G40.

What are your thoughts on the features and price of the BrewZilla Gen 4? Will you be upgrading?

You can check out pictures and more information on the BrewZilla Gen 4 on KegLand's website.

Friday, 31 December 2021

Black Sheep Brewery - Monty Python's Dead Parrot Amber Ale - Aldi Beer Review

Review Date: 31/12/2021
Brewery Name: Black Sheep Brewery (Masham, UK)
Beer Name: Monthy Python's Dead Parrot Norwegian Amber Ale

We came across a few of Black Sheep Brewery's beers at our local Aldi store so thought we'd give them a try. This is the first of three beers we'll be reviewing from Black Sheep....

"This amber ale will leave you pining for the fjords and offers fresh hoppy notes of citrus fuits and a touch of pine, squawking against a bed of sweet malt and rye"

Black Sheep Brewery - Dead Parrot Norwegian Amber Ale Bottle

General

Alcohol By Volume (ABV): 4.1% (Standard)

Label/Design: 8/10

Serving Style: Bottle

Region of Origin: British Isles (England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland)

Style Family: Amber Ale

Malts/Adjuncts: Unknown

Hops: Unknown

IBU's: Unknown

Black Sheep Brewery - Monty Python's Dead Parrot - Bottle Notes

Appearance

Colour: Medium Amber

Clarity

Brilliant

Clear

Slight Haze

Hazy

Collar of Foam & Head Retention

None

Poor
(Up to 15 secs)

Moderate
(15 - 60 secs)

Good
(more than 60 secs)

Foam Texture

N/A

Thin

Fluffy

Mousse-Like

Carbonation (Visible)

None

Slow

Medium

Fast-Rising Bubbles

Alcohol Aroma

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Aroma & Flavour

Esters Aroma: None
Phenols: None

Alcohol Taste:

Not Detectable

Mild

Noticeable

Strong

Harsh

Hop Pungency:

Mild

Moderate

Strong

Extreme

Hop Bitterness:

Restrained

Moderate

Aggressive

Harsh

Malt Sweetness:

Low

Medium

High

Cloying
(Excessive)

Astringency:

Low

Medium

High

Palate/Mouthfeel:

Light Bodied
(Thin/Watery)

Medium Bodied
(Light + Full)

Full Bodied
(Round, Rich & Creamy)

Palate Carbonation:

Low

Medium

High

Length/Finish:

Short
(Up to 15 seconds)

Medium
(15 to 60 seconds)

Long
(More than 60 seconds)

Oxidative/Aged Qualities: None

Black Sheep Brewery - Monty Python's Dead Parrot Amber Ale in the Craftd Alpha glass

Overall

Drinkability: 7/10

Overall Impression: 6/10

Notes

Although amber in colour, this one really seems to be lacking a little oomph in terms of flavour.

For us there just wasn't enough sweetness from the malt to go along with the hops and bitterness. Mouthfeel is medium - light, and carbonation is high. Some real piney flavours from the hops, a little bit of citrus as well. Its good but not great.

Sunday, 26 December 2021

Sauce Brewing Co - Stoutmas - Mocha Imperial Stout - Beer Review

Review Date: 25/12/2021
Brewery Name: Sauce Brewing Co (Marrickville, NSW, Australia)
Beer Name: Stoutmas - Mocha Imperial Stout

Beer number 25 of our Beer Cartel Advent Calendar for 2021

Check out our full run down and review of the 2021 Beer Cartel Christmas Beer Advent Calendar

"Here it is the final day of your Beer Advent Calendar!
From us to you, a huge thanks for taking part in our Beer Advent Calendar. We hope you've enjoyed the beers as much as we've loved curating them. The pictures on social media everyone has shared over the countdown have been nothing short of superb.
Having enjoyed the beers alongside you all, we hope you found a whole lot of special within the selection - from Mountain Culture's Wet Bandits Oat Cream IPA on day one through to this special Imperial Stout it's been a wild ride and we have absolutely loved sharing it with you."

Sauce Brewing Co - Stoutmas - Mocha Imperial Stout