Thu Nov 10, 2005 1:31 pm
I have brewed many batches in the dead of winter here in Nebraska. This has included snowstorms, sleet storms and below zero weather. I envy you folks that have a garage. I do mine on the porch.
My advice is to spend as little time as possible actually outside. Observe through a window or storm door. Once the hot break has happened, there is little danger of boilover (but not impossible). While outside, stand close, but don't catch your clothes on fire. If you do have to stand outside, don't drink any alcohol, this will dilate the blood vessels in your skin and you will get even colder.
A handy gadget to have for the burner is an old metal washtub or medium sized metal trash can with the bottom cut out. Put a few port holes in the sides for air flow and your gas line and slip it over the burner. This will direct the heat straight up (bring the wort to a boil quicker) and block out the wind, which will reduce gas efficiency.
Don't let the weather stop you from brewing. We could only brew about 3 months out of the year here in Nebraska if we let the weather stop us.
Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company
