Hi Cervezeros y Cervezras!
Last week we explore the wonders of the Chronical of SS Brewtech, a fermenter who could be the best friend of any beer lover. This week, I have put my crazy scientist apron to test this ingenuity in my own beer adventures.
Knowing our protagonist: the Chronical fermenter
What if we talk about the show stars? The Chronical comes in two varieties: the standard and the Brewmaster series, and if it is about sizes, you can choose between 7 gallons to a complete barrel! I got the 14 gallon model, ideal for my ambitious batches of 10 gallons of beer using my Blichmann Breweasy system. This fermenter is not just elegant; It has a lot of additional features such as a stainless steel serpentin and butterfly valves that will gain their place in your beer heart.
Get to work! Preparation and transfer day
Before throwing yourself into the beer adventure, you need some accessories to maximize your experience with the Chronical. I started sanitizing the entire team with Starsan. Once the fermenter was ready, I began to fill from my pot through the Therminator cooler. Volume markers inside the fermenter are like having a brewer GPS.
Oxygenation: Let the party begin!
Once I filled the fermenter, I used an oxygenation device Blichmann and, pum! The yeast went to the party at the top. And with a simple tri-clamp system on the lid, there are no excuses not to add your favorite hops or spices at the top. Without forgetting the final touch: a 1/2 ”tube as a air trap that makes you feel like a beer teacher.
The FTSS temperature control system: The magic of fermentation!
While the chronical is impressive on its own, adding the FTSS is like putting the cherry on the cake! This system maintains the temperature under control, but needs a picnic cooler full of ice. I used an old one that I had at home, but I am sure that each brewer has a hidden one. Just remember to change the ice regularly or risk having warm beers and that, friends, it’s not Cerverza!
Temperatures in order and reliable!
The FTSS controller is brilliant; He maintained the fermentation temperature by varying only one degree. Incredible! Although a small warning: if you want to ferment lagers, you will need a more powerful cooler. Some innovatives have ventured to do some interesting tests at lager higher temperatures, everything is possible in the beer world!
Yeast and sampling collection: All under control!
The good news is that Chronical is practically maintenance. Every few days, you could remove the trub through the lower valve. It was surprisingly easy thanks to the butterfly valve: simply sanitizas, open and list the sample. In addition, the sampling port allowed me to verify the specific gravity and savor beer on its way to its golden glory.
Pressurized transfers: without sediments, without problems
With the clean trub, it was time to fill my barrels. Using my CO2 tank, I made a transfer under pressure, and everything flowed like a beer river! In less than 15 minutes, I filled two barrels and left almost no sediment behind. That is beer efficiency!
Cleaning facilitates the life of the brewer
Cleaning the fermenter after the experience was a walk in the park. The design allows easy access to all parts; A quick rinse was enough to leave it brilliant. All that remained was the typical sanitization protocol before the next round.
Accessories that make a difference
To make your chronical work as a dream, you will need some additional accessories. From the FTSS temperature control system to leg extensions and wheels, each addition will take you one step closer to become a brewer teacher.
Is investment worth it?
In terms of price, the Chronical, which is around $ 775, might seem a little high, but if you consider everything you offer, you can see why it is an investment that is worth every penny. With its robust design and prominent characteristics, it could be the last fermenter that you acquire in your beer career. I am feeling the temptation to buy another for my experiments with hydromiel and cider.
So, if you are thinking of diversifying your beer skills, do not hesitate to give Chronical a chance. Health to homemade beers!
