My error in slighting anyone’s techniques. I got on a roll and got mouth diarrhea.

There is no “right” way to brew, there really is no “wrong” way either. It will all make beer, and whether it is the best beer one could make is the ultimate goal. I know that I have a good number of “don’t try this at home, kids” moments when I brew, but they work for me (so far). Every brewer finds the technique and process that works best for them. There is lots of trial and error, and once one finds the equipment or procedure that gives the best results they should by all means stick with it (though remain open to suggestions for other methods for further improvement).

Cheers and brew well

Secondly, I use a simple (Fermtech) bottle filler when bottling. They’re cheap ($2.75 at Northern Brewer) and handy to have so that you don’t spill beer everywhere. Sure, the hose clamp technique works but why make things harder than they need to be?

Of course, these are things I’ve learned over my 2 years of brewing and from watching others I’ve learned a lot of how to – and NOT to – do things.