So now that I’m kegging, I really like the idea of having a Randall around for get togethers or sampling hops.
Do you own one?
Is it worth paying the $300 for the Randall 3.0 from DFH?
Justin, I don’t have one, nor do I keg my beer but I have to imagine that that product is not worth $300. I know there are diy instructions around using all sorts of readily available products to one yourself. I know I have seen directions for using a water filter canister, among others. I’m sure those can be built for under $100, if not under $50. Just my 2 cents
Hop rocket?
I think a randall could be cool for the wow farctor if it was some elaborate hand blown glass and steam punk ordeal, but from what I’ve seen and heard they are more headache than they are worth
A friend of mine modified a water filter to serve as a randle. He put frozen strawberries in it and served a blonde ale through it. I was amazed how much fruit flavor was in the beer. I don’t think it cost anywhere close to $300.
The randle my friend used was made from a filter like the one at this link with MFL connectors.
Culligan HF-360A Whole House Sediment Filter Clear Housing with P5, 5 Micron Poly Spun Sediment Filter Cartridge Included Amazon.com
Yeah, I’ve never bought one, but if I did I’d take this route. Half of the cool factor is being able to see the beer flow through and you’d be able to with that filter. That and save $300 in the process. 
Do not buy a real Randal (the Enamel Animal) unless you are a bar. It’s not worth the money. Either rig one with a water filter canister, or get one of the Randal Jrs. Personally, most places that use them are way too gimmicky with their choice of infusions, IMO.
I was thinking red licorice whips and cormorant feathers
[emoji12] mmm feathers!
Too gimmicky?
I like randalls, but not necessarily for hops. I don’t find they work well with hops so much. They do work great with other additions. My favorite is pairing them with fruits. I love grapefruit for double IPAs or lemon and orange. I also think the Blickmann Hop Rocket is the best randall device you can buy for the money. It is stainless steel so you can immerse it in ice and it keeps the beer in the chamber cold and reduces the foam to manageable levels. I love my Hop Rockets! I have 2 of them!
Honestly, it’s about at the level most of the places I’ve seen use them. At least they usually do it with beers that I don’t care to drink anyway (White Wing or generic blondes). The only half decent beer I’ve seen out of one was an Irish red with mango, basil, and serrano, albeit with way too much basil in the mix.
Personally, they’re a bit gimmicky for me. But if you want to build one, there are plans in Experimental Homebrewing.
I enjoy having a beer through a randall. My homebrew club has one and often has beers at certain gatherings going through it. It’s nice that it has a before and after dispenser. Quite interesting to see how much flavour is picked up.
You should re-read my post. Just sayin’.
One of the applications for a hop rocket. Thanks for the ice tip, Keith!
This is how I would go about it. The water filter versions are great for the cool factor, but to me it seems like one of those projects where I spend twice as much compared to commercial example.
I just picked up a hop rocket used/ never used sorry of deal for this explicit reason.