First full mash (2nd attempt)

[prodigal2]

It will be great buzz. It will get easier every time

[Buzz]

I don't suppose you've been taking pic's have you?

Actually I've taken a few - none too exciting and none of the sparging stage I'm afraid as it was getting a bit hectic. (I don't want to embarrass myself and tell you how I sparge until I know it works) I'll try and add the others up to photobucket soon.

http://s176.photobucket.com/albums/w164/buzybakson/

As for the efficiency I'm still learning about that - do you all use a software program for this type of thing. I've heard of Brewsmith and Promash but actually know little about them. Is it worth me getting one?

Oh, and one last question - yeast. I'm going to use Safale s04 - the packet doesn't suggest making a starter - should I pitch it straight into the FV or get one going beforehand

[roger the dog]

and one last question - yeast. I'm going to use Safale s04 - the packet doesn't suggest making a starter - should I pitch it straight into the FV or get one going beforehand

I rehydrate it before pitching by sprinkling it on about 100mls of cooled boiled water in a pyrex jug then waiting till it foams up, (usually about 15 mins). A quick stir with a sanitised spoon & then pour into the FV & give it a good stir.

I think it's a bit late for a starter anyway

[mooj]

As for the efficiency I'm still learning about that - do you all use a software program for this type of thing. I've heard of Brewsmith and Promash but actually know little about them. Is it worth me getting one?

Personally I wouldn't bother, however, what would I know I've never tried them.

You could just use simple hand calculations regarding efficiency. If you're not happy with maths, you could also try one of the many free programs available or online recipe calculaters. I've used the excel spreadsheet found on yobrew.co.uk before - simple to use and the figures seem fairly accurate too.

[Buzz]

Don't forget you'll lose a little to evaporation during the boil, at a guess say 10%.

It's boiling like a trooper at the mo but the volume looks like it's going down massively. I don't know if it's because it's a new boiler but I'll have no wort left at this rate If the gauge on the boiler is correct i'm down to about 13 litres but not sure if i've hit the hot break yet.

[Niall K]

Looks like you had fun buzz and had a good brew day. Its gets easier. I never worried about efficiency I my first 5 all grains. Just concentrated on getting the sparging and boiling right. Take 1 step at a time.
In the picture of your grains in, did you put all the grains in at once or in stages? Your better of putting the grains in the mash water in small batches and stir well to prevent dough balls and then adding more grain

[Buzz]

I've stopped the boil at 2 hours (recipe indicated 90mins-2hrs) and am now leaving the wort to settle before chilling.

Thinking about it, should I have boiled with the lid on the boiler to prevent so much evaperation?

[Wez]

I wouldn't leave the lid on during the boil, lots of 'nasties' are driven off with the evaporation if these condense and drip back in I have read that they can cause off-flavours.

Sounds like this one has gone better !

[AT]

i leave the lid on til i reach the boil and then leave it off for the duration of the boil, 2 hours is a long time to boil and you're gonna have huge evaporation. Maybe somebody who knows better than me will answer this? is it necessary to boil for two hours it seems a bit extreme to me

[mooj]

Agree with Wez and AT, keep the lid off cause of the 'nasties'

You may want to consider a larger volume next brew ie. sparge more (I sparge the equivalent of my final volume as it increases efficiency). This should also keep the evaporation down if the boiler is powerful.

Also you could shorten your boil. I usually boil between 1-1.5 hours. Boil time may effect clarity because longer boils supposedly precipitate more proteins out(?) But I get crystal clear beers from my shorter boils (so far). You will lose a little hop bitterness, but neglible.

Sounds like you've got a late one tonight!!

[Buzz]

Sounds like you've got a late one tonight!!

Indeed, the other half has already turned in and left me to it

Now that I've run off the wort from the boiler I'm quite pleased. It looks good - thanks again for everyone who has helped me through BIG brew Tuesday.

I'm gonna chill, quite literally, pitch the yeast and get off to bed in maybe another hour. It's been a busy, stressful but, ultimately a most worthwhile day. I'll probably go back to a kit after this brew but have another crack at an AG again in the summer hols.

[AT]

You understand now how it works and when you taste the results you'll never dream of kit brews again, it get's easier every time and the enjoyment grows. Don't be disheartened by the process and how complicated it sometimes seems. I'm no brainy act and with the help of this forum i'm a passable and hopefully soon to be a good craft brewer.

Welcome to the addiction

[mooj]

Yes, welcome to the darkside

Indeed, the other half has already turned in and left me to it

Time to crack open another brew?

[prolix]

good stuff Buzz I shall go get another beer in your honour mate!

[AT]

I think we should all raise our glasses in his honour welcome to the worlds worst kept secret, craft brewing