Well..............here goes!

[Meatymc]

The dark side beckons...................................!

Finally picking up a pot tomorrow. Going for smaller quantity brews initially and still working from a temporary kitchen set-up hence 33 litre pot. Daughter brought me back a recipe book from the Brooklyn Beer Shop in New York. These are based on 1 gallon brews which you can then multiply up - that's good for me in case I cock things up whilst getting used to this type of brewing. Not very cost efficient in the longer term but let's see how it goes.

First recipe I am going to try (a Brooklyn IPA) asks for 2-row, Caramel 20, Victory and Munich malts, Columbus and Cascade hops and Safale S-05 yeast. Going to substitute Marris Otter or Optic for the 2-row and may drop the Victory altogether - not available locally and I read 2-row is fairly low key compared to UK malts so thinking Maris/Optic will cover for this. Also thinking Carared instead of Caramel 20. Hops and yeast not an issue.

Going to try a 2 gallon brew and see what happens.

I hear oxidisation is a problem - particularly with IPA and if bottling (which I will be doing). Any thoughts on this or the above ingredient mix?

[Rookie]

The dark side beckons...................................!

Finally picking up a pot tomorrow. Going for smaller quantity brews initially and still working from a temporary kitchen set-up hence 33 litre pot. Daughter brought me back a recipe book from the Brooklyn Beer Shop in New York. These are based on 1 gallon brews which you can then multiply up - that's good for me in case I cock things up whilst getting used to this type of brewing. Not very cost efficient in the longer term but let's see how it goes.

First recipe I am going to try (a Brooklyn IPA) asks for 2-row, Caramel 20, Victory and Munich malts, Columbus and Cascade hops and Safale S-05 yeast. Going to substitute Marris Otter or Optic for the 2-row and may drop the Victory altogether - not available locally and I read 2-row is fairly low key compared to UK malts so thinking Maris/Optic will cover for this. Also thinking Carared instead of Caramel 20. Hops and yeast not an issue.

Going to try a 2 gallon brew and see what happens.

I hear oxidisation is a problem - particularly with IPA and if bottling (which I will be doing). Any thoughts on this or the above ingredient mix?

You'll be good with M O, carared, munich, and no victory.
Be careful when handling your beer and you should have no problem with oxidation.

[Jocky]

Good luck! BIAB is a great way to brew!

[Raize]

BIAB's a great method for small quantities.

Are you coming from kits/extract or three-vessel all-grain?

[bquiggerz]

I'm pretty sure you're aware of the difference in US and UK gallons

[Meatymc]

Hi guys

Thanks for the replies

Good point on the US/UK conversion but yes, had taken that into account when calculating and ended up with 2.5KG of Maris Otter, 500g of Carared and 125g of Munich - hops and yeast as previous. Had the grain crushed and happy to admit I know nowt yet on this subject, but there looks to be a fair amount of 'whole' grain in there so may gently 'grind' a bit myself.

Just watched a Northern Brewer (US) vid on Youtube - doing a 3 gallon (US) brew back in 2012 so am going down the full water route rather than the Brooklyn (book) route of an initial low volume boil and then a sparge (hope that's the correct term!) so thinking an initial boil of 3.5 (UK) gallons and 60 minutes mash + 60 minutes boil although seeing 3.5 gallons to get 2 at the end still seems to be a lot - maybe you'll comment.

Been out to buy the 'net curtains' today and will attempt using this instead of a mash bag for now - think I should be able to manage a 3.5 gallon batch in a 7+gallon pot without spilling everywhere, and at least should be manageable. I suspect though that I may rue the day in not having a tap fitted to the pot.

Should really wait until weekend I suppose so don't feel rushed but have a lot on so may try this on Wednesday. Will let you know how it goes.

Thanks again.