My cherry has been popped!

[stevezx7r]

Tried DaaBs but it asks for "estimated utilisation".

Whats that then?

[prodigal2]

Good luck steve
Utilisation I would go for 30% as per DaaBs recommendations if you are boiling for 90 mins.

[prodigal2]

I'd go with 27% as it's a moderate gravity beer. There's an overly simplified explanation at the top of the page.

What he said

[ECR]

Hope it's all going OK!

[Horden Hillbilly]

A glitch or two is all part of the learning process steve, it's only your first ag so there are bound to be a few "grey areas" which will catch you out.

Don't worry about it though, your first ag is certainly going smoother than mine did! You will still end up with a beer to be proud of though.

Well done on breaking your ag duck, I am pleased that my website helped you & I hope my recipe is to your taste.

[stevezx7r]

Thanks for all the help guys, it's now on the boil.

I didn't see your reply in time DaaB so i've gone for 30% utilisation. Not too fussed though as I like hoppy beer.

[roger the dog]

Looks like it's going pretty well Steve, enjoy the rest of the brew

[Stonechat]

Keep it going, it'll be tasty I like hoppy beer too Bet your already thinking what to do for AG no2.

[stevezx7r]

Thanks for all the help guys, it's now on the boil.

I didn't see your reply in time DaaB so i've gone for 30% utilisation. Not too fussed though as I like hoppy beer.

Assuming a higher utilisation results in using less hops and lower IBUs i'm afraid. (you are assuming you will get more from the hops you are adding). However, i'm confident it's not something you'll be worrying about when you start drinking it.

I'm afraid I don't understand this utilisation thing at all. I thought that if I used more hops it would be more bitter?

As you said, I doubt I 'll be concerned about that once i'm drinking it.

[prolix]

sounds like a great brew day so far enjoy

[stevezx7r]

Thanks for that DaaB, right, 10 mins left then last dose of hops followed by a 30 min rest.

As I don't have a IC i'm going to be using two large blocks of ice.

This idea is courtesy of John at the H+G.

Anyone else tried this method of cooling?

[prolix]

you putting the ice in the beer or around the vessel?

[stevezx7r]

you putting the ice in the beer or around the vessel?

I have two ice blocks made from 1.5 litres of preboiled water each. These are placed into the empty FV then the wort is hosed onto it from the boiler after being cooled for 30 mins. This (according to John) is an easy way of cooling to achieve the cold break.

It's all new to me so if anyone has any views on this let me know.

30 mins up, time to crack on...

[stevezx7r]

The wort has been crash cooled to 50C from around 80C so as it's not at yeast pitching temp yet i've put it outside (lid firmly on, guard dogs on stand by). Once at 20ish i'll put the safale in and hope the little blighters do a good job for me.

BTW, I took a sample and left it for a bit, lots of deposits settled and temp was 28C so measured it at 1048 (adjusted for temp). Should make a decent pint.

[stevezx7r]

Still too hot to pitch (30C) so i'm off to bed. Lid is on tight and will add yeast tomorrow am.

When I find my cam lead i'll post the pics too.