Brewday 26/06/08 - Raven Ale

[Buzz]

I'm finally going to give my new shiny twin-element boiler an outing tomorrow.

I'm doing the following, based on Marc Ollosson's recipe for Raven Ale, although I've tweaked the amounts for my low efficiency. Marc's quote is 'stunning balance of malt hop and fruit, with a complex finish of hoppy dryness and roast barley nuttiness.'

4500g Pale Malt (Optic)
150g Crystal Malt
195g Torrified Wheat
52g Chocolate Malt

90 min Mash 65deg
90 min Boil

50g W.G.V. (7%) 90 mins
10g Goldings 15mins

Aiming for 23L, the book suggests an OG of 1038 but I'll probably over-shoot that a little. We'll see how it goes and I'll post some pictures as I brew tomorrow.

[Wez]

Have a good one Buzz

[roger the dog]

Hope it goes well Buzz

[Bionicmunky]

Have a good one mate

[oblivious]

Enjoy

[Horden Hillbilly]

Good luck Buzz, enjoy it!

[Vossy1]

Have a gooden Buzz

[AT]

Enjoy Buzz

[louthepoo]

Have a good one mate, it'll be loads better as you're christening your new equipment

[brewzone]

Enjoy the new boiler Buzz

/BZ

[Buzz]

It was quite stressful with the new boiler. I was anticipating blown fuses and leaks. There is a problem I need to address but, for the most part, it was glitch free. Here's a few pics

I still use my old bruheat boiler with the mashing bag as the mash tun.



Dropped just 0.7 deg in 90 mins



Hop strainer fitted to the new boiler



Got to the boil in 15 mins with both elements on



Into the FV



Trub



Ended up with 21L @ 1043



But one problem. The new boiler has a leak Not massive but, a drip from under one of the elements.

I think it's the hole I had a problem with the hole saw skimming over the top. After some brute force I got the saw through but the stockpot wall may not be quite true anymore. I think this why the element hasn't sealed properly. I'm going to clean it out tomorrow and I'll have a closer look then.

Strange thing is, I tested for water tightness just yesterday in preparation of the first brew and it was fine. I left it for 3 hours with water and not a drop escaped, so not sure why it should leak on the brewday, unless I knocked one of the elements inside - or maybe I moved it slightly when plugging and unplugging the leads as they are quite stiff. Anyhow, I'll know more tomorrow when I take another look. At least the beer is fine

I did take some small video clips throughout the day too. If I get time to edit them together I'll put a link up.

[Vossy1]

Hey Buzz,

I've also found elements to leak on initial use. They just need an extra tighten after the first few brews but eventually they seat properly.

[Buzz]

Hey Buzz,

I've also found elements to leak on initial use. They just need an extra tighten after the first few brews but eventually they seat properly.

Thanks Vossy, that's reassuring to know. I've been lazy and not cleaned the boiler out yet - I'll do it in the morning and tighten them up. Cheers.

[roger the dog]

Lovely pictures Buzz

[Garth]

ditto what Vossy said, good pics Buzz, new boiler looks great