Hi guys, just got my first boiler and have started my first AG brew but I think I've fallen at the first hurdle. I got the temperature wrong for the mash (I was trying to do 2 things at once and thought I'd be smart by getting the mash going whilst getting on with some work).
The upshot is the water was far too hot when I chucked all the grain in. It should have been about 65c but was nearer 77/80c. I brought the temp down with cold water but not very quickly. Have I screwed the whole enzyme process??
First AG brew - got the temperature wrong
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Buzz
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Buzz
Looks like it's a steep learning curve from the kits to a full mash but I'll get there 
I'm using the Big Book Of Brewing by Dave Line to get me started but there's something else I've been meaning to ask concerning the 'Hot Break'.
After boiling it says the wort should be 'reasonably clear'. I'm just wondering how clear is 'reasonably'? The boil on the recipe I'm doing is 90mins-2hrs so I'm hoping that will be sufficient to do the trick but I'm not convinced I'm actually going to know what I'm looking for.
I understand it's crucial and any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I'm using the Big Book Of Brewing by Dave Line to get me started but there's something else I've been meaning to ask concerning the 'Hot Break'.
After boiling it says the wort should be 'reasonably clear'. I'm just wondering how clear is 'reasonably'? The boil on the recipe I'm doing is 90mins-2hrs so I'm hoping that will be sufficient to do the trick but I'm not convinced I'm actually going to know what I'm looking for.
I understand it's crucial and any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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PieOPah
With your runnings, you want the wort to be free of large particles of grain.
It is probably too late now, but you would likely have still been able to produce beer from your wort. Personally I would have carried on as normal. Hops aren't too expensive and if it didn't work then you wouldn't have lost much more than you were planning on throwing away anyway. If it did work out for you then you would have had a nice supply of beer.
Ah well, live and learn
Hopefully your next brew will be more successfull.
Also, what method of sparging ar you using?
I started using Batch Sparging. Personally I hated this and I have now switched to Fly Sparging. One thing with Fly Sparging is that your wort will run clear and that 'should' be it. With Batch Sparging, you have to clear your wort for each batch you sparge....
It is probably too late now, but you would likely have still been able to produce beer from your wort. Personally I would have carried on as normal. Hops aren't too expensive and if it didn't work then you wouldn't have lost much more than you were planning on throwing away anyway. If it did work out for you then you would have had a nice supply of beer.
Ah well, live and learn
Hopefully your next brew will be more successfull.Also, what method of sparging ar you using?
I started using Batch Sparging. Personally I hated this and I have now switched to Fly Sparging. One thing with Fly Sparging is that your wort will run clear and that 'should' be it. With Batch Sparging, you have to clear your wort for each batch you sparge....
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Buzz
I'll show my ignorance now as I didn't know there was any other way than the continuous or 'fly-sparging' method. This is my first AG brew so I'm a real novice!PieOPah wrote: Also, what method of sparging ar you using?
The wort has gone down the sink now - I've got most of the day free tomorrow so will try again - any help with the 'Hot Break' question?
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tubby_shaw
Keep watching the boilBuzz wrote: any help with the 'Hot Break' question?
Initially you won't see anything but foam, once this clears the boil will appear "milky". As the boil progresses the milkyness will disappear as the proteins clump together.
What you should end up with is clear liquid with match head sized lumps in it.
These lumps are the actual hot break material that you will strain out with your hop filter.
Good luck with the next attempt
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Horden Hillbilly
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Sorry to hear that your first ag did not turn out Buzz, but at least you know where you went wrong and can correct it on your next brew.
I see that you are new here, have you checked out my website? I have shown how I do an ag brew with simple, but detailed step by step instructions with loads of photos. Click on the link below my signature if you are interested.
I see that you are new here, have you checked out my website? I have shown how I do an ag brew with simple, but detailed step by step instructions with loads of photos. Click on the link below my signature if you are interested.
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Buzz
Yep, I only found the forum today after searching for help on the internet. Your guide with photos will be a big help - I find the books quite daunting with all the text - seeing how things should look is a big help.
All my kit beers have worked out well and I'm sure I'll get there with the full mash.
All my kit beers have worked out well and I'm sure I'll get there with the full mash.
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Niall K
Buzz,
Don't be put off from your mistake. We all make mistakes. Grains are one of the cheapest parts of our hobby. I'm on my 6th all grain and still make mistakes. But enjoying it all the way and will never look back. Any questions you have just ask the forum. There is a wealth of information here and everyone is here to help.
Horden Hillbilly, great web site with great pics.
Don't be put off from your mistake. We all make mistakes. Grains are one of the cheapest parts of our hobby. I'm on my 6th all grain and still make mistakes. But enjoying it all the way and will never look back. Any questions you have just ask the forum. There is a wealth of information here and everyone is here to help.
Horden Hillbilly, great web site with great pics.
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notassuch