Brew Day Stories and/or Pics

1. 1st BIAB experience

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   First post by Tomas, 8 years ago

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   I brewed NRB's All Amarillo on 1/3/17.  Overall the experience was positive, although there's room for improvement.  I hit my volume targets :clap:  but missed the gravity estimates :sad: , although there's an issue with the temperature I took the measurements at, which I will correct on the next brew.  Not knowing exactly what to expect, I was surprised at how well it went.   :thumbs:
   The beer's been in the fermenter for 11 days and has reached a final gravity of 1.010.  I'll transfer to a...

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   Cart materials are from 80/20 Inc in Columbia City, IN. It's 1515-Lite t-slot aluminum extrusion, cut to my specs, counterbored for anchor fasteners connecting the legs & crossmembers, with legs tapped for threaded casters. Strong technical support from them while designing, good customer service & 2 day turnaround on multiple orders, as the project morphed after I got started. It was designed so each section could be at a different height, so if/when I might go electric, I can raise the kettle...
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   Last post by Tomas
   8 years ago
2. Another winter brewday

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   First post by goulaigan, 8 years ago

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   Its been a very snowy winter here so far, started warm which means a metric sh!t ton of lake effect snow from Lake Superior. Been pretty chilly for the last month too and Ive been so busy plowing the driveway daily, shoveling the roof, and doing the holidays thing that I haven't brewed in over a month. Pretty rare for me, and the fridge is starting to look a little empty for my liking, so I was glad when I saw it was supposed to be a balmy -1 C today. 
   Concocted up a sort of brown ale like...

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   Made the sleeve myself. Had some metal flashing left over from when I redid the roof on my house, unfortunately it was in several pieces which is why it's so unsightly :)  Don't have a rivet gun, just used small nuts and bolts. It definitely improved my heating time, and now my burner never blows out when it is windy. Only thing I have to be careful of is if the bag hangs too far down over the outside edge of the pot it can scorch, especially if it is soaked with wort. Had it happen when...
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   Last post by goulaigan
   8 years ago
3. My First BIAB - Stove top 10 litre batch

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   First post by musleyhill, 8 years ago

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   I have always brewed from kits – I got the bug from my Dad over 30 years ago, but hadn’t brewed for a while until 2 – 3 years ago. I could afford better kits now so started to use 2 can “premium” kits like Woodforde Wherry. I brewed this for Christmas 2015 along with a nostalgic budget kit for comparison. Both were drinkable but the Wherry was great – a beautifully clear, deep ruby red and somehow, they lasted until October.  Actually, there is still a bit of the budget kit left!
   It struck me...

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   Welcome to the forum  :clap:  Nice document....
   
   The BIABacus found here;   onclick= window.open(this.href);return false;
   replaced the Calculator, it's going to be easier to use.
   
   Let us know how the final product tastes  :drink:
   MS
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   Last post by Mad_Scientist
   8 years ago
4. First A/G pint on me Burco

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   First post by moremeba, 8 years ago

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   Hi all, took me a while but here is a piccy of me first pint.
   Im well happy with it. Hopefully will get even better with age.
   
   Cheers DSC_0009.JPG DSC_0009.JPG

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   I see two pints.  One for me and one for you... :peace:  Looks good.  Trouble is - now I'm thirsty... :lol:
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   Last post by Mad_Scientist
   8 years ago
5. 1st all-grain and 1st biab - stove top setup - newbie advice

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   First post by bullshift, 8 years ago

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   Hi everyone,
   This is one of my first posts, but I've been checking out this forum ever since I discovered the BIAB method. I'm one of those home brewers that brewed a couple of beer kits (still managed to destroy a batch of a beer kit, don't know how!) but was not really happy with the outcome and not really feeling like a brewer. So, I decided to do all-grain and google brought me to the BIAB world. Since I'm going small and brewing in my kitchen, I think this is the perfect method.
   
   Some...

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   Thanks, bullshift, for reporting the outcome and for giving some useful advice for noobs, too.  :salute:
   Enjoy the beer you made.
   I like your line, I'll probably brew another batch tomorrow.
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   Last post by ShorePoints
   8 years ago
6. Old Grain New Brew

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   First post by Brew4me, 8 years ago

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   Decided to make a brew with a couple of different grains that have been sitting around for a couple of months 6+. The grains were all in containers, had no bugs, still had some flavor etc so what the hell. Only thing I had to pick up was 4lbs (1807 grams) of Otter. Hop pellets were also frozen leftovers.
   Brew numbers came out low (didn’t get as much sugar out of it) and the ending ABV was more like 3.0- 3.5% - I figured based on the age I might have trouble.
   
   But, the great thing is, the brown...

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   Hey LI Mike D - I have not planned out when I will revamp the recipe - but the malts with Marris should not be an issue - the old grains tasted just fine so I expect when I do circle back around to this it will be quite tasty.
   Right now setting up for some winter lagers - a schwarzbier and a Helles bock. likely do the mild brown in the spring.
   Pete
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   Last post by Brew4me
   8 years ago
7. Jamil's APA - First BIAB

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   First post by Aidan, 8 years ago

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   Brew day started off a bit rough - had to exchange the burner TWICE because something was wrong with the manifold. Finally got a non-dud (or did I...) and started off.
   
   Ended up with 5kg of Pale Malt, 350g of Munich Malt and 250g of Malted Wheat into the mash with a strike water volume of 39L. Burner worked well and got my water up to strike temperature in decent time. Mashed for 90mins at 67C. Required re-heating at 60minute mark from 63C to 66C. Heated to 78C for mashout, then pulled bag to...

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   Another BIAB day done and dusted, went with a modified Cali Common (Chinook over NB forced due to supply), and I essentially hit my gravity into fermenter and volumes right on the nose. Day went more smoothly, and I'm getting more comfortable/less prone to panicking!
   
   No pics of the finished thing yet, but here's the early start:
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   Last post by Aidan
   8 years ago
8. First AG BIAB - 4 Pines Pale Ale

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   First post by Edclaridge, 8 years ago

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   First AG BIAB - 4 Pines Pale Ale
   
   Tried my first BIAB AG brew last night. Thought I would dive straight in with the 4 Pines Pale Ale clone as I know this brewery.
   
   Anyway thought I would share some pics. The night wasn't a great success but gave me a chance to test the equipment in anger. I will need to invest in a bigger burner as the main problem was reaching the boil. It took far too long so I started to compensate with hop timings. Fortunately a friend leant me his burner hence the second...

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   Repeated the recipe yesterday. The new burner shaved approx 3 hours of the brew day. Also only lost about 2 degrees in the mash over 90 mins which was pretty good.
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   Last post by Edclaridge
   8 years ago
9. How to see how easy BIAB is, Or why 3 vessel is not.

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   First post by joshua, 9 years ago

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   Check a new YouTube from Northern Brewer, in America.
   
   onclick= window.open(this.href);return false;

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   I'm probably one of the lucky few that actually has enough space at home to fit a 3 vessel contraption, but why do it?
   There's no way I can justify the money and time spent cleaning when compared to my BIAB set up.
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   Last post by Muggy Dawson
   8 years ago
10. Brew Day - Otterhound Orange SMASH Pale Ale

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    First post by FatDog, 8 years ago

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    Hi everybody. I'm back with my next attempt. THe last one, Catahoula Citra IPA, turned out to be not great. I was distracted and missed some hop additions and things just didn't pan out.
    
    This time, I'm doing an American Pale Ale SMASH with domestic 2-row and Cascade hops. I've attached the biabacus. I'm in the boil right now. I'll post more as I get to the end of the brew day, pitch the yeast, and ferment.

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    Kegged on Sunday. Hit my final numbers right on. Tastes pretty good! Looking forward to some good drinking! Cheers!
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    Last post by FatDog
    8 years ago
11. My First BIAB - Centennial Blonde

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    First post by jrstephens65, 8 years ago

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    Well completed my first BIAB brew last Sunday. Been kinda busy this week so haven't been able to post this earlier
    
    Started off really well got everything all set up and added the water to the kettle and flame on. Got the strike water to 152.8 on my thermapen and began adding the grain. Once the grain was in and well stirred took a temp reading at it was 149.8. Not bad considering I was shooting for 150! Covered up the kettle with a couple of towels and got busy getting hops weighed out for...

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    Now, that's nice. First BIAB and wife likes it and has the same interest.
    
    She has been helping with the brewing and is getting really interested in it!! It's a great thing!
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    Last post by jrstephens65
    8 years ago
12. My Second AG BIAB

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    First post by jrstephens65, 8 years ago

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    With the first batch in the keg under CO2 and conditioning away it's time to start thinking about the next brew.
    
    Family members are requesting a Sierra Nevada Pale ale clone so I will try that next.
    
    This will be new for me as I have never dry hopped a beer. Do I need to rack to a secondary or can I just leave in the primary and dry hop after fermentation has finished? I am assuming 4 days of dry hop?
    
    The recipe I found calls for
    
    9lbs 15oz (4.5 kg) 2 row pale malt
    1.0 lb (0.45 kg) crystal...

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    I had done 3 BIAB recipes with a 60 min mash and had missed my numbers by at least .010 each time.
    
    Once I increased the mash time to 90 mins and including a stir or two mid mash the numbers all fell in line.
    
    I am still only doing a 60 min boil though... :think:
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    Last post by Goodtime
    8 years ago
13. First brew day story

    15 Replies 13814 Views

    First post by bejkee, 9 years ago

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    Hello,
    
    thought I'd share my first ever brew day here. And it was a BIAB as well, surprise...
    Anyway, here's how it went. I selected one of the simplest recipes from Brewing classic styles - the ordinary bitter. The original intent was to brew on my stovetop on a new 30 cm kettle that I scored on a sale, so that I could keep equipment expenses minimal, while I got my bearings around the brewing process.
    As with many good intentions...
    It turned out the ceramic electric stovetop in my flat is...

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    OK, I've gone ahead and tried this after only conditioning for 1 week in the bottles. Very tasty, although I whish I had put some more bittering hops in there. I feel like the very juicy hoppy aroma could do even better with a bit stronger bitter kick. Otherwise I'm quite pleased with it. :thumbs:
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    Last post by bejkee
    8 years ago
14. First AG

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    First post by Hoover, 9 years ago

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    3kg maris otter
    160 grammes crystal 150
    25 gms challenger at 60 mins
    25 gms challenger at 20 mins
    20 gms cascade at 10 mins
    Flock tab at 5 mins
    Start volume of water 28 litres
    Strike temp 70 degrees
    Mashed in at 68 ( dropped to 66 after 40 mins)
    Gravity. 1.032 pre boil
    Gravity. 1.042 post boil
    23 litres post boil
    
    All in all not a bad first biab, though my digital probe went fubar during boil and I will need to reduce size of batch due to my induction hob being only 2kw and got ages to reach...

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    My typical cooling from 100'C to 30'c is around 45 minutes. I then stick it in a temperature controlled fridge until 25'C when I pitch. Unless it's a Weiss in which case 17'c.
    
    Careful with the lids if you cool by leaving the wort in the boiler overnight. If it creates a vacuum your lid (and boiler) may invert...
    
    Have a look at chill cubes. Just a jerry can made of HDPE, bung your boiling wort into them, squeeze the air out and leave until you're ready to pitch. I believe the wort can be left...
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    Last post by tim_n
    8 years ago
15. Brew Day - Catahoula Citra IPA

    12 Replies 13649 Views

    First post by FatDog, 8 years ago

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    I'm brewing a Citra IPA for the first time today. Looks pretty good. Still dialing in my setup. I'll post the recipe later after I input my brew day numbers.
    
    Cheers!

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    I'd like to try this recipe next. Attached is the Biabacus I've modified based on the discussion above. Does all this look right? I'll post my results as I go.
    FatDog, thanks for posting this - let's compare notes!
    
    I'm no expert, but, I'd say give it ago.
    
    As for the Citra hops, the more I drink this beer, it just seems really sweet. Is that the hops or something wrong in my recipe or execution? Thoughts appreciated.
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    Last post by FatDog
    8 years ago
16. Low ABV Hoppy Wheat Ale

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    First post by flhb, 8 years ago

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    I've been collecting recipes for beers that would be great to drink while tailgating before American football games this fall. Light, low abv, but still flavorful. James Spencer (of Basic Brewing Radio/Video fame) has been experimenting with ultra low gravity rye beers for a few years now with reportedly good results so I decided to give one a try.
    
    I brewed a hoppy wheat ale from this episode of Basic Brewing Video ( onclick= window.open(this.href);return false;) beginning around 5:30 into the...

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    Good for you...! :salute: Nice to hear your brew session went well. There's always room for a good, lower ABV in the beer fridge. ;)
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    Last post by Scott
    8 years ago
17. AG#10 Munich Helles - Award Winning

    4 Replies 12155 Views

    First post by windrider, 9 years ago

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    I brewed this beer a few months back and entered it in to my first BJCP home brew competition over the weekend (Welsh National Homebrew Comp). I was shocked when I looked at the results and found it scored a 44/50 and came 1st in its category and 2nd in the Best of Show (132 entries in total). Absolutely chuffed with the results :thumbs:
    
    I based the recipe on Jamil’s Munich Helles recipe and made some tweaks to it. What I loved about brewing a lager is how simple they can be…one type of hop,...

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    Nice work! Ive been entering BJCP comps here and there for a couple years now and still haven't been able to capture that elusive Gold. Congrats!
    
    Thanks :champ: I entered to get some honest feedback and hopefully improve my beers. I entered a Sorillo IPA that didn't score greatly...don't think it helped i over carbed the bottles (getting use to bottling from a keg) :think:
    
    Pictures, or it didn't happen :shoot:
    
    Go ahead a brag over here: onclick= window.open(this.href);return false;...
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    Last post by windrider
    9 years ago
18. Venturing into the unknown - 1st AG

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    First post by twoshots, 9 years ago

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    Hi all
    
    Today was my first AG brew day having only used kits previously. Much faffing went into the previous weeks collecting kit and building a fermentation chamber. Finally I decided to go for it. With my 7yr old as an assistant (aka hindrance) I attempted a Summer Ale from Greg Hughes' book. It all took longer than expected, the clean up was worse than I thought it would be and I am a little disappointed with the final efficiency. That said I've just made beer from raw ingredients so I'm...

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    Relax mate, you've made beer and no doubt it will be awesome. Unfortunately the only way to learn more about your system is to keep brewing! Shocking stuff I know!!
    
    Keep measuring and you will work it all out in a couple of brews time.
    
    In terms of cleaning the bag I just tip my grain out for the chickens and then hang it on the clothes line and hose it off. Either that or pop it in the washing machine for a 15 minute wash.
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    Last post by Contrarian
    9 years ago
19. My third AG biab

    2 Replies 8776 Views

    First post by Oldgit, 9 years ago

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    Amirillo single hop
    I actually got a SG of 1.060
    Brew went well, very enjoyable day

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    Thank you for the feed back
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    Last post by Oldgit
    9 years ago
20. Russian Imperial Stout brew

    7 Replies 10694 Views

    First post by Brew4me, 9 years ago

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    Back in June I did a one-gallon experiment on a Russian Imperial Stout, which I then put in the basement and walked away. I know you all are say what just one gallon - hey I was experimenting and did not want to waste all that grain the first time around. Oh, and credits on the recipe go to the Brewing Classic Styles book (Zainasheff and Palmer)- great book, recipes adapt very well to BIAB - I know many on the site have it - if you don't you should.
    As it is the brew turned out great - opened...

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    I've used oak dominos in a few brews and in the right measure they can add some nice notes to a RIS.
    
    If you are worried about overdoing it you can steep the oak in vodka or similar to make a tincture and then add that gradually to the beer until you get the desired taste.
    
    I have a RIS at the moment from May last year and it is really starting to develop nicely, will be even better in a years time!
    
    Must be time to brew another one!
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    Last post by Contrarian
    9 years ago
21. It starts with a yeast tube

    4 Replies 6592 Views

    First post by Wyoracer, 9 years ago

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    image.jpeg
    First time and I jumped in all the way. Big grain, yeast starter, learning fast. The recipe I thank Rick and friends for looking and correcting. WLP002 on the stir plate 12 hours before it flocculated. It had me a bit worried when I woke up and 10 hours later nothing had happened. Internet forums calmed my fears though and sometime after 12 hours this happened.

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    Looks good... I wrap my pot with some Blankets and sleeping bag. (Be careful if synthetic touches burner...) good to be a tad higher than 5.25 VIF. 5.25 gallons means you would be about 4.75 gallons tops into bottles. I'd shoot for at least 5.5 gallons if not a tad more. Good job though. Looks nice. Like your Blichman. Burned and stand. I went cheaper on that side and it works pretty well. But Ive always had some envy for the nicer unit. ;)
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    Last post by Scott
    9 years ago
22. Albino squid assassin clone brewday

    8 Replies 9969 Views

    First post by meryvn, 9 years ago

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    Started brewday at 10:30 this morning and got everything mashed in no problem. 90 minute mash and everything up to the boil by 1:30pm, have now noticed my tap leaking. Not sure what I can do about it other than just live with it while the boil is underway. Will need to get some decent heatproof o-rings for next time, and check the tap at boil temperature!
    
    Sent from my XT1092 using Tapatalk

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    Thanks, i have better readings on losses this time i'll post my updated BIABacus in the RIS thread.
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    Last post by meryvn
    9 years ago
23. My Annual Maple Brew

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    First post by goulaigan, 10 years ago

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    Did my annual maple brew the weekend before last while making maple syrup.
    
    This year I decided to go for a Belgian Dark Strong ale. I used about 22 litres of maple sap and about 19 litres of water to get my total water needed. I would have used all sap but I have a theory that the sap is somewhat like my well water here, which seems to make a dryish beer that lacks mouthfeel no matter what I do. I used all sap last year in an oatmeal stout and it came out quite thin.
    
    Anyway, mashed about an...

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    Forgot to report that the maple wheat does not taste like maple :nup: I also forgot to prime it with maple syrup like an idiot. Its a decent beer, nothing special really, although I get some comfort knowing I am drinking carbonated tree sap with alcohol in it haha.
    
    I did end up doing the Belgian quad again as well. (all sap, syrup in the boil) And I made sure to remember to batch prime with syrup. Bottled a week ago today, gave it a bit of extended time in fermenter since the OG was 1.1 Ended...
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    Last post by goulaigan
    9 years ago
24. So yeah, FVV, overnight mash, questions etc.

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    First post by Esquid, 9 years ago

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    Mod Note:I added a question mark as a topic icon.When you feel your questions have been answered please change the icon to a check mark.
    Homer
    
    So,yeah, grain is cheap, and that inspired the following events. I wanted to get a bit of a supply of beer built up so I don't drink them too green, so decided to have a go at a FVV in my 23 L kettle. Opted to add 4 litres at boil time, and 4 litres at FV time for a total of 14.5L though I monkeyed about a little with the FV dilution.
    
    Also decided to...

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    Water is consistent here, so that won't be a problem. And I have a plan regarding the predictability of natural products.
    
    Like I say though, it's only a couple of hours anyway, no biggie if it fails.
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    Last post by Esquid
    9 years ago
25. First AG Brew

    4 Replies 5751 Views

    First post by Wadey82, 9 years ago

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    I attempted my first BIAB last weekend. Overall it went OK with a few hiccups along the way. My kit consists of a 36L SS Kettle and an electric immersion heater. FullSizeRender.jpg The kettle also has a thermowell for a temp probe that connects to a keg king temp controller that then controls the immersion heater. I also use a false bottom to avoid the bag burning on the heather FullSizeRender copy.jpg
    My first brew was a golden ale, mashed at 66 deg for 60 min,(temp reading says 67 as I had...

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    Congratulations on your first crack wadey :clap: :thumbs:,
    
    Ditto what contrarian and MS have said. Run your next brew plan by us here, and we'll make sure you're on track so everything will work in your favour. For example, we'll advise a 90 minute mash with a few agitations and temp checks.
    
    Unfortunately, those little plastic tubes a hydrometer comes in are useless - way too narrow. I'm not too sure I'd trust myself with a glass hydrometer jar :). The type I use is pictured below. The base...
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    Last post by PistolPatch
    9 years ago