I'm thinking of buying a...

• 1
• 2

First post by Pat, 1 year ago

First post

---

Imagine you just heard that your sister/brother had just bought a good or service that you had already bought and that good/service had failed you. In hindsight, you'll be thinking, I wish I had told them of my experience, and your sibling will be saying, I wish I'd asked their advice.

Once the transaction is made though, it's all a bit too late, isn't it?

So, before you buy anything, use this thread to check with other family members - ask them, Am I making a good decision?

Cheers,
Pat

*...

Last post

---

With the BIABacus at hand, there is a wide range of kettle sizes that will work for just about anyone. There is no right or wrong answer, just personal preferences.

Indoor stove-top brewers might have trouble lifting the bag above a 40+ cm tall kettle within the space available above it (hood and/or ceiling). A wider kettle with less height would have an enhanced evaporation rate. That would add to the indoor humidity more so than having a smaller kettle. Outdoor brewers will have to have help...

First try at using BIABacus - can I get another set of eyes to see if I did this right?

First post by BMWFan, 1 month ago

First post

---

I hope this is the correct place to put this question....

First try at using BIABacus - can I get another set of eyes to see if I did this right? I'm trying to decide on what to use on brew day: Brew Target, Beer Smith, Brewers Friend or something else. I also have the Bru 'N Water spreadsheet, since I use RO water and have to add minerals. I'd like something that is accurate, repeatable and gives consistent results (based on if I don't mess up what it tells me to do) - ie. water volumes, brew...

Last post

---

BMWFan - I guess you can tell that I missed the SRM difference in the two different Chocolate malts because I failed to pay attention to color. :blush:

The recipe has unusual elements; High mash temperature, >13% flaked grains, >11% black/chocolate grains and one dose of Willamette hops at 60 minutes, but they will work together. The link you included has discussions about astringency where it balances out. Take good notes along the way during brew day.

One great thing about the BIABacus is...

A question about Oats - to toast or not?

First post by arkique, 1 year ago

First post

---

Hiya people,

I am putting on  my first BIAB this coming weekend and have never used Oats before.
Now I am not a complete stranger to grains as I have done several partial brews but this time around I am going all grain for my Oatmeal pale ale (recipe improvised from several places on the interweb and books I own).

I am not sure whether I am going to toast my oats or not

I digress my actual question is will toasting my  rolled oats to a golden hue impact IBU much and is there any major things...

Last post

---

Welcome to the board Jason :salute:

Usually your first post needs to be made in this thread before it is approved and appears on the board.

Behind the scenes here we are writing a whole lot of stuff to make things easy for all types and levels of brewers. Today, we were writing some advice for new brewers. Above you wrote, I'm a newbie here and trying to learn everything before my first brew. What we wrote this morning isn't published yet but I'll quote some of it here...
The reality is...

Full batch all grain formula to BIAB.

First post by Another Brian, 3 months ago

First post

---

Hello. This is my second post, so please bear with me. I've done 5 BIAB batches, but not for a couple of years so I'm relearning. Plus I am trying to delve into everything more deeply to get a fuller understanding rather than just following steps.

I have a formula from Brewing Classic Styles that I made a couple of years ago and want to repeat. My notes from that batch are not good... My main questions are:

1) Is there an increase in grain bill when moving from sparge formulas to BIAB...

Last post

---

Good job on the BIABacus file, Another Brian :salute:
I did not see any problems with what you have entered.

As for the lighter grain bill - it could be that your proposed 90 minute mash will get more out of the grain than you'd expect. Trust the numbers given. I hit the BIABacus predicted Specific Gravity going into the boil (GIB in Section M) every time but once (my bad on that one brew). The evaporation calculated will then result in the desired GAW (same Section M). Things like air...

My Current equipment and process. 1st BIAB outcome etc.

• 1
• 2

First post by AdeDunn, 11 months ago

First post

---

Right, as mentioned in my intro, not getting overly good efficiency. I've only really done 1 BIAB so far (the other AG I did was a bagless mini stove top, with even worst efficiency... lol). I came away from this knowing 2 things for certain:-

1) My boiler/mashing system is inadequate:-

30 litre SS stock pot, wrapped in about 4 layers of reflective loft insulation. Now the pot itself isn't a big problem, I should be able to get 18 litres into FV from this ok. The real problem is how I am...

Last post

---

PP, regarding needing multiple equipment profiles, not if you know how to use Beersmith 2 (and now 3) properly. In the desktop version you can adjust the BH Efficiency on the design few tab, you would however need to understand that you'd have to be doing this in the first place. Luckily for me it's not an issue as I don't brew big beers, I consider my equipment too small, and my experience level too low. The Beersmith Software relies quite heavily on the brewer been able to dial it in for a...

BIABacus Help

First post by uvmnick, 4 months ago

First post

---

Hey guys,

I have a Rye Brown Ale recipe that I would like to make for my first BIAB. I have some questions on the BIABacus excel file. I wasn't sure on the EBC (section C), volume of ambient wort or the AA% of my hops (section D), and If Grain is...(Section E) fields. How is EBC calculated? How do you determine the AA% (I took an avg figure found on the internet)?

I'm assuming these might be connected to getting my IBUs because at the moment my IBUs is listed as 300+, should be 27.5....

Last post

---

Hi Nick,
Sections J thru R can be used after you brew. You can print a recipe report and create a check list (extreme right side of biabacus).
I find these two items keep my brew day organized. Keeping notes to complete Sections J thru R will help evaluate your brew process.
Refer to the Clear Brewing Terminology section of this site.
There are threads on this site that discuss the integrity of a recipe.
Three good sources for recipes that have integrity are The recipe section of this website...

Clarification of terms

First post by Ninkas1, 7 months ago

First post

---

Hi,

I'm about to brew another Amarillo Pale Ale. This will be my third attempt. I'm trying to record better and need some clarification on what I should actually record. I'm using an electric BIAB system. I am also using the mashout method as described in the commentary.

1. Mash Volume. At mashing temperature the volume of the water and grain. I think this is straight fwd.
2. Volume into boil. Since I am doing the mashout method there will be no subsequent boil. So I think this is simply the...

Last post

---

It's looking better... You're on the right track. :clap:

Yes, you are supposed to remove the lid during the boil. That's supposed to reduce potential for DMS, an off flavor in beer (believe that tastes somewhat like cooked corn). And this will cause much more evaporation - as the BIABacus plans for. It will lower your VAW (volume) and increase your gravity to what you were shooting for. So this is one glaring error, but you've came a long ways and should be able to nail it next time. :thumbs:

Question about end of boil volumes

First post by Ninkas1, 7 months ago

First post

---

My last brew Amarillo Pale Ale (2nd BiAB attempt). Had a specific gravity reading of 1.04 (low). Although I didn't record the volume in the end of boil I think my predicted evaporation rate was much less then predicted (that is....I ended up with more volume). For my next brew I'm going to record everything much better and I have already recalibrated my brewing pot WRT to volumes. In retrospect I wish I had recorded better :(

If I'm right about evaporation rate and it wasn't something else....

Last post

---

Ninkas1 , as streamer mentioned, don't hesitate to supply as much detail as you can including your BIABacus file. (Just had a glance at your prior posts and I think you did use the BIABacus).

If you post more detail, we can soon see if you are worrying about nothing or faster identify any major problem.

For example, you might be worried that your original gravity was 1.040 instead of say 1.045. The beer will be fine. However, if it was meant to be 1.060, then we need to make a solid plan...

Amarillo pale ale how to substitute cascade hops

First post by Ninkas1, 9 months ago

First post

---

Greetings,

Getting ready for my second BIAB all grain beer. Its been over a year since my last very successful attempt using the Amarillo recipe recommended here for noobs. My friend grew cascade hops ithis summer and then desiccated them... I have a few bags full.

The question is how would I prepare them and could I use them to add as aroma hops in the amarillo recipe?

Thanks...If more information needed let me know.

Last post

---

Just an update. I ended up substituting based on equivalents weights...because I didn't bother to learn the AA conversion. Anyway it worked out fine...albeit a bit more mellow then I would have hoped.

Looking for yummy recipes for wife

First post by crunch1224, 1 year ago

First post

---

Hi, I know there is a recipe section, but I am looking for yummy recipes for women (aka SWMBO). Something sweet and yummy, something like I dont know desert? I know this might not be in the right section, but other then the question above, how many of you other guys have been sent on the same quest? hahahah :lol: I am biab all the way with decent skills and gear.

Last post

---

Not I no, I was replying to the thread with a suggestion. I'm lucky, I know exactly what beer my wife likes, that been most of them! :thumbs: I will however be tackling an attempt to clone Holdens Golden Glow for her soon, as this is one of her favourites. Handy as we live in the same region as the brewery, so shouldn't need to play with the water much....

As to a recipe for my wife, I'd probably go with a curry..... :yum:

PS. Us brits tend not to ask for anything to take to fight a cold,...

Recipe advice BIABacus

First post by AussieBrew, 9 months ago

First post

---

G'day all

I have managed to knock out my first BIAB after building a 50 litre E-Keggle with 2x 2200w elements from Kmart kettles. I made the All Amarillo APA which I'm about to keg and initial tastes are very promising.

I am keen to brew some more and I am thinking a Dr Smurto's Golden Ale would be great as I have made the kit version with great results. I am wondering how I use the BIABacus for this system and recipe. I am ordering my grain from and Australian local supplier who has the...

Last post

---

Hello AusieBrew,

Have you taken a stab at filling out the BIABacus file yet? Why don’t you give it a shot, and then paste it on your thread. One of us will be along to give you advice.

One thing I’m looking for and not seeing in your file is the batch size...

Using the BIABacus file on the first page -down the left side of the screen- for both Malt and hops you put recipe on the left side and then it displays what you will use on the right side of the page... Take a look and see what I...

no chill without a cube.

First post by Clackers, 9 months ago

First post

---

I just posted in the I`m thinking of buying a thread about kettle size. The pot I`m going to buy is 50l and wont fit in my sink for cooling
and one of the replies got me thinking.

I've been reading that some brewers just put a sanitized towel on their kettle and a lid and let it sit overnight to cool to pitching temperature

What about just using my fermenter as a no chill cube? it`s fairly well sealed, just chuck the hot wort in let it cool over night and pitch.
sure the head space will...

Last post

---

Clackers - also see the Chilling section of the Forum. It includes the thread mentioned by Streamer and has even more info.
There are some who avoid putting hot liquids in plastic of any kind and there are those who do it all the time. It's your choice.

I have clipped a sanitized cloth across the top of the kettle after Flame Out. Then i let it cool to a point where I could safely move it to where it could sit overnight and cool down to pitching temperature. I did not use the lid on top of the...

Brewing a Pilsner have bottling questions

First post by exploringamigo, 10 months ago

First post

---

So I'm a newer brewer with some extract brews and two biab brews under my belt and I want to brew a Pilsner. This time of year the garage is perfect for cold fermentation at a pretty stable 50 degrees. I'm pretty confident on brewing and fermenting the beer, but I have questions on the lagering phase. I don't have a fridge big enough to house a secondary for lagering, so I was planning on priming and bottling before lagering. My question is how long should I wait before moving the beer to the...

Last post

---

Sounds good I would like to check out your recipe. I've been wanting to brew an Oktoberfest too.

Just finished scaling a recipe for my pilsner that I got from byo.com.

Here it is

Bohemian Pilsener
(3 gallons/11.4 L, all-grain)
OG = 1.056 (13.9 °P) FG = 1.016 (4.2 °P)
IBU = 40 SRM = 4 ABV = 5.3%

Ingredients

6.35 lb. (2880 g) Durst continental Pilsner malt (or similar) 2 °L
0.45 lb. (204 g) Briess Carapils® malt (or similar) 2 °L
4.83 AAU Czech Saaz hops (0.85 oz./24 g for 3.5% alpha...

BIAB Calculator - Am I doing this right?

First post by abihuniak, 10 months ago

First post

---

Hey gang, hope everyone is doing well!

Over the past week I've been messing around with the BIAB Calculator (great tool btw) and now want to put in to the test for my first BIAB batch. Based on the suggestions on this forum, i've decided to use the NRB's All Amarillo APA as my test batch, and want to use the calculator to help get me the best final product as I can possibly get.

I just want to make sure im using the calculator properly!

The Volumes Tab

So right off the bat, id like to...

Last post

---

Hello Alex,

Good job filling out the BIABacus tool!!! At first glance it can seem intimidating, but if you take it step by step it is really very logical and very easy. Just remember - One Step At A Time!

I opened up your file and had a look. Provided all of your inputs are correct, the file should be good to go. Where I remember the first couple times that I used the BIABacus, and really just used the first page... It was a bit confusing to use for me at first. After using it some more it...

I think I am ready

First post by Fat watts, 11 months ago

First post

---

Hello everyone been gathering all my kit and I think I am now ready for a test run.l am looking for good proven recipe that I can use needs to be 23 litres into the fermenter looking for an ipa or pale ale that's hop forward any suggestions

Last post

---

Hello did my first all grain today and got 81.2% efficiency on it very happy.
I used beersmith in the end because it was easy to work out did an ipa clone of punk ipa which I like a lot hope it turns out ok thanks for the help

2nd BIAB attempt

First post by aplund, 1 year ago

First post

---

Below is the BIABacus output for what I'm thinking of doing next. I'll try and outline the background and thought processes.

I currently have 3 brews at different stages:

* A WilliamsWarn English Pale Ale extract kit that's fully matured (23L batch)
* An experimental 4L batch which was a full boil DME + Galaxy hops, in bottles but still green.
* A BIAB smash batch still in fermenter, again 4L size (pilsner malt + cluster)

All extract kits I've made always end up with an odd taste that I...

Last post

---

So I bottled this last night. So far the result has been excellent! Apart from the colour I've almost recreated the local brew here. When I bottled it, all I could think of was being at the football!

Anyway, the FG ended up 2 points below the initial estimate (FG 1.009). Which, given all the strangeness of the OG, is either odd or reassuring.

It only made 6 x 500mL bottles, so the overall efficiency was very poor. But a learning experience.

I'm thinking of getting this for boiling in the...

BIABacus lactose help?

First post by windrider, 1 year ago

First post

---

Hello :)

I’ve been using BIABacus for a while, but I’ve hit a stumbling block. This is the first recipe I’ve brewed using lactose (or any other sugars) which will get added to the boil at 15 mins.

Looking back on the forum I’ve found a very informative post from PP that said to adjust section ‘Y’ to 75% and 0% which I have done. I was hoping someone could take a quick look at my recipe to make sure it all looks okay?

I’ve also added Cocoa nibs in section ‘F’ – which will be getting added...

Last post

---

Please note, i am no way a advanced or Pro brewer of any kind. But i would have thought for a stout, you would mash at a higher temp.
Personally i mashed my sweet stout at 69Deg...
:luck:

I normally mash my beers a little higher than 66°c – But with the additions of flaked oats and lactose which all add body. I wanted to air on the side of caution, so mashing a little lower than I normally would.

Hopefully it pays off and I get a delicious beer :thumbs:

Adding extra yeast after lagering?

First post by Clackers, 1 year ago

First post

---

Hi guys,

I`ve been very quiet over the summer, no time with a couple of 7 year olds on holiday.
Anyway my small fridge has been busy with a lager for most of the summer, what a mistake. I ran out of
beer. I`ll keep lager for winter from now on so I can turn out ale regularly.

Anyway just a quick question. I have 10l of expat lager (BCS) needing to be packaged. Anyway while searching the net for how long to lager
for I found somewhere that suggest to add extra yeast with the priming sugar to...

Last post

---

Hi guys,

I`ve been very quiet over the summer, no time with a couple of 7 year olds on holiday.
Anyway my small fridge has been busy with a lager for most of the summer, what a mistake. I ran out of
beer. I`ll keep lager for winter from now on so I can turn out ale regularly.

Anyway just a quick question. I have 10l of expat lager (BCS) needing to be packaged. Anyway while searching the net for how long to lager
for I found somewhere that suggest to add extra yeast with the priming sugar to...

Does anyone have 15 gal MegaPot profile for Beersmith?

First post by daveIT, 1 year ago

First post

---

Hi, I just bought Beersmith and was wondering if anyone had a profile already set up that they could share. I think I have it set up correctly, but would like to confirm with someone who already has it and has used it. Thanks!

Last post

---

Yeah I tried Libre and a bunch of the lines look strange. I have a copy of Windows and Office somewhere. I'll find them and install in Bootcamp. I'm going to try using the sheet for the next brew. Thanks!

How to maintain the mash temperature?

First post by Epimetheus, 5 years ago

First post

---

Hi all! Very much a newbie here. I just completed my second all grain BIAB and had a difficult time keeping the mash temperature anywhere near the desired 153F/67C. Any pointers, or just do not worry?

- electric range
- 4 gallons in a 30L pot.
- wrapped with towels when it was off the heat
- It dropped 10 degrees over 30 minutes.

I put it back on the heat, it started to overshoot, I had to use the wort chiller to bring it down, undershot, added heat, repeat... The flippin' thing won't cool...

Last post

---

For my 15 gal pot, I used Reflectix - wrapped around about 3 times and then covered with 2 heavy wool blankets. Only lost 2 degrees over 60 mins. That was in summer...in winter I'll use more blankets and probably drag it inside.

Please check these Biabacus files

First post by Clackers, 1 year ago

First post

---

So am planning to do my first BIAB`s After the golden week holidays we have here.
I went with NRB's All Amarillo APA for my first choice. But Subbed Amarillo with cascade.

The ECB I left blank. I didn`t know what to input. See this thread.
It has the malts available to me from my online shop.
E.G pale ale malt 5-7. and I am not sure they are the same grains. The recipe calls for munich 1.
But on my site it just lists munich. So kind of going blind, with the knowledge that no matter what...

Last post

---

Hi Clackers...

I have some quick answers and comments for you.

EBC Number - Remember that if you see malt color expressed in Lovibond / SRM instead, the number is half. So a malt with EBC number of 4 has an SRM number of 2. (Lovibond and SRM are about the same thing, and they are half of the EBC number). If you can, look up the malter's website and get the number there. Or get another malter's numbers...which should be similar for their similar malt (like Pilsner, Vienna, Munich, etc.). And...