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. 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
My first brew was a golden ale, mashed at 66 deg for 60 min,(temp reading says 67 as I had just added the grain) I didn't reach my SG target of 1.042, came out at 1.032, so I extended my boil time to reduce the FV which gave me an OG of 1.040 which I thought was good enough! But I reduced my volume quite a bit. I also had drama's with my hydrometer, it's been stored in my shed over summer and the plastic tube that holds the wort had bent like a banana so I was struggling to get a reliable reading. This has however provided a good reason to purchase a refractometer this weekend.
Chilling my wort was also a challenge. Using an immersion chiller and ground water I couldn't chill past 21 deg so next brew I plan to buy a water pump and put together a recirculating cooling system with iced water and a cooler box. I pitched a 21 deg, much higher than I wanted but at this stage I'de been brewing for hours and wanted my brew done!
My batch is currently fermenting away, I'm planning a 7 day ferment, then dry hop for 4 days, then bottle. Fingers crossed it tastes OK.
I wished that I had used the BIAB calculator as I feel this would have helped with my effeciency as I suspect my grain bill wasn't large enough.
Definitely happy that I've stepped up to AG. Already planning my next batch.
First AG Brew
Post #1 made 9 years ago
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Last edited by Wadey82 on 29 Apr 2016, 16:50, edited 1 time in total.
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. The type I use is pictured below. The base untwists for easy cleaning. I would really advise against a refractometer.