Just finished the boil on my first AG and BIAB.
American Pale Ale
Grain
Marris Otter 2.5kg
Joe White Trad Ale 1kg
Weyermann Munich 1 1kg
Pale Wheat .3kg
Light Crystal .2kg
Expected 1.046OG
66 Degree Mash
Hops
Chinook 20g @ 60
Amarillo 30g @ 20
Cascade 15g @ Flameout
Hit Mash Temp!
Got Good efficiency into the kettle 80%
Eveything has gone well, I am just waiting for the trub to settle and then into the nochill cube it goes.......
Will update pics and more info later....
Post #2 made 15 years ago
Well done & happy days outbreak! 
Looks fine, everything went to plan?! :D
Looks fine, everything went to plan?! :D
[center]Give me a beer and I will move the world. Archimedes[/center]
Post #3 made 15 years ago
I think I had a bit too much evaporation due to my nasa burner giving me a really vigourous boil. I had one boil over but it was minor. The wort going into the cube was nice and clear and smelled great. I love the combination of cascade and amarillo hops.
After I got the grain into the mash it was a really relaxing brew. I actualy enjoyed this a lot more than doing an extract brew. Very hapy with todays effort
*edit spelling...
After I got the grain into the mash it was a really relaxing brew. I actualy enjoyed this a lot more than doing an extract brew. Very hapy with todays effort
*edit spelling...
Last edited by outbreak on 07 Aug 2010, 18:08, edited 1 time in total.
Post #4 made 15 years ago
Top stuff outbreak.
Sounds like you had a great day
Sounds like you had a great day
"It's beer Jim, but not as we know it."
Post #5 made 15 years ago
Awesome outbreak! I also find BIAB much more relaxing than extract.
Arrogant Bastard Ale: "...Perhaps you think multi-million dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better. Perhaps you're mouthing your words as you read this."
Post #6 made 15 years ago
I have never done an extract brew, I went from k&k straight to AG.
What makes extract brewing, not relaxing?
What makes extract brewing, not relaxing?
"It's beer Jim, but not as we know it."
Post #7 made 15 years ago
Great stuff Outbreak,
It unbelievable how easy it is to get good beer using Biab, the hardest and most painful is Cleaning :(
It unbelievable how easy it is to get good beer using Biab, the hardest and most painful is Cleaning :(
[center]"All right, brain. You don't like me and I don't like you, but let's just do this and I can get back to killing you with beer."
[/center]
[center]Homer Simpson[/center]
[center]K.I.S.S., B.I.A.B.[/center]
[/center]
[center]Homer Simpson[/center]
[center]K.I.S.S., B.I.A.B.[/center]
Post #8 made 15 years ago
Id include K&K in not being as relaxing/fun as AG, I just don't like pouring a can in and throwing some hops in. I know BIAB is fairly simple but using extracts I find the whole process too simple. With extract I feel like im making mashed potatoes from that premix stuff in the sache. I also like the down time between the mash, boiling in a much larger pot, and brewing outside on a cracker of a day.hashie wrote:I have never done an extract brew, I went from k&k straight to AG.
What makes extract brewing, not relaxing?
I thought I had the brewing bug before, now its bitten me even harder, god help me if this ale turns out great.
Last edited by outbreak on 08 Aug 2010, 12:13, edited 5 times in total.
Post #9 made 15 years ago
Lol! That's all more than fair enough outbreak, I think BIAB hits rich vein, with minimal equipment, in balancing a certain amount of effort for an exponentially greater reward: the fruits of our labours can be sweet indeed!
Fingers crossed, but for sure, you're in with a fantastic chance!
However, just because you're BIABing doesn't mean you can't knock out a crap beer, but chances are, if you've got a well- formulated recipe and sensible brewing practices (sanitation, pitching etc.) are followed, then you have to try really hard to stuff it up!
Fingers crossed, but for sure, you're in with a fantastic chance!
However, just because you're BIABing doesn't mean you can't knock out a crap beer, but chances are, if you've got a well- formulated recipe and sensible brewing practices (sanitation, pitching etc.) are followed, then you have to try really hard to stuff it up!
[center]Give me a beer and I will move the world. Archimedes[/center]
Post #10 made 15 years ago
Well done Outbreak. I just did my second BIAB the other day. I am wondering one thing though. All the efficiencies listed on the last page of the calculator - how are they worked out exactly. If anyone can answer that would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Post #11 made 15 years ago
Just under 20 litres at OG 1.053 due to my higher than expected evaporation. Is that high of an OG something I should worry about? I've never had a higher than expected OG reading.
The wort tastes very sweet, and heaps of flavour.
The wort tastes very sweet, and heaps of flavour.
Post #12 made 15 years ago
Those couple of litres of evaporation would have made the difference. When my evap has been a bit more than desired I just top up with an electric jug of boiling water to cut it back a bit. I use a hopsock and if I need to top up I run that boiling water through the hops - being a tight bum I reckon it gives me better hop character 
Post #13 made 15 years ago
Outbreak, as per our resident competition blitzer 
, you can dilute during the boil or post- boil dilute as per the formula here.
Because I am a mere mortal and use a piddly 19L stockpot, I always aim to have the kettle as full as possible, often I'll use both of these methods but more often than not I'm sparging and then post- boil dilute, however if your urn/ kettle is bigger then it is probably best to use a jug- full to top it up if need be. As per my linked post above, it is probably far better to have a slightly more concentrated wort that one that is slightly dilute. So, you've done well!
, you can dilute during the boil or post- boil dilute as per the formula here.Because I am a mere mortal and use a piddly 19L stockpot, I always aim to have the kettle as full as possible, often I'll use both of these methods but more often than not I'm sparging and then post- boil dilute, however if your urn/ kettle is bigger then it is probably best to use a jug- full to top it up if need be. As per my linked post above, it is probably far better to have a slightly more concentrated wort that one that is slightly dilute. So, you've done well!
Last edited by Ralph on 08 Aug 2010, 14:28, edited 5 times in total.
[center]Give me a beer and I will move the world. Archimedes[/center]
Post #14 made 15 years ago
Good on you outbreakoutbreak wrote: I thought I had the brewing bug before, now its bitten me even harder, god help me if this ale turns out great.
. Good to see you enjoyed the "hands-on" control side of things. Like hashie, I've never done boiled extract either but I reckon there'd only be about 5% labour difference between them??? Let us know how your first brew tastes. From what you've written so far, I'm pretty sure it is going to be good . Great to see you got your second one up so soon Gibbo! Good on ya! As to your efficiency question...gibbo1 wrote:Well done Outbreak. I just did my second BIAB the other day. I am wondering one thing though. All the efficiencies listed on the last page of the calculator - how are they worked out exactly. If anyone can answer that would be appreciated.
Thanks.
The last page of The Calculator simply "looks up" the volumes and gravity measurements that you have recorded on the first page. Volume x gravity = efficiency.
Pre-boil efficiency and post-boil efficiency should theoretically be identical but seldom are due to measurement errors etc, etc. They should be within about 3% of each other. If there is a discrepancy, usually your pre-boil figure is the higher efficiency figure.
If efficiency is all new to you, basically pre-boil efficiency has more liquid that will be less sweet. Post-boil has less liquid but is more sweet. In other words, the latter is a more concentrated solution - it has the same amount of sugar but in less volume.
After the boil gravity does not change. Volume does though...
For example, efficiency into fermenter will be a lot less than the above as you have less volume (you have left trub in your kettle). The liquid in your fermenter is, "as sweet," though as what it was in the kettle.
Efficiency "into packaging" (your volume into kegs and bottles) goes lower still as you can't drain every last drop of liquid from your fermenter.
You might ask how the 'Into Packaging Efficiency' is calculated given that a fermented beer's gravity is a lot lower than unfermented wort. This figure is just an extrapolation of gravity. It assumes the original gravity of the wort as by this stage, the sugar has been mainly turned into alcohol - there is virtually no sugar left.
It's a good idea to take as many measurements as you can when starting out. It is an even better idea to just write them down and treat them with healthy scepticism...
Scoring 90% pre-boil efficiency on one brew does not mean you are a great BIABrewer. Scoring 70% pre-boil efficiency on one brew does not mean you are a crap BIABrewer. Repeatedly getting within 5% of the above figures warrants investigation. Either is suspicious.
As a new all-grainer, you might wonder what efficiency figure people are using when they tell you, "I get an efficiency of x%." The figure used is nearly always the pre-boil or post-boil efficiency and its accuracy is always dubious.
This makes it hard on the new brewers who naturally think of efficiency as being how much you would get into your fermenter or keg/bottles.
I might start a FaceBook thing that says, "When you quote an efficiency figure, tell us at which one you are referring to
"That'll never happen so any time you see an unqualified efficiency figure assume it is either pre-boil or immediately after the boil as that is the most common one used.
Cheers and excuse the long post,
PP
Last edited by PistolPatch on 13 Aug 2010, 00:12, edited 5 times in total.
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Post #15 made 15 years ago
I racked to secondary and dry hopped some casade as it seemed to be lacking aroma, not sure if that was because I no chilled. SG has been at 1.010 for 3 days so im thinking its finished fermenting. Samples are good, I love the flavour however i might add more hops next time as it seems to be lacking a tad in the flavour dept. (although I had been drinking the Sail and Anchors Double IPA all day on sunday so that may have an effect on my expectations haha). I will let it sit in the secondary for 6 more days to bring it up to 10 days in secondary and then chill it for 3 days (I love having temp control on my fridge!!!)
Post #16 made 15 years ago
Didn't realise you lived so close OB! Yep, the Sail and Anchor Double IPA would have thrown you . (Try the Zeitberg? Dark Lager at The Norfolk instead next time - just had a few myself - yum! Perfect weather for it.) Look forward to having a local beer with you .
. (Try the Zeitberg? Dark Lager at The Norfolk instead next time - just had a few myself - yum! Perfect weather for it.) Look forward to having a local beer with you .If you have found the above or anything else of value on BIABrewer.info, consider supporting us by getting some BIPs!
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Post #17 made 15 years ago
I am keen to get together and have some beers with fellow brewers! Get some opinions on my beers etc....
I have a bit of an issue with my first AG, I dry hopped with pellets (something I have done heaps of times before) and the hop particles seem to want to stay suspended in the brew. Its been at 1c for 4 or so days now and the hops wont budge. Anyone have a suggestion?
*edit
These seem to be flakey bits of hops, every other time I have dry hopped they turned into a powder and sunk over a few days to the bottom of the fermenter before I CC.
Samples taste good though......
I have a bit of an issue with my first AG, I dry hopped with pellets (something I have done heaps of times before) and the hop particles seem to want to stay suspended in the brew. Its been at 1c for 4 or so days now and the hops wont budge. Anyone have a suggestion?
*edit
These seem to be flakey bits of hops, every other time I have dry hopped they turned into a powder and sunk over a few days to the bottom of the fermenter before I CC.
Samples taste good though......
Post #18 made 15 years ago
Don't sweat outbreak, even if some suspended debris makes it into a bottle or keg, it should settle during carbonation. Just relax, you already know it tastes pretty darned good!!
[center]Give me a beer and I will move the world. Archimedes[/center]
Post #19 made 15 years ago
12.5 g of Isinglass per 25 L works well at clearing stuff like that outbreak. It's a bit of a PITA to mix up though....
You really need to whiz it (blend it) for about 15 minutes in about 500 ml of cold (1 or 2 C) boiled water and then add it to your fermenter and leave it sit for a day or two. I haven't had to use it for about 18 months so check these instructions. It works very well though.
You really need to whiz it (blend it) for about 15 minutes in about 500 ml of cold (1 or 2 C) boiled water and then add it to your fermenter and leave it sit for a day or two. I haven't had to use it for about 18 months so check these instructions. It works very well though.
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Post #20 made 15 years ago
Well the extra time spent CC and gelatine cleared the beer up nice! Bulk primed and in bottles.... Now I have to resist cracking open a tester for a few weeks. The sample i tasted while bottling tasted a bit buttery but im not quite sure if it is Diacetyl or not (It may just be my untrained pallete) I suppose the flavours will settle down during botle conditioning.
Now I am planning my next brew! Scored 50kg grain in a bulk buy and some kegs are going to be heading my way soon. Its a slippery slope!
Now I am planning my next brew! Scored 50kg grain in a bulk buy and some kegs are going to be heading my way soon. Its a slippery slope!
Post #21 made 15 years ago
Yes, but isn't it funoutbreak wrote:Its a slippery slope!
Glad to hear your beer is turning out well. I'm looking forward to the tasting notes for this one.
Last edited by hashie on 31 Aug 2010, 06:15, edited 5 times in total.
"It's beer Jim, but not as we know it."
Post #22 made 15 years ago
My room-mate tried the APA last night (I am getting my fitness up for an upcoming surf trip so I have restricted myself to beers one night a week :( ). It was hard to get him to describe the taste, but it had a good aroma, maybe a little bit more carbonation is needed. I can't wait till saturday night so I can try one!
In other news my 25 kgs of pale malt and 25 kgs of pilsner malt are taunting me!!! My mill should be on my door step next week so i will be brewing in the next couple of weeks. I am not sure about what style I will brew. I am torn between getting an APA recipe down pat and being really happy with it, and brewing a few different types to explore the beer world. I may put down a stout then go back to the APA. Anyone have any thoughts????
In other news my 25 kgs of pale malt and 25 kgs of pilsner malt are taunting me!!! My mill should be on my door step next week so i will be brewing in the next couple of weeks. I am not sure about what style I will brew. I am torn between getting an APA recipe down pat and being really happy with it, and brewing a few different types to explore the beer world. I may put down a stout then go back to the APA. Anyone have any thoughts????
Post #23 made 15 years ago
Hi there outbreak ,
I reckon an APA, a Kolsch and a Schwartzbier (Bklack Beer) are three great beers to try first.
Have fun tomorrow night.
,I reckon an APA, a Kolsch and a Schwartzbier (Bklack Beer) are three great beers to try first.
Have fun tomorrow night
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Post #24 made 15 years ago
I have some extra bottles so I will take your advice, I will put down a schwarzbier then try the kolsch! Brewing something dark will be a good change from all the pale and golden ales i've been doing.
I am struggling to resist beer tonight... I will post some tasting notes on my APA tomorrow!
I am struggling to resist beer tonight... I will post some tasting notes on my APA tomorrow!
Post #25 made 15 years ago
Well I never thought i'd ever brew a beer this nice.
Good carbonation, although the first bottle I opened had little to no carbonation (I bulk prime)
I can smell this hops on the nose.
Dry tropical fruity flavours.
Great bitterness at the back, which lingers and isnt interrupted by that twangy flavour that I was getting from kits etc...
Wow I can't believe I made this beer.
Goodbye commercial beer its been great but you just don't understand me anyone, I've found someone else.
Good carbonation, although the first bottle I opened had little to no carbonation (I bulk prime)
I can smell this hops on the nose.
Dry tropical fruity flavours.
Great bitterness at the back, which lingers and isnt interrupted by that twangy flavour that I was getting from kits etc...
Wow I can't believe I made this beer.
Goodbye commercial beer its been great but you just don't understand me anyone, I've found someone else.
