DP Windsor Ale 25/10/08

[Jonnyv]

I'm attempting my first Durden Park recipe tomorrow.

It's the Windsor honey ale and it'll probably be my Christmas beer since it doesn't need long to mature (unlike most of the other DP recipes!):

I've converted this from 1 gallon in lbs & ozs to 5 gallons in gs & kgs, running at 70% efficiency:

OG: 1.063
6.7kg Maris Otter Pale Malt
150g Honey (in FV)
120g Fuggles @ 120 minutes (AA 5.5%) - IBU: 62

2 x Nottingham Ale yeast (I should probably be using Windsor but I don't have any )

Mash for three hours - boil for two. Mature for 6-8 weeks (not leaving much margin for error there!) - if it's not ready in time then I'll have a stout ready too.

Not sure how I'm going to sparge this one as I've always batch sparged but it's a hefty grain bill for my 28l mash tun :hmm:

 

[jamesb]

Mmm. Sounds nice.

What type of mash tun do you have? I have a cheapo 28l coolbox one and I'd never fit that grain bill in there. I can only just about get 5.5kg in there with a stiff mash.

 

[Jonnyv]

Hmm well same size mash tun.

6.7kg, 2l water per kg = 13.4l strike water

if 1kg grain takes up 2l in volume then I reckon that's 26.8 litres in the mash tun? 3 round batch sparge?

Am I being optimistic? If I am, do say before I start filling the HLT tomorrow

:hmm:

 

[jamesb]

Hmm well same size mash tun.

6.7kg, 2l water per kg = 13.4l strike water

if 1kg grain takes up 2l in volume then I reckon that's 26.8 litres in the mash tun? 3 round batch sparge?

Am I being optimistic? If I am, do say before I start filling the HLT tomorrow

:hmm:

It might be pushing it. I think the 28l spec of my coolbox includes the head space in the lid, which is a good 5cm. I'm betting I couldn't actually get 28l in the box itself.

Heck, try it. You can always adjust for a lower gravity (I know that sort of defies the point but it's still beer!)

 

[Jonnyv]

I think I'll measure the mash tun capacity tomorrow morning and see how much it'll actually take.

Failing that I could reduce the length of the brew.

 

[Jonnyv]

On second thoughts - maybe it's time to purchase a bigger (shiny) mash tun

 

[jamesb]

On second thoughts - maybe it's time to purchase a bigger (shiny) mash tun

Now that's a plan!

All you need to do is get drunk and go on Ebay, you'll have shiny in no time.

 

[Jonnyv]

All you need to do is get drunk and go on Ebay, you'll have shiny in no time.

:lol: I'm halfway there

According to Aleman's mash tun capacity post, you need to allow roughly 3.1 litres per kg of grain. If that's correct, and I have 6.7kg of grain the mash tun will be at 20.77 litre capacity. Assuming a few litres is lost to head space in the lid, I should still be able to add a few more litres for the first of three batches for sparging.

I hear nordic-optical calling me on ebay.... :whistle:

 

[jamesb]

All you need to do is get drunk and go on Ebay, you'll have shiny in no time.

:lol: I'm halfway there

So am I. Although I might have to break into halfords and get some more gas :grin:

According to Aleman's mash tun capacity post, you need to allow roughly 3.1 litres per kg of grain. If that's correct, and I have 6.7kg of grain the mash tun will be at 20.77 litre capacity. Assuming a few litres is lost to head space in the lid, I should still be able to add a few more litres for the first of three batches for sparging.

I hear nordic-optical calling me on ebay.... :whistle:

What liquor to malt ratio is that using? reads article Ah, 2.5:1. The Durden park don't tell you how thick you need the grist do they? Maybe you could do a slightly stiffer mash if you're pushed for space.

Anyway, get shiny. You know you want to. :P

 

[Jonnyv]

DP say a stiff mash - so I guess I could get away with 2l/kg. I think it's the batch sparging that's going to be the issue...

Only one way to find out I suppose!

Time to treat the water, measure the volume of the mash tun and weigh out my grains for tomorrow (and maybe have a another :drink: before I hit ebay )

 

[jamesb]

DP say a stiff mash - so I guess I could get away with 2l/kg. I think it's the batch sparging that's going to be the issue...

I fly sparge so I haven't got a clue.

Only one way to find out I suppose!

Time to treat the water, measure the volume of the mash tun and weigh out my grains for tomorrow (and maybe have a another :drink: before I hit ebay )

Good luck! :

 

[Wez]

Have a good one JV :thumb:

I should have the HLT on by 6am, what time are you kicking off?

 

[Jonnyv]

I've got a three hour mash to contend with but I'm not starting that early! SWMBO's off to work at 3.30pm so I plan to dough in at midday to start sparging when she's gone

Good luck with the Thirst Gold Wez

 

[Wez]

Oh man, that sounds like an ace brewday, left alone to get one with it! :clap:

Have a great one, enjoy the day, looking forward to seeing how you got on after the brew :thumb:

 

[Jonnyv]

I plan to finish in time to join in the chat tomorrow

So when I come in swearing & cursing then you'll know I underestimated the size of my mash tun

 

[Wez]

Cool, I think everyone will love the chat room......we have LOADS more plans coming soon too :party: :party:

 

[Jonnyv]

Cool, I think everyone will love the chat room......we have LOADS more plans coming soon too :party: :party:

More free beer?

 

[Wez]

Maybe :thumb:

Some exciting plans for the forum

 

[Jonnyv]

Cool look forward to hearing about it :

I'm off to bed shortly. Will post some pics of the brewday tomorrow.

 

[jamesb]

Maybe :thumb:

Some exciting plans for the forum

Can't be bad.

Even the missus has expressed an interest in turning up to the forum meet (ok, I promised her a day out in Manchester...)