I'm interested in how that new sparge routine works, good thinking!
Hazelwood Brewday
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Me too, I don’t know why I never thought of it before. I guess you just get into a routine!
Today’s batch of Summer Breeze is in the fermentation cabinet. Some observations on today’s changes...
The stepped mash resulted in just 1 more gravity point. I was hoping for more but there it is. I guess the finished beer will be the point where I decide whether to use a stepped mash on this beer in future but given that it’s really just base malt I probably shouldn’t expect much difference.
The new approach to sparging was a bit more interesting. My efficiency improved from 65% to 72%. Not a huge difference but it lifted my BIAB efficiency closer to brew system efficiency giving me a 5 point increase in pre-boil gravity. I could have achieved the same outcome with a bit more malt of course.
Anyway, brew is done. Roll on Saturday for the next brew - my attempt at a “vintage ale”.
The stepped mash resulted in just 1 more gravity point. I was hoping for more but there it is. I guess the finished beer will be the point where I decide whether to use a stepped mash on this beer in future but given that it’s really just base malt I probably shouldn’t expect much difference.
The new approach to sparging was a bit more interesting. My efficiency improved from 65% to 72%. Not a huge difference but it lifted my BIAB efficiency closer to brew system efficiency giving me a 5 point increase in pre-boil gravity. I could have achieved the same outcome with a bit more malt of course.
Anyway, brew is done. Roll on Saturday for the next brew - my attempt at a “vintage ale”.
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user 18729
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That’s really good!
I know that I lose efficiency when I fly sparge as I tend to lose patience and open the valves up a bit more then a bit more
I get about 60-62% brew house efficiency or 70 - 74% mash efficiency but I’m sure I could get a lot more if I sparged slowly 
That’s really good!
I know that I lose efficiency when I fly sparge as I tend to lose patience and open the valves up a bit more then a bit more
You remind me of Homer Simpson in an episode where he was following a tortoise (I know
). After a while he started to push it along with his foot until he lost his rag and hoofed it!
65% to 72%, eh? That sort of increase is well worth having on my system as it's constrained to about 5.5 kg of malt and I only get 62% efficiency. Definitely trying that sparge routine next time!
user 18729
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You remind me of Homer Simpson in an episode where he was following a tortoise (I know
That’s my entire approach to brewing...
chillipickle
Landlord.
In my short brewing career, one thing I have learnt.There are no rules if it works for you then fair play!
Jobs for today:
- Finalise recipe for tomorrow - done
- Mini-mash for starter wort - done
- Get starter going - done
- Prepare grist for tomorrow - done
- Keg (corny) my latest batch of Czech Pilsner - done
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user 18729
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you forgot to add 'Pour one's self some liquid refreshment'
you forgot to add 'Pour one's self some liquid refreshment'
Ah, it may not be listed but you can take it for granted, it’s in there!
Going to have a go at your Best Bitter as it sounds really nice, all ingredients ordered. Any tips on this one? or just brew as normal.
Going to have a go at your Best Bitter as it sounds really nice, all ingredients ordered. Any tips on this one? or just brew as normal.
I think it’s pretty straightforward Roger. There’s no trixy ingredients or process involved but maybe recognise my process is BIAB so efficiency is around 65-67%. If you’re using a brewing system you’ll be getting higher efficiency so will end up with a higher ABV or need to reduce the grain/increase the water a little.
Just give me a shout if you have further questions.
Have now kegged my latest batch of Czech Pilsner. Looks, smells, and tastes good so I’m happy with that. The taster might be a little excessive but I wasn’t going to throw it away!
I now have a space in the fermentation cabinet so my first attempt at a “Vintage Ale” is on for tomorrow.
I now have a space in the fermentation cabinet so my first attempt at a “Vintage Ale” is on for tomorrow.
Looking forward to doing it, not for another couple of weeks though (kegs/PB's tied up at the mo) Yes I do use an AIO, higher ABV (Brewfather gives 5.9%), , we all have a cross to bear
I have been looking for a 'Best Bitter' to try for a while, always liked the look of your recipes, so I thought, try it, it will be very drinkable, and it gives me a base to adjust to my taste, IF I need to.
Looking forward to doing it, not for another couple of weeks though (kegs/PB's tied up at the mo) Yes I do use an AIO, higher ABV (Brewfather gives 5.9%), , we all have a cross to bear
I have been looking for a 'Best Bitter' to try for a while, always liked the look of your recipes, so I thought, try it, it will be very drinkable, and it gives me a base to adjust to my taste, IF I need to.
5.9%. That would be an extra special bitter, and then some!I hope you like it and will not be at all offended if you change it.
It's a nice pint!! No good out my shed at freezingyournackers off temps though!
You’ll have to fill a jug and bring it indoors.
Well...I've got about sod all left in the keg,the gas that's in there might be absorbed,I've run out of gas bulbs...pah!
I've had an eye-brain interface malfunction. It's actually giving 4.9%.
I hope you like it and will not be at all offended if you change it.
