My First AG brew!

[carl_saint]

Well I finally took the plunge today after months of reading up on how to do it correctly! Most of the information I needed came from this forum so big up to everybody who's ever posted advise on brewing AG!

Also big up to Northernbrewer who sold me some kit at a bargain price! I plan on insulating the mash tin further but for today's brew I just wrapped it in an old quilt!

Today's brew was a Timothy Taylor best bitter clone from the GW book.

Grain ready to go!

Dough in

Mashing away.

Mash starting temp was 66.8 and finishing temp 90 mins later was 65.5. Not bad I think!!

Sparging!

And in the boiler ready to boil!

Upto temp now time for the Hops

Using Goldings today

Hops in

Good rolling boil for 90 mins

Cooling time

And the finished article!!!

Only managed 16L after boiling. A bit disappointed but not sure if the sparge was done well. I took runnings and stopped at 990 on the hydrometer. I've got a proper fly sparge arm for the next brew but didn't have the fitting today to connect to the boiler but will be sure to get it working for next time!

Over all I'm pleased with my first attempt and in the FV it smells outstanding! Planning on the next one next weekend!! Cheers guys

 

[Northern Brewer]

Nice one Carl - you didn't mess about getting a brew on!

I don't usually boil for longer than 60 mins, that saves quite a bit, what was the OG and what was you aiming for?

cheers
NB

 

[dennisking]

:thumb: Cherry popped :

 

[pittsy]

well done , when i boil for 60 mins i need approx 30l of wort to end up with 23l post boil

 

[Baz Chaz]

Congratulations on your first ...... there'll be many more to follow :thumb:

 

[bobsbeer]

Well done Carl. One down many more to go. :clap: Just waiting for my first AG to be ready to drink. Enjoy.

 

[Dieseljockey]

Well done, you'll get the hang of it... :thumb:

 

[carl_saint]

well done , when i boil for 60 mins i need approx 30l of wort to end up with 23l post boil

Whats the difference between a 60/90 min boil? If the book says boil for 90 and add some hops at the start then 10 mins before the end, would it make much difference if I changed it to 60 min boil and still added 10 mins before the end?

 

[pittsy]

if its a strong beer say over 1070 then it would be a sweeter brew thus needing heavy hop load and so 90 min boil is needed but many brews only need a 60 min boil and bittering at 60 some also at 30 then aroma at 15 (or 10) and at end if wanted (0 mins ) i usually only do 60 min and 15 min , also some books i have say if say 80g total hop wanted add half for bittering then half for aroma but different amounts are for different styles etc there is only a personal choice and no right or wrong way , to get used to hops best try stick to single hop type (like cascade etc) then brew same beer with light hopped then try next time a heavy hopped and you'll soon see what you like best , everyone has different tastes , i like citrus type hops for example but not too heavy .

 

[carl_saint]

Sweet, cheers Mark, will remember for next week!