My Number 1 Smash
- Thread starter Masimcox
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Very true. I'm about to start my fifth SMASH stove top and my research has made my head hurt; so many variables, techniques etc.
Fortunately I found some simple instructions and by keeping my own records of each brew I can make some progress.
It's a lovely hobby but the scientific aspect creeps in so often and can frighten us newbies.
The OP asked us to suggest things he might improve. I made a suggestion.
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Absolutely. I was only joshing. No offence intended.
Spot on Agent.
It puts newbies off when they are told they need to understand water chemistry which for some of us existing brewers is still daunting at times and then to be told they need this new fandangle or the beer will possibly be ruined. A lot of us started with tap water and plastic buckets and like most hobbies we honed our skills to improve from there.
Basic advice is good but too technical can be off putting
Ah so that’s what Strike Temperature is. The temperature that you get the water to before you put the Grain in. And I presume this will account for what temperature you need to start mashing?
Your grains will be colder than your mash water so you up the temp to compensate, you put your grains in and temp drops to mash temp 
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Yep. Heat to the strike temp and turn the heated to mash temp and dough the grains in. You will see the temp slowly drop to the mash temp.
Good points here. Much appreciated.Your grains will be colder than your mash water so you up the temp to compensate, you put your grains in and temp drops to mash temp
Re adding the grains; also allow for the water level to rise quite a bit?
And don't forget to turn temp back down for the 1 hour mash
As a moderator, I thought you would understand that if someone asks for suggestions, it is OK to make suggestions.
I didn't tell anyone they need to understand water chemistry.
I started with plastic buckets and tap water over 50 years ago, and I wish I had discovered the difference that a few simple additions could make sooner.
Now I understand your requirements better, I will keep my opinions to myself. Happy?
Yikes - this forum lately feels like everyone wants to beat the crap out of each other! Jeezo, it's only beer.
@Masimcox , looks great. My first all grain brew day was like a 15 hour marathon as I kept messing everything up. Still made beer of decent quality! The main thing at the end is 1.) If you made beer 2.) If it's beer you want to drink 3.) If it's beer you'd drink but not 'there yet' , tinker a bit more and experiment.
@Masimcox , looks great. My first all grain brew day was like a 15 hour marathon as I kept messing everything up. Still made beer of decent quality! The main thing at the end is 1.) If you made beer 2.) If it's beer you want to drink 3.) If it's beer you'd drink but not 'there yet' , tinker a bit more and experiment.
Good comments. Thanks.
I quite like the prep and all it involves. My ADHA makes it hard for me to concentrate. But of course, I have to during the brewing process.
I'm fortunate to have the time now retired, to prep a lot before brew day itself. Weighing out grains, hops etc. Cleaning equipment and going over the timescale of things.
I still manage to miss ( time ) something but finished up with real beer that's drinkable.
I treat it as a theraputical hobby.
Re the err... tension here; In life it's important to learn when to stop arguing with people and simply let them carry on being wrong.
I am doing a brew now, i just set a timer for 30 mins 5 mins later doh the mash is 1 hour 30 min timer is hop addition, ship happens to us all
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sounds like you need a louder timer!
