Part grain 1st kit thoughts?

OldSchoolSi · Jun 23, 2020

Hi all

I've been looking at part grain kits after previously using extract kits, I've really enjoyed the brewing process so part grain gives the opportunity for more of that without having to get a load more kit. They look like better value in some ways as you get a lot of ingredients for very similar money to full extract.

So far I like the look of both the Black Rocks and Malt Miller kits, anyone got any experience/thoughts of either? I'd also be grateful for any tips on this type of brewing.

Cheers

Sandimas · Jun 23, 2020

I get a bit confused when I see the term "part grain" as I expected grains to mash, whereas when I looked they just contained steeping grains so were the same as the kits labelled "extract" by BrewUK.
https://www.brewuk.co.uk/beerkits/craftybrews/brewextract.html
The bulk of the fermentables come from either liquid or dried malt extract, and you steep some grains to give additional colour and flavour. You then need to do a hop boil, this is typically reduced-volume so you can do it in something like a stove-top 12L stock pot. I'd really recommend these as a step up from canned kits, I did them for years before moving to AG and the quality was almost as good as AG, you just get a wider variety of grain options with AG. Go for it.

OldSchoolSi · Jun 23, 2020

darrellm said:
I get a bit confused when I see the term "part grain" as I expected grains to mash, whereas when I looked they just contained steeping grains so were the same as the kits labelled "extract" by BrewUK.
https://www.brewuk.co.uk/beerkits/craftybrews/brewextract.html
The bulk of the fermentables come from either liquid or dried malt extract, and you steep some grains to give additional colour and flavour. You then need to do a hop boil, this is typically reduced-volume so you can do it in something like a stove-top 12L stock pot. I'd really recommend these as a step up from canned kits, I did them for years before moving to AG and the quality was almost as good as AG, you just get a wider variety of grain options with AG. Go for it.

Thanks, I figure it's a good compromise that is potentially a good way to add some of the finer flavours that I've not quite got from the extract kits. As much as anything it's a bit more to do on brew day to add to the enjoyment of the process. Seeing as I'm only missing the pan it's a cheap upgrade to my brewing. AG looks like even more fun, but I'll have to save up a bit before I get there.

Thanks again.

terrym · Jun 23, 2020

Try this
https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/simple-kit-plus-mini-mash-method-to-improve-a-kit.52938/
And this for extract brewing
https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/a-simple-guide-to-extract-brewing.75501/
And for a fairly modest outlet of about £20 you can buy a decent SS stockpot of volume in the range 10-15 litres which allows stove top brewing, perhaps using a bag. My pot is 11 litres (size governed by my electric hob) and in that I can do 9 litre mash and boil and increase the brew volume if required by using DME and extra brewing water direct to the FV (this is known as partial mash)

OldSchoolSi · Jun 23, 2020

terrym said:
Try this
https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/simple-kit-plus-mini-mash-method-to-improve-a-kit.52938/
And this for extract brewing
https://www.thehomebrewforum.co.uk/threads/a-simple-guide-to-extract-brewing.75501/
And for a fairly modest outlet of about £20 you can buy a decent SS stockpot of volume in the range 10-15 litres which allows stove top brewing, perhaps using a bag. My pot is 11 litres (size governed by my electric hob) and in that I can do 9 litre mash and boil and increase the brew volume if required by using DME and extra brewing water direct to the FV (this is known as partial mash)

That's really useful and definitely what I was hoping I'd achieve. I've found a perfectly good 15l pot for £22 delivered, so that should be fine. Thanks, I'm really looking forward to trying this method!