Fly Sparging Vs. Batch Sparging

New2HomeBrew · 08-06-2007, 10:59 PM

I have all my equipment and ingredients for my first AG batch. I have read quite a bit and watched several videos, but I can't decide weather to do Fly or Batch sparging. I am planning a 10 gallon American Amber ale for my first attempt. Most of the source material I have read says that fly sparging is the most affective. What are your thoughts? Keep in mind that this is my first AG batch, and I want it to turn out as good as it possibly can. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Drunkensatyr · 08-06-2007, 11:10 PM

Batch sparging is by far easier. I have done both, and my efficiency is at 80% with batch, so that is what I stick to. Either will work, but for your first time, batch will really give you a good opportunity to get used to AG without a lot of potential headaches. Good luck to you either way you go!

**ajf** · 08-06-2007, 11:39 PM

I think fly sparging can be slightly more efficient than batch if you have the right equipment, and a good technique.
With the wrong equipment, batch sparging is much more efficient.
As Drunkensatyr said, batch sparging is much easier. It is also much faster.

-a.

New2HomeBrew · 08-06-2007, 11:40 PM

What was your efficiency with Fly?

**bradsul** · 08-06-2007, 11:46 PM

I've personally been getting ~85% with fly sparging. With my batch sparging I usually get ~80% so the difference is minimal. With my equipment I can't fly sparge on small (~1.040 OG) grain bills so I do a mix of both. For your first AG since you have so much else to keep straight, as did the others I would also recommend that batch sparging is a great way to get started.

**ajf** · 08-07-2007, 12:36 AM

I'm the same as bradsul except I don't stand in the middle of rivers.

85% fly sparging, 80% batch.

-a.

**bradsul** · 08-07-2007, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajf

I'm the same as bradsul except I don't stand in the middle of rivers.

...

Think of all the fun you're missing out on.

**ajf** · 08-07-2007, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradsul

Think of all the fun you're missing out on.

As I understand it, fly fishing is a battle of wits between the fisherman and the fish. I don't think it would be fair to encourage the fish to fight an unarmed man.

eh?

-a.

**bradsul** · 08-07-2007, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajf

As I understand it, fly fishing is a battle of wits between the fisherman and the fish. I don't think it would be fair to encourage the fish to fight an unarmed man.

eh?

-a.

Can't argue with that.

desertbronze · 08-07-2007, 02:57 AM

KISS - batch sparge your first few all grain brews. You can try fly sparging later - as mentioned above, some brewers get slightly better efficiency when fly sparging.