Return to Brewing

I am finally returning to brewing after a prolonged layoff for life. When I last brewed in college it was a stove top extract method. I have now resolved to be more efficient and tackle an all grain system. Thanks to the wonderful help here at HBT, I am close to my first batch.

I completed a "dry" run today without leaks, measured dead spaces and boil times, and performed an initial cleaning. Below are the pics. I am sorry re: the cell phone picture quality. It is a cell phone and I had a few of the obligatory beverages while performing the testing.

Thanks to all you provided advice. As suggested often, I read, read, read before taking the plunge. Any ideas for a first batch. I am leaning toward a Sierra Nevada IPA clone.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15114&stc=1&d=1269799758
The 3 tier setup, note garage is cracked open for ventilation.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15115&stc=1&d=1269799879
10 gallon HLT.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15116&stc=1&d=1269799975
Sparge Manifold. I plan on fly sparging.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15117&stc=1&d=1269799975
10 Gallon SS Brew Kettle with Thermometer
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15118&stc=1&d=1269799975
Brew Kettle and SS Braid

Of course, I will post pics of a real time run when completed. I feel like I owe Denny some beer for all of his helpful posts. I hope the wooden rack is not too ghetto for him, but I wanted something I could easily take apart and store (all wingnuts baby)

Damn that is a clean garage! Nice setup. Welcome back to homebrewing!

The garage isn't that clean, just the camera is that bad. There is a layer of sawdust on everything from a large project I just completed, 4 sets of cornhole boards. I will have to wipe everything down before brewing.

To answer the 3 pms in 5 minutes, cornhole is not what you think/want it to be.....

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15120&stc=1&d=1269801378
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15121&stc=1&d=1269801390
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15122&stc=1&d=1269801397
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15123&stc=1&d=1269801405
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15124&stc=1&d=1269801413

I finally found the time for a first brew day, and what a day it was. The kids won their lacrosse matches in the am, I completed the honey do lists, and still had time to brew. I'm starting with a Sierra Nevada IPA clone. exceeded the OG expected by hitting 1.064 allowing me to dilute the wort slightly leaving more beer at bottling. The coolers held there temps very well (only lost 1 deg in 60 min). The fly sparge was a little thin but didn't get stuckban. I'll have to get better at setting the ball valves. I did drop my sparge arm into the MLT once and forgot to bag the finishing hops resulting in a very slow transfer from the brew kettle to the carboy for fermentation. I am amazed at what a difference the proper equipment makes compared to 20 years ago. Pics to follow.

Initial Strike of the Grains
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15173&stc=1&d=1270339292

Boil without foam.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15172&stc=1&d=1270339292

Aerating the Wort - everyone says to "Don't Fear the Foam"
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15171&stc=1&d=1270339292

Ready for Bedttp://www.homebrewtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15174&stc=1&d=1270339292d - StarSan in the Airlock

So I'm a little slow on organizing the photos in posts. I promise to get better. A few too many Nugget Nectars may be contributing to this. :cross:

Nice cornholes!!

CORNHOLIO!!!!

You should make some of those holes larger...I understand a few of those teams are handicapped...

Seriously, those are cool looking.

Wow... I'm still an extract/mini-mash brewer and see this setup just inspires me to just go ahead and make the jump to all-grain. Thanks for the great pics and the inspiration!