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formula2fast · 03-21-2012, 02:14 AM

So I am 3 brews into the obsession, a 1 gallon all grain, a 5 gallon partial mash, and a 5 gallon extract (in that order) and I am not really sure about what I am hearing about the all grain brewing. Here is why I am kind of confused.

My first brew was a 1 gallon brew from Brooklyn Brew Shop and it was an all grain brew. Super easy, no crazy equipment needed, just steeped for a hour, strained the grains, poured my wort over the grain strainer two more times to rinse all the sugars out, and then went into my boil.

Why do I need extra special equipment to do all grain brews for a 5 gallon mix. Is it just because of the large amount of grain that I will need and the ability to rinse the grain after steeping? Isn't the process the same as I did for my 1 gallon all grain. I much prefered the process of the all grain I did, but I fear that a brooklyn brew shop kit may take short cuts or is just easier because of the volume. I now have a 10 gallon kettle and think that I can do an all grain with that and my regular equipment, but I am sure I am missing something.

Can someone please explain this to me?

**jester5120** · 03-21-2012, 02:22 AM

yes it's because of the large amount of grain and having to strain and sparge it. Look into brew in a bag. It's a new all grain technique that is very similar to what you've already done.

**Euphist** · 03-21-2012, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jester5120

yes it's because of the large amount of grain and having to strain and sparge it. Look into brew in a bag. It's a new all grain technique that is very similar to what you've already done.

This

Being an apartment dweller, BIAB was the only practical way for me to go. Now I don't think I'd switch even if I had the space!

theveganbrewer · 03-21-2012, 02:29 AM

Since you already have a 10 gallon pot the only thing that requires the extra space is mashing. You could make a 10 gallon mash tun in a Lowe's/HD round cooler for around 50 bucks total and you'd be set. It's just a cooler with the drain taken out and replaced with a spigot and a mesh drain filter.

This is the thread with all the instructions. I built mine for 50 bucks and have done 25 6 gallon batches with no problems.

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/cheap-easy-10-gallon-rubbermaid-mlt-conversion-23008/

Best part is it's small and the only thing you need. The grain falls out in one clump after you finish which makes cleaning hassle free.

**afr0byte** · 03-21-2012, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theveganbrewer

Since you already have a 10 gallon pot the only thing that requires the extra space is mashing. You could make a 10 gallon mash tun in a Lowe's/HD round cooler for around 50 bucks total and you'd be set. It's just a cooler with the drain taken out and replaced with a spigot and a mesh drain filter.

This is the thread with all the instructions. I built mine for 50 bucks and have done 25 6 gallon batches with no problems.

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/cheap-easy-10-gallon-rubbermaid-mlt-conversion-23008/

Best part is it's small and the only thing you need. The grain falls out in one clump after you finish which makes cleaning hassle free.

Cheers, fellow vegan brewer.

Surly · 03-21-2012, 03:04 AM

Steeping grains is a more primitive method of all grain brewing. It is a simple process that allows you to impart some flavor from special grains.

When we talk about all grain here we mean that we process the grain bill by crushing, then extracting what we need to feed to the yeast. It is not difficult but we do need certain types of equipment as well as specific processes such as temperature control.

Spend a bit of time reading here and in no time you will get a flavor for it, no pun intended. You will also find that you get great ideas and advice with this group at HBT.

formula2fast · 03-21-2012, 03:05 AM

I already have a huge grain bag, so really the mash tun is just an easier way to strain grains by pouring in the wort and then drain it out back into my kettle, right?

**gcdowd** · 03-21-2012, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theveganbrewer

Since you already have a 10 gallon pot the only thing that requires the extra space is mashing. You could make a 10 gallon mash tun in a Lowe's/HD round cooler for around 50 bucks total and you'd be set. It's just a cooler with the drain taken out and replaced with a spigot and a mesh drain filter.

This is the thread with all the instructions. I built mine for 50 bucks and have done 25 6 gallon batches with no problems.

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/cheap-easy-10-gallon-rubbermaid-mlt-conversion-23008/

Best part is it's small and the only thing you need. The grain falls out in one clump after you finish which makes cleaning hassle free.

+1, this is the mash tun I use. It was cheap and works great!

theveganbrewer · 03-21-2012, 03:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by formula2fast

I already have a huge grain bag, so really the mash tun is just an easier way to strain grains by pouring in the wort and then drain it out back into my kettle, right?

If you can maintain temps in the grain bag/kettle setup for an hour and then had a way to get your sparge water on the grain bag in a separate pot, probably nothing more than 5 gallons, I guess that would work. In AG, you'd mash the grains, then drain the container, then add more hot water, drain, and boil. But you'd be unable to do that if you did it in one pot.

By maintaining temps, I'd say 148-156 degrees depending on your brew, for 60 minutes. You would probably have to insulate the kettle heavily, but I'm not sure exactly. In my estimation, by the time you insulated it and bought the 2nd smaller kettle, you'd be over the 50 bucks for making the cooler mash tun.

formula2fast · 03-21-2012, 11:22 AM

I can maintain the temp in my kettle.

So if I mashed in my kettle for an hour, poured wort into the the homemade mash tun with the grain bag in it, and then drained the mash tun back into my kettle, would that accomplish the same thing? That makes sense in my head, but not sure if it does in practice.