Beersmith

plumber · 12-05-2007, 12:07 AM

Just added Beersmith to the equipment list. I can't wait to figure it out and get my next batch of all grain mashing. This is probably one of the less expensive purchases but one of the more exciting. I will be brewing my third all grain (hopefully with better results) with this and if any one has any tips or advice, all is welcome as I hope to learn as much as I can.

Any Ideas on next beer? Looking for good recipies.
Thanks

jacobyhale · 12-05-2007, 01:29 AM

I'm learning Beersmith as well. I think, as with most software, the best way to learn it is to just play with it for a while. I've learned something new every day that I've opened the program.

Llarian · 12-05-2007, 03:01 AM

I actually bought Beersmith before I even bought my brewing equipment.

Best money I've spent in terms of overall quality and control of my brewing in my opinion.

-D

GrantLee63 · 12-05-2007, 09:32 AM

I've been using BeerSmith since getting into AG brewing 15 months ago (19 batches so far), and love it. It is an outstanding program that is very intuitive, and, once you have it tweaked to your equipment, gives remarkably accurate results.

Brad Smith ..... you rock !!!

**wizardofza** · 12-05-2007, 12:16 PM

One thing I would recommend, but may be viewed as a PITA, is taking the time to actually setup and calibrate your equipment in Beersmith.

Take the time to actually figure out and enter things like evaporation rate of your 'Boiler', deadspace in your MLT, entering in the actual material it's made from, things like that (you can find these under the Mash Profile and Equipment sections).

When I first used it, I picked equipment and mash profiles that looked 'close' to what I was using, but my efficiency suffered as well as my final volume coming up short when the boil was done.

I did an about face and actually took the time to enter in actual numbers, and things went much smoother come brew day, not to mention more predictable.

I think this probably applies in most aspects when brewing, not just Beersmith.

BNVince · 12-05-2007, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris21274

Take the time to actually figure out and enter things like evaporation rate of your 'Boiler', deadspace in your MLT, entering in the actual material it's made from, things like that (you can find these under the Mash Profile and Equipment sections).

How did you calculate these figures?

Soulive · 12-05-2007, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BNVince

How did you calculate these figures?

I'd like to know as well. Calculating boil-off has to be variable. The weather definitely plays into the rate...

**wizardofza** · 12-05-2007, 06:50 PM

It wasn't anything scientific I did. Initially, I used the default for boiloff rate, which I think is 9%. But I found that differs based on how vigorous I was boiling.

Also I think height above/below sea level you're at and also the weather affect this if you want to get *really* technical.

I found for my particular setup I ranged somewhere between 4-7%. I came by this through trial and error - just boiling wort from different brew sessions and watching how much I lose in a 60 minute boil. I try to keep my heat consistent between sessions when boiling also.

More importantly though, was the Loss of wort to Trub and Chiller. If you have a spigot on your boiler or MLT you'll lose leave some wort behind. Take that into consideration too, othewise you'll end up with less in your fermenter than originally thought!

Same goes for your MLT, if you have deadspace, make sure you note how much, otherwise beersmith won't calculate correctly.

Most of it was trial and error for me. Going through a couple brews, things were coming up short (total boil volume, finish cooled wort amount, etc) and I became more diligent in my note taking.

Sorry it's not more technical. That's just the way I went about it.

plumber · 12-05-2007, 11:42 PM

Thanks for the info chris. I have already sat down and and figured out most of the set up. I have done three AG so I know a little about what to enter. One I don't know is "dead space" in th MLT. Not to sure what that is. Going to be booked up for the next couple of weekends due to holiday stuff so during the week I'll hopefully get all the correct data and get some recipies entered. After the holidays I am going to go nuts though and brew as much as possible with a little ice fishing in between

Again thanks for the info and if anyone wants to recomend some good recipies I am open for ideas.

**wizardofza** · 12-06-2007, 11:42 AM

Ah...I think I meant Lauter deadspace. Sorry.