I am getting ready to attempt my first all grain batch tomorrow and am still unsure about a few things. I do not know my exact boil off rate. I did a test run with 6 gallons of water for .5 hours and lost a little over .75 gallons. I am going to try and get 6.75 gallons to start. What is the more important hitting my post boil volume(5.25 gallons) or my target gravity? I know once I do a few batches I will be able to figure out more of where to start. I will be batch sparging and can't figure out if I should just dump the water in and stir it or pour it slowly onto something like aluminum foil and not disrupt the grain bead. I have searched the forums and can't get a clear answer. Thanks in advance.
I am brewing this kit from NB:
http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewi...in-ale-kits/st-paul-porter-all-grain-kit.html
I am brewing this kit from NB:
http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewi...in-ale-kits/st-paul-porter-all-grain-kit.html