Well I have not been as excited to start a hobby/project in a long while, as I have been since Homebrew and Punkin Ale came along. So I finally got all my stuff together and brewed my firs batch on Sunday. That is the good news. The bad news it did not take me long to make my first rookie error.
I totally misread Reno_Envys recipe. Where it said "24QT of 163*F water (step temp of 156)" I read that as doing a mash at 2 temps, first 156 and then 163. Being my first ever batch and doing BIAB in an effort to keep it simple I decided to just do the entire thing at 163
(on the bright side it explained the 1.080 SG that I did not understand at first).
So I have read to understand that my beer may end up pretty sweet as I may have some unfermentable sugars in there. I guess how sweet only time will tell. On the bright side I have been known to like my sugary treats
I did learn one other thing as well. I have read on these forums over and over again to RDWHAHB. This advise stinks when it is your first batch and you don't have a home brew to relax with! Luckily I am still well stocked with many comercials beers, so I stilled chilled out with a frosty beverage.