Tinman13 said:
Hello, looking to make the change over from extrit brewing to AG (BIAB)
Ive read and read all I can find here on HBT about it
I now have a question
the amt of strike to use, I have seen some say 1.5QT per # others 1.3QT/# how do I know how much to use
I understand to work backwards for my total water needed but this one item is not clear
I moved from extract to what is a hybrid BIAB partial mash 11.5 gallon batch about 6 months ago. I keep it simple. Doing a 1.050ish brew:
I raise 10 gallons to strike temp, 158-160 (to cover the thermometer)
Bag 7-8 lbs of grains and drop it in the kettle
Poke it and dunk it here and there for 60 minutes with the lid on
It generally drops below 145 in an hour, but sometimes I fire the burner for a few minutes
Pull the bag on a big strainer over a two gallon pot and take it to the kitchen
Sparge it with about a half gallon with 170 degree water
Return the runnings to the kettle and bring it all to a boil
Add 7 or lbs of DME
Top it off to about 13 gallons and then bring it to boil
Start the clock and add bittering additions....
It's very simple, but the results have been excellent IMHO.
I have always felt the need to go all grain, but this method has been so good that I am content now. I play with calculators, but in the end this method is the backbone for all that I brew. I just add or subtract DME to adjust my gravity targets based on experience. Its a great way to dip into BIAB and mashing. I know that many will say the volumes are critical, but I seem to get really good efficiencies this way and the end product makes me happy. And, I have one 20 big vessel to wash afterward.
Hope this is useful info. Cheers!