Naked_Eskimo
Well-Known Member
Wondering if any folks experienced with BIAB could critique my method and see if there are ways I can up my efficiency.
Here's my method...it's not a strict "pure" BIAB method, but slightly modified. Note: I do 3 gallon batches, hence the small grain bill.
Steps 1. mash 8lbs grain in an 12gallon Igloo cube cooler for 60 mins (grain:water ratio is 1.5qt/lb hence mash volume = 3 gallons). Temp holds pretty steady with maybe ~2 degree falloff over the hour mash.
Step 2. mash out for 15mins by adding 1.5 gallons boiling water (with this limited volume, mash out temp is typically ~163-165 depending on mash temp, so not quite at 168-170 where I would like)
Step 3. Empty entire mash contents (wort+grain) into bottling bucket lined by 5 gallon paint strainer. Lift paint strainer (grain bag) up let wort flow out of grain into bottling bucket. After giving slight squeeze on grain bag, usually collect the desired ~4gallons pre-boil volume (4.5 total - 0.5 grain absorbtion = 4 gallons).
Step 4. Take pre-boil hydro reading to calculate mash efficiency.
Step 5. Wort to pot and boil away.
With this method I am reproducibly hitting 70-72% efficiency, but feel I could do much better. Any suggestions? My thoughts were maybe mashing in the entire 4.5gallon volume and foregoing any mash out. Would this help with efficiency?
Any other suggestions welcome!
Here's my method...it's not a strict "pure" BIAB method, but slightly modified. Note: I do 3 gallon batches, hence the small grain bill.
Steps 1. mash 8lbs grain in an 12gallon Igloo cube cooler for 60 mins (grain:water ratio is 1.5qt/lb hence mash volume = 3 gallons). Temp holds pretty steady with maybe ~2 degree falloff over the hour mash.
Step 2. mash out for 15mins by adding 1.5 gallons boiling water (with this limited volume, mash out temp is typically ~163-165 depending on mash temp, so not quite at 168-170 where I would like)
Step 3. Empty entire mash contents (wort+grain) into bottling bucket lined by 5 gallon paint strainer. Lift paint strainer (grain bag) up let wort flow out of grain into bottling bucket. After giving slight squeeze on grain bag, usually collect the desired ~4gallons pre-boil volume (4.5 total - 0.5 grain absorbtion = 4 gallons).
Step 4. Take pre-boil hydro reading to calculate mash efficiency.
Step 5. Wort to pot and boil away.
With this method I am reproducibly hitting 70-72% efficiency, but feel I could do much better. Any suggestions? My thoughts were maybe mashing in the entire 4.5gallon volume and foregoing any mash out. Would this help with efficiency?
Any other suggestions welcome!