Since I have started all grain, I feel very comfortable with the process. However, I feel like I need to better understand how much water I need. I realized this when using the Recipator this evening and thinking about the portion of the spreadsheet that asks for pre-boil volume, etc.
Previously, I have always followed specific recipe directions to determine the amount of water that I need for mash/sparge/etc. Now that I have created my own recipe (hopefully), how should I go about determining amounts of water needed. For instance,
1. How many gallons of water per pound of malt should I use for the mash?
2. How many gallons of water will the grain absorb during mash and sparge?
3. How can I calculate the amount of water that will evaporate in my 60 minute boils?
If I am right, having answers to these questions should be enough so that a brewer can ensure that he has 5 gallons (or very near it) at the end of the boil.
Previously, I have always followed specific recipe directions to determine the amount of water that I need for mash/sparge/etc. Now that I have created my own recipe (hopefully), how should I go about determining amounts of water needed. For instance,
1. How many gallons of water per pound of malt should I use for the mash?
2. How many gallons of water will the grain absorb during mash and sparge?
3. How can I calculate the amount of water that will evaporate in my 60 minute boils?
If I am right, having answers to these questions should be enough so that a brewer can ensure that he has 5 gallons (or very near it) at the end of the boil.