High gravity AG brews...some questions

WVbrewer said:

I typically make beers in the 1.040-1.060 range. I'd like to make a fairly strong IPA...1.072. I've got some questions; but here's some numbers first:

I mash with 1.3qt/lb, and typically sparge (fly) with 2qt/lb

My efficiency is usually between 70-75% for 5.25 gal batches

I lose about 1/2 gal in the mash tun regardless of grain bill, and usually 1/2-3/4 gal. for trub loss

-So, for this recipe I'm looking at a 14lb grain bill. 4.5gal mash. 7gal sparge. Even with grain absortion, and equipment and trub loss, I'm looking at just over 9 gallons in the kettle. My burner puts off some heat....but I'm looking at 3.75 boil off to hit my fermentor volume of 5.25gal.

The questions with energy and economics in mind:

Would it be better to just add some dme to get my gravity numbers so I can reduce boil time by lessening the grain bill?

Would it be better to add more grain to the bill, and reduce my efficiency, to hit my numbers?

Or....Am I using too much water for this size grain bill to begin with!?

I've got a keggle, so space is of no concern. I just don't want a 2hour boil (or more) for both time and energy consumption. What do you do for high gravity brews? Thanks for your help

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WVbrewer said:

I typically make beers in the 1.040-1.060 range. I'd like to make a fairly strong IPA...1.072. I've got some questions; but here's some numbers first:

I mash with 1.3qt/lb, and typically sparge (fly) with 2qt/lb

My efficiency is usually between 70-75% for 5.25 gal batches

I lose about 1/2 gal in the mash tun regardless of grain bill, and usually 1/2-3/4 gal. for trub loss

-So, for this recipe I'm looking at a 14lb grain bill. 4.5gal mash. 7gal sparge. Even with grain absortion, and equipment and trub loss, I'm looking at just over 9 gallons in the kettle. My burner puts off some heat....but I'm looking at 3.75 boil off to hit my fermentor volume of 5.25gal.

The questions with energy and economics in mind:

Would it be better to just add some dme to get my gravity numbers so I can reduce boil time by lessening the grain bill?

Would it be better to add more grain to the bill, and reduce my efficiency, to hit my numbers?

Or....Am I using too much water for this size grain bill to begin with!?

I've got a keggle, so space is of no concern. I just don't want a 2hour boil (or more) for both time and energy consumption. What do you do for high gravity brews? Thanks for your help

Click to expand...

WVbrewer said:

Thanks guys, I think adding to the grain bill is more economical with the price of dme these days. I could always add a bit of dme at the end if my numbers are way off.

Just to clarify, if I up my grain bill do I keep my water calculations the same? Or do I mash with my same 1.3qt/lb ratio and reduce my sparge water? Thanks, again

Click to expand...