postman
Well-Known Member
Hi AG Brewers,
I'm Postman and I've been extract brewing for a year (with success) and have lately been researching the heck out of Partial Mash. I have not done one yet, but this has led me to heavily consider small-AG batches instead. The method that has intrigued me involves using a 2-3 gal water cooler, a veggie steamer and a grain bag. Looks simple, cheap and fun.
Here are some questions I have.
1. I think I sparge through a colander into the brew kettle. If that is so, do I sparge up to my desired volume ~ 2.5 gal? But...I've also read somewhere about draining the cooler and refilling it to let the sparge sit 5-10 min? Which method is better.
2. If using the colander method, does hot side aeration exist?
3. Would I need to take a hydrometer reading of the hot wort to see if I need to add some DME? If so, what is the conversion of DME/gravity points?
4. Do I just take a 5 gal grain recipe and sale down?
5. I've been looking at Beersmith, doing example recipes. Is that the best method for determining mash and sparge volumes?
6. Revvy mentions that he was working on an article about mini AG in a Mr.Beer. Does that article exist somewhere?
Sorry for all the noob questions and believe me, I've tried to find these answers through massive searches. I've probably have crossed the answers somewhere, but they have not clicked yet. I've developed consistent brewing methods, anal sanitation, yeast starters and lately temp control. Now I'm ready for the next step. I think I have the AG basics understood and am really excited to find that I can jump into AG w/o much $$$. Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Postman ~ NJ
I'm Postman and I've been extract brewing for a year (with success) and have lately been researching the heck out of Partial Mash. I have not done one yet, but this has led me to heavily consider small-AG batches instead. The method that has intrigued me involves using a 2-3 gal water cooler, a veggie steamer and a grain bag. Looks simple, cheap and fun.
Here are some questions I have.
1. I think I sparge through a colander into the brew kettle. If that is so, do I sparge up to my desired volume ~ 2.5 gal? But...I've also read somewhere about draining the cooler and refilling it to let the sparge sit 5-10 min? Which method is better.
2. If using the colander method, does hot side aeration exist?
3. Would I need to take a hydrometer reading of the hot wort to see if I need to add some DME? If so, what is the conversion of DME/gravity points?
4. Do I just take a 5 gal grain recipe and sale down?
5. I've been looking at Beersmith, doing example recipes. Is that the best method for determining mash and sparge volumes?
6. Revvy mentions that he was working on an article about mini AG in a Mr.Beer. Does that article exist somewhere?
Sorry for all the noob questions and believe me, I've tried to find these answers through massive searches. I've probably have crossed the answers somewhere, but they have not clicked yet. I've developed consistent brewing methods, anal sanitation, yeast starters and lately temp control. Now I'm ready for the next step. I think I have the AG basics understood and am really excited to find that I can jump into AG w/o much $$$. Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Postman ~ NJ