dachbach
Active Member
I have a couple AG batches under my belt and have been doing tons of research. I have been getting very low efficiencies (50-55%). I recently got my Ward water test and used Bru'n Water to get the right chemicals for my brew (My water had been WAY too alkaline). I was hoping today would be the day it all came together.
I did an iodine test for the first time and I think it showed conversion. I didn't really see any difference in the color of the iodine. If anything it got lighter when mixed with the wort. It definitely didn't turn purple or black. I used my new refractometer for the first time on the first runnings out of the tun and only got 1.065. The table that everyone here references shows that I should have been at a 1.090 for my 1.33 grist ratio. It seems to me that my mash efficiency was only 72% (65/90). Is that right? What should one expect from a mash efficiency? Is this telling me that my crush just isn't good (getting it crushed by the LHBS) or am I not understanding something?
On a further note, according to the Brewer's Friend efficiency calculator, I ended up at only 50% efficiency for what went into the fermenter. Do I suck at sparging too? FYI, I batch sparge and stir the crap out of it before draining.
I did an iodine test for the first time and I think it showed conversion. I didn't really see any difference in the color of the iodine. If anything it got lighter when mixed with the wort. It definitely didn't turn purple or black. I used my new refractometer for the first time on the first runnings out of the tun and only got 1.065. The table that everyone here references shows that I should have been at a 1.090 for my 1.33 grist ratio. It seems to me that my mash efficiency was only 72% (65/90). Is that right? What should one expect from a mash efficiency? Is this telling me that my crush just isn't good (getting it crushed by the LHBS) or am I not understanding something?
On a further note, according to the Brewer's Friend efficiency calculator, I ended up at only 50% efficiency for what went into the fermenter. Do I suck at sparging too? FYI, I batch sparge and stir the crap out of it before draining.