First AG/BIAB attempt

Hello!

I've got 4 extract kits under my belt but AG/BIAB is completely new to me.

I found recipe and plugged it into BeerSmith (first time using) and converted it from a 5.25 Gal batch to 3.5 as this is all my brew pot could handle once I consider boil off, etc.

I'm looking to start with a 3.5 Gal batch of red ale - SG 1.055 - FG 1.012.

4 lbs 8.4 oz Pale Malt (2 Row), NW Pale (2.0 SRM)
2 lbs 4.2 oz Munich Malt - 10L (10.0 SRM)
6.0 oz Caramel/Crystal Malt - 15L (15.0 SRM)
4.5 oz Victory Malt (25.0 SRM)
3.0 oz Caramel/Crystal Malt -120L (120.0 SRM)
1.1 oz Roasted Barley (UK) (500.0 SRM)
0.43 oz Magnum [11.60 %] - Boil 50.0 min
0.72 oz Willamette [4.50 %] - Boil 15.0 min
1.00 oz Cascade [5.40 %] - Boil 1.0 min

After creating an equipment profile for my 7.5 Gal pot the est. pre-boil volume is 4.85 Gal.

Is this 4.85 Gal the amount of water I'm suppose to start with and after boil off and other factors I'll end up with 3.5 Gal? Do the amount of grains look correct to meet my SG? These are the numbers I'm pulling with only 70% efficiency - if I go over I'll just add some additional water?

Any guidance would be appreciated

 

the 4.85 gal is how much water you start with.

 

With a 7.5 gallon pot you should be able to do a full boil. What I do is a partial boil, 5 gallon pot(4 gallon boil) and top off in the fermenter to 5.25.

 

Hmmm - okay well I read different things elsewhere. Either way I've decided the smaller batches is better anyway as I can have 2-3 different beers on the go.

For my 3.5 Gal batch does 4.85 Gal of water seem about right? Does my grain bill look good?