Recent content by mattco353

Thanks for your help. I batch sparge single infusion mashes and all of my brewing to date has been for ale styles but based on your feedback I could expect clearer worts, some improvement in efficiency (typically 75% for the current set up) as well as the flexibility to do more complex mash...

I use a well insulated beer keg with copper manifold for my mash tun. I have no problem maintaining temperature during mash (typically lose 1 deg C over an hour). I'm thinking of adding a pump for re-circulation during next upgrade and would appreciate any advice from users of pumped systems...

Hi Folks, I'm hoping some seasoned brewers can help with a query regarding a planned upgrade. I started AG brewing around three years ago with some DIY equipment and while it's been working very well I'm considering adding a pump for re-circulation. I have a highly insulated MLT (made from a...

Having brewed A.G ales and stouts for the last dozen batches I recently decided to try a ginger ale and with info found here (and imagination!) used the following recipe: Pale Ale Malt: 2.45Kg Munich Malt: 1Kg Caramel 60: .5Kg 20g Target 12.5% AA (60) 20g Cascade 7.8% AA (15)...

Thank you! I've revisited Palmer's section on yeast

I used Palmer's recipe for my first batch (7.5Lb pale ale malt, 1Lb crystal 60L, .5Lb roasted barley, .5 Lb flaked barley, .5Lb chocolate malt) and am very happy with it. It's slightly sweet and very malty. Slainte!

Thanks for that, you may be on to something with long lag time for yeast to get going. I've only done two AG batches but yeast action has been slow on both (48 hrs +!) which is why I'm planning to move to yeast starters. I'm not sure why this is as I have tried to follows best practice re...

Hi, I want to begin using yeast starters but have had mixed results in experiments. I made one last wekend following a the recipe (1 pint water, 120g DME, 1/4 tsp yeast nutrient) and a sachet of dried windsor ale yeast. I didn't have an air lock for the container (mayo jar) and used some cling...

In spite of a number of mistakes on my first all grain brew (a sweet stout) it has turned out very drinkable (if somewhat low in alcohol and slightly lacking in carbonation). My problem is that I have a completely new set of issues with my second batch (a bitter ale) just bottled and I'm...

Perhaps I'm beyond help....I have the book! Using the formula the strike water should have been 74 deg C and perhaps I also should have followed impur's advice re preheating. (I did pre heat but not with boiling water and perhaps for too short a time). Hopefully a combination of improvements...

Thanks for that, Beersmith has been downloaded

Hi, After what I thought was a good amount of preparation on converted keg mash tun and boil kettle I recently did my first AG brew. I didn't want to use additional heat in the mashing process and made a nice tight fitting Poli Iso insulation jacket for mash keg (4" thick) which completely...

Many thanks, I used Fuggles & Goldings and had a look at some of the software available. I think my mash temp was too low so perhaps I should have been concerned about more basic things!

Hi folks, Your brewing bug has spread to Ireland and having bought a copy of Palmer and recycled some of my excess plumbing fittings I'm hoping to start my first all grain batch in the next few days. I'm hoping to brew a brown ale or a stout but had difficulty sourcing the hops listed. The...