All Grain: First Timer

[TwoSheaStl]

This upcoming weekend, I will be attempting to brew a 5 gallon batch of beer using the all grain method (for the first time) with a friend. We successfully built a mash tun (picture included), bought our grains, hops, and yeast, but I have a few questions regarding the production of the wort.

1.) How much strike water is needed for a 5 gallon batch? What temperature should the water be on the stove before pouring it into the cooler?

2.) Once I've added my strike water to the cooler, I'll wait a bit for the inside to heat up, then dump in my crushed grains, correct? I'll then let it steep for about an hour?

3.) After about an hour, I'll add a couple more gallons of boiling water to the cooler. I'll then start collecting my wort into my brew kettle. I assume there needs to be about 6 gallons of wort once all is said and done, being that a bit will probably evaporate when I add my hops.

Also: Say I don't end up with 6 gallons of wort, and I need to add more boiling water to my mash. Do I need to let that sit for a while before I drain the additional wort into my kettle?

 

[birvine]

This upcoming weekend, I will be attempting to brew a 5 gallon batch of beer using the all grain method (for the first time) with a friend. We successfully built a mash tun (picture included), bought our grains, hops, and yeast, but I have a few questions regarding the production of the wort.

1.) How much strike water is needed for a 5 gallon batch? What temperature should the water be on the stove before pouring it into the cooler?
TAKE A PEEK AT PALMER'S BOOK WHERE HE CLEARLY DISCUSSES THIS.

2.) Once I've added my strike water to the cooler, I'll wait a bit for the inside to heat up, then dump in my crushed grains, correct? I'll then let it steep for about an hour?
I ADD HOT WATER TO THE COOLER WHILE I AM HEATING THE STRIKE WATER SO THE COOLER WILL NOT ABSORB TOO MUCH HEAT FROM THE STRIKE WATER. AND, I WOULD MASH FOR 90 MINUTES.

3.) After about an hour, I'll add a couple more gallons of boiling water to the cooler. I'll then start collecting my wort into my brew kettle. I assume there needs to be about 6 gallons of wort once all is said and done, being that a bit will probably evaporate when I add my hops.
I DON'T THINK YOU'LL WANT TO ADD BOILING WATER. I USE 170F. AGAIN, CONSULT PALMER.

Also: Say I don't end up with 6 gallons of wort, and I need to add more boiling water to my mash. Do I need to let that sit for a while before I drain the additional wort into my kettle?
YOU CAN LET THE 170F WATER SIT TO DISSOLVE ANY RESIDUAL SUGARS.

Brent

 

[Warped04]

Hi...Welcome to the AG obsession. Are you using brewing software? All of your questions (except the second one) is answered by your brewing software, or manual calculations. In regards to your second question. I heat my strike water above, then let temp hit the strike water temp, then add my grains.

I would not add additional water...But here's the deal. Brewing AG is about developing a process...So you need to find out what your process is and "fix" you calculations to make it right. So if you end up short in your water volume at the end of the boil, you need to calculate it back into your process.

Personally, I recommend brewing the same recipe a couple of times to get your system dialed in. It will help you in the long run.

 

[maffewl]

I would highly suggest getting Beersmith or a similar brewing software. It will help with most of your questions and give you great insight into your all-grain process.