All Grain First

[Ghunter0815]

Looking to make the transition into all grain brewing. I've seen different types of mash-tuns. From converted igloos to professional SS tuns. Any suggestions for a guy brewing as a hobby in his kitchen/garage??

Thanks in advance.

 

[ol-hazza]

Biab.

 

[ol-hazza]

I just wanted to get in first with that one and will now elaborate.

BIAB is a new(ish) style of brewing invented in Australia (not in New Zealand and then stolen which is usually the case with those bloody Aussies).

Its desirable in that all you need is a kettle (10-15 gal), a burner (or other heat source) and a bag which gives the style its name (Brew in a Bag).

Very simply you heat water, put your bag of grains into heated water, take it out an hour or so later and then continue with your boil as per usual.

The main benefits are simplicity or equipment and process, cost, it makes good beer.

Negatives are it's not as cool as a 3 vessel brewhouse (and probably some more but i dont know them)

 

[Ghunter0815]

Thanks ol-hazza! I've been seeing more and more BIAB brews lately, and wondered what the draw was, vs traditional brewing.

 

[ol-hazza]

Its what I do and can make some good beers. I plan on eventually moving up to 3 vessel but that's because I love the building and tinkering side of things almost as much as the brewing and beer, rather than it improving my brews.

 

[JimRausch]

Here's a vote for an insulated drink cooler with a braid. Check out Dennybrew.com for the plans.

 

[Rhaop]

+2 for BiaB but with any form of AG you choose start doing a little research on water chemistry now and it will help later on

 

[jaydlaw]

I am curious as well. due to the cost associated with malt extracts, it should be a little cheaper to invest in a little bit more equipment, and transition to all grain. I was thinking of getting a 10 gallon cooler and using it for a batch sparge. Since my batches are 5 gallons, I was thinking that after the mash process is complete, that all of the sparge water could be added to the mash. I enjoy making my own beer and wish to continue to do so. that being said, $50+ for ingredients for 1 batch can set you back a bit.

 

[jaydlaw]

I think my next couple of batches still be baib.

 

[ol-hazza]

The cool thing about BIAB is that you need most of the kit for a 3 vessel set up anyway, so you really can't go wrong.

As far as saving money on ingredients it pays to shop around, I now pay half what I payed for my first batch, but being over here I can't be much help to you there.

 

[Irick]

I brewed my first all grain batch this past weekend and I did biab. I would suggest giving it a try as it doesn't require a lot of extra equipment.

 

[jaydlaw]

My upgrade for biab. $80 at Lowes. I couldn't find a lower price when u include the basket and cover. At least not when shipping is considered and wanting something sooner versus waiting to maybe save a dollar.

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[normonster]

If I could do it again I'd get the 10 gallon Breaumeister, which is essentially BIAB. The cost here makes the option tough though, especially when someone is just getting into brewing.

That said, I probably would have started with a high quality BIAB set and added the rest over time, as a next best option.

Blich burner/legs, 15 gallon BK, nice bag and an IC. Then the other kettles/burners, pumps, etc.

 

[pricelessbrewing]

Biab for sure . Use my calculator at pricelessbrewing. Git hub. io/BiabCalc to get your temps and volumes on schedule.

The two best tips I can give you are to crush the grains as fine as the lhbs will let you if they don't adjust the mill gap, ask if you can run it through twice for biab. We don't get stuck sparges so we can do that. The other thing is stir thoroughly before pulling the bag.

just insulate with some blankets usually lose about 2 degrees over an hour.

 

[jtratcliff]

Staples (yes, the office supply store, go figure) has a 10g aluminum stock pot for around $40. Free ship to store.

 

[wilserbrewer]

I do both, BIAB and cooler (fitted with a braid) batch sparge, they both are simple and easy. If your handy, making a bag is not rocket science. If you have a cooler, that could likely also be used as just about any cooler 5-12 gallons will do IMO.

 

[jaydlaw]

Lol, I would never thought to check staples. That being said, I found similar but without a lid or steamer basket. These were sold separately. As the cost of those and we are back up to $80. The basket will make things so much easier.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Just my opinion based upon experience, the basket is not mandatory by any means. A proper bag does not require a basket. I have a basket, never use it for brewing.

 

[jaydlaw]

I seen it done both ways. Your right it isn't a necessity I feel more comfortable having the basket in addition. IMO it looks easier with the bag.

 

[pricelessbrewing]

Using the basket is fine, it seems like it will make pulling the grains slightly easier. Don't use too small of a basket though, you don't want any liquid moving around outside the bag of grains.

 

[passedpawn]

I think the 10g igloo cooler is a great way to go. I don't BIAB, and I have no plan to, so I can't address that. But I'm sure it makes fine beer.

You can buy a conversion kit from some of the online suppliers that will turn the cooler into a mash tun. A few suggestions here, don't attempt to buy your own fittings from home depot unless you know they are stainless. Brass and other stuff becomes a real mess after a while. Just buy the kit.

Don't use braid water supply line sheath for the filter at the bottom. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you will see it soon. It works great for a while, but it will kink and get screwed up when you're stirring your mash. There are much better solutions. I suggest buying a bazooka screen, or if you really want to do it right, a full perforated false bottom.

 

[bcltoys]

I would by a brew in a basket for a 10 gallon cooler a little pricey but will last a lifetime.This something I have been thinking about.

 

[jaydlaw]

It's the one that came with the pot, its just about the same size as the pots interior

 

[Ghunter0815]

Thanks for all the responses! After talking to the guys at my LHBS...it seems like the transition between BIAB and a three tier set-up is almost as simple as just adding the additional pieces. I am still working out my available upgrade budget...bug it seems the next practical step us BIAB.

 

[pricelessbrewing]

Thanks for all the responses! After talking to the guys at my LHBS...it seems like the transition between BIAB and a three tier set-up is almost as simple as just adding the additional pieces. I am still working out my available upgrade budget...bug it seems the next practical step us BIAB.

Sounds good, honestly I've been doing BIAB for most of my brewing experience and can't ever see myself going the route of a more traditional multi-vessel setup. Costs more, for no real benefit and then you have to sparge and get slightly less effeciency (on average), and stuck sparges suck!

 

[wilserbrewer]

Don't use too small of a basket though, you don't want any liquid moving around outside the bag of grains.

Yep....thanks....my point exactly. The basket while perceived to be a convenience, can actually be a hindrance. Jmo, I prefer simple, bag, kettle, and grain.

 

[chuckcomm]

I use the basket. After the mash I raise the basket with the bag of grain and slide the metal shelf from our microwave under the basket and resting on top of the kettle. Works like a charm to let the wort drain back into the kettle.

 

[jaydlaw]

I'm hearing up my water for my first all grain brew session. Happy father's day!

 

[dave1226]

Good luck jaydlaw! Enjoy n take your time [emoji16] cheers [emoji482]

 

[Irick]

I'm hearing up my water for my first all grain brew session. Happy father's day!

Good luck jaydlaw! Happy brewing!

 

[jaydlaw]

I mashed for 90min. Boiling now. Everything is going without an issue except I dumped the 60 min hops in directly instead of using a muslin bag. Boil gravity is 1.036 which is on part with the approx. I will post recipe soon. It's a Saison recipe with the following yeast

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[Riot]

BIAB is a great way to start, especially considering the low cost buy in. There is some merit to getting a cooler anyway, just because it makes holding temp way easier. With a bag in it you can use the drain the cooler already has so you don't have to lift the whole cooler to pour it into your kettle. Only reasons I switched to a filtered drain instead is I got sick of lifting stuff, I'm lazy and love my pumps