First BIAB - trying ESBish experiment

[Makintrax73]

Did a partial mash with my last extract by adding 2lbs of MO and mashing BIAB. Hit my SG numbers and it worked well.

Now I want to try a straight BIAB brew as a cheap experiment with leftover grains.

2.5 gal batch

4lbs MO
.2 lbs English coffee malt for a little color. (leftovers)

.3 oz 8.1 AA nothern brewer 60 min
.2 oz at 10 min?
?? a flame out?
Shooting low end of IBU for ESB style.

Will pitch it directly on the S04 yeast cake of current brown ale primary.

Questions: I am shooting for an ESBish style. So

1) Suggestions for mash temp?

2) Suggestions for hop schedule? I know what I want for a 60 min, but I dont know how much flavoring or aroma hops are appropriate for the style.

Anything else that looks off shout it out, and thanks.

 

[McGarnigle]

I think Maris Otter wants mash temps around 152-154. I believe Jamil says 152 for MO.

Are you using Northern Brewer for late hops, or asking for suggestions? Obviously EKG would be a great choice. But I like NBs.

Most (or many) recipes see to like to do two late hop additions, 15 and 5, or 20 and 2, or 15 and flameout. Maybe just a 1/2 ounce (for a half batch) split across the two addition times.

 

[Makintrax73]

I think Maris Otter wants mash temps around 152-154. I believe Jamil says 152 for MO.

Are you using Northern Brewer for late hops, or asking for suggestions? Obviously EKG would be a great choice. But I like NBs.

Most (or many) recipes see to like to do two late hop additions, 15 and 5, or 20 and 2, or 15 and flameout. Maybe just a 1/2 ounce (for a half batch) split across the two addition times.

Thanks that's what I needed on the mash. I will probably shoot for 154 with the expectation that it will drop some during the mash.

I just have 1 packet of Northern Brewer hops - I was really planning a MO/NB SMASH, but I had a pack of coffee malt so I figured use just a little since it's just sitting. I figured a late or flameout addition would add something to it - probably add another .2 oz at flameout and call it good.

 

[Makintrax73]

Well its in the fermenter. Couple of big problems so a cheap experiment was a good idea.

Threw out my thermometer today. It stalled far to long in the ice bath. Took it out and its reading 100f plus in cold water.

So who knows what the mash temp was. Thats what I get for buying chinese crap at Wal-Mart.

Efficiency into the fermenter was 55%. Gonna have to get a bigger bag and do some reading before next time too.

If all goes well it will still be beer.

 

[McGarnigle]

I try to always have DME on hand. If efficiency is too low, you can add a bit during the boil to hit your mark.

 

[Makintrax73]

Fortunately I also screwed up my boil off estimate so I ended up with 2 gallons of 1.045 wort. Lucky break. That is a great idea though. I'll put a pound or two on the order next time I do this.

 

[Makintrax73]

Well I pooped the top on the first bottle yesterday. Tasty drinkable brew. Not sure if I actually managed an ESB, but it is good. Moderate citrus hop flavor with maybe a hint of pine. There is a slight but detectable "sharp" mouthfeel, not sure what that is, but not totally objectionable.

Overall I would compare it to a lighter tasting, but darker looking, version of Lagunita Little Sumppin Sumppin.

Thanks to this forum. Lurking and reading here made my first all grain brew a success.