Going to AG via BIAB: 1st recipe for review

[66Fox]

Ok, I’m making the next step to AG via BIAB. So far, I’ve been extract brewing except for one AG brew. My first brew I’m throwing out for review because I’m sure I’m over thinking it, and given the differences between How to Brew and the iPhone app BrewPal, I want to get some experienced brewers advice.

I have a Crankandstein on the way and the SWMBO has even me made the grain bags via threads on this forum. What to brew is my problem. I (think) I want to start with an APA. Great Lakes Brewing Burning River is the one I’m most familiar with, so I’ll start there. I’m not trying to reproduce it so much as make good beer. Between the APA on page 218 of How to Brew and the one here https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f12/american-amber-ale-feedback-wanted-277083/, I’ve decided on this recipe made with BrewPal

9lbs of 2-row
.5lb aromatic/victory malt
.75lb crystal 40
.75lb crystal 75
14*L

OG: 1.057
FG: 1.015

Hops:
1oz Northern Brewer @ 60min 25 IBU
.75oz Cascade @ 30min 11IBU
.5oz Cascade @ 15min 5 IBU
1oz Centennial @0-2min 1 IBU
= 44 IBUs

Wyeast 1056 yeast—or??

Ok, I want 7 gallons pre-boil, so using 7 + (.075 gal * lbs of grain)= 7.86-ish gallons total volume.

Mash at 152* X1hr.

Input is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[SilverZero]

Assuming no loss to your equipment you should be fine. Looks good! (I'm not an experienced brewer, but I got here first. )

 

[wilserbrewer]

Rather low mash temp...I would bump it say two degrees just to leave a little room on the low side till you are familiar with your system.

 

[66Fox]

Thanks

Assuming no loss to your equipment you should be fine. Looks good! (I'm not an experienced brewer, but I got here first. )

My losses, since I do not (yet) have a march pump to recirculate the wort during the mash should be twofold: during the boil and grain absorption. Correct?
I'm kinda dialed in to achieve a 1gal boil-off using a 20gal bayou classic BK (borrowed); I've bought a 15gal bayou classic BK with steamer basket for my BIAB setup, so not a big change there. The grain absorption number was taken from one of the many threads here and it will depend on how much I want squeeze every last drop out of the grain bag.

Rather low mash temp...I would bump it say two degrees just to leave a little room on the low side till you are familiar with your system.

Good point, I'll shoot for 152*. Then if I'm off a few degrees either way, I'll still be in between 150 & 154. I plan to use my propane burner to maintain temp if wrapping it fails--starting to cool down here in PA

 

[Tyru007]

The williamett is a pretty subtle hop thats probably going to get lost in the centennial and cascade hops. I would suggest just using centennial and cascade as you flavor and aroma hop additions.

I have used the victory malt and I would suggest cutting back to 8 oz.

 

[66Fox]

The williamette is a pretty subtle hop thats probably going to get lost in the centennial and cascade hops. I would suggest just using centennial and cascade as you flavor and aroma hop additions.

I have used the victory malt and I would suggest cutting back to 8 oz.

I altered the hops to keep the IBUs similar. If I cut back on the victory malt, then is the best thing to just add it back in the pale malt--9.5lb pale, .5 victory? It's probably splitting hairs and my taste buds probably won't know the difference, just wondering aloud.

 

[Yooper]

I altered the hops to keep the IBUs similar. If I cut back on the victory malt, then is the best thing to just add it back in the pale malt--9.5lb pale, .5 victory? It's probably splitting hairs and my taste buds probably won't know the difference, just wondering aloud.

I'd just leave out 1/2 of the victory malt, no need to replace it.

 

[henryred]

Sounds good. Numbers and volume. If u have an empty bottling bucket u can batch sparge with the bag. If u do fill close to the 5 gal mark with the grain and water. Wrap in a blanket once u have stirred it good. U will want the mash water about 173 going on the grain.

 

[66Fox]

Thanks everyone! I've adjusted the recipe to reflect your input. My son is due home on leave before heading to Germany (his first duty assignment) I hope we can brew this while he's home. I just need my mill to show up! (insert sound of toes tapping impatiently)