Grains

[Skunkyhops]

I just got my package from morebeer today nothing big (12oz hops, 3 lbs grain, 3 lbs DME, 6lbs LME) and the grains are unmilled. I dont have a grain mill. I was wondering if i could put them in a freezer bag or two and smash em up with a rolling pin? usually I get my ingredients from my LHBS and the grains are the exact amount and milled when i buy them. Is there a way to "mill" these without a grain mill? The amounts of grains i need to mill are 12oz chocolate, 8 oz roasted barley, and 12 oz caravienne. Thanks for the help.

 

[ohiobrewtus]

Yes, you can crush the grains by hand with a rolling pin. Just be careful not to pulverize them into flour. You want to crack the husk to expose the endosperm.

 

[sirsloop]

you wrote endosperm...lol

 

[Bernie Brewer]

It'll probably take awhile to get 3# grain crushed by hand, but you can certainly do it.

 

[Chriso]

Your LHBS might crush and bag 'em for a nominal charge.

Some LHBSes can't crush grain that didn't come from them, though. Local safety regulations or something, pest control? I forget what the reasoning is.

 

[Rhoobarb]

... I was wondering if i could put them in a freezer bag or two and smash em up with a rolling pin? ...

Yep! That's how I did it before I moved to all grain brewing and got a grain mill. It'll work just fine. Just get the biggest baggie you can, make sure it's good & sealed and flip it over a few times to make sure you get every grain possbile. Take your time.

 

[Skunkyhops]

Thanks a lot for the quik replies... I cant wait to get this brewin tonight!
LOL... you said endoSPERM!