How's the Dead Ringer BIAB?

[eadavis80]

For my next kit I'm thinking of NB's Dead Ringer - just trying to decide between the regular extract (5 gallon kit) and the 3-gallon BIAB kit. Has anyone done the BIAB version? If so, how did it turn out? I've only done BIAB method with one-gallon kits, but I've brewed dozens of 5 gallon extract kits. Was told that I'd need to secondary that BIAB kit in a 3-gallon carboy, so that's another $25 expense. I plan on using a 5-gallon carboy for its primary.

 

[LLBeanJ]

Haven't brewed the kit, so can't say on that, but I'm sure it's a great recipe. As far as secondary, there's no need for that.

 

[eadavis80]

I would be using it for this recipe and for possible future batches like when I brew 5 gallons of wheat and then make 3 gallons of X flavor wheat and then do 2 1-gallon batches of other fruit wheats. I'm not trying to turn this into another secondary or not thread. I just wanted to know how the extract recipe compared to the BIAB version.

 

[pricelessbrewing]

I'm sure they're equivalent, NB does good kits.

I agree though, no reason to secondary this recipe.

 

[myelo]

I made the 3-gallon BIAB kit a while ago; it was my first BIAB. It turned out great, if I do say so myself. I used 1 pack US-05, about 4 weeks in primary, cold crashed a few days and then bottled (no secondary). I haven't done the extract version so I can't compare.

 

[Gavin C]

I did the Dead Ringer 5 gallon all grain kit as my second BIAB. (the grain bills' percentages for the 5 gallon all grain kit and 3 gallon kits are identical). My efficiency was in the mid 60's and my SG was quite a few points lower than the target. I had requested a finer/double crush but NB does not do this as is entirely understandable given the volume of grain the must mill on a day to day basis)

If getting the 3 gallon kit mill the grain yourself if you have the means otherwise you might want to add a pound to the base grain bill. Now that I mill my own grains my efficiency is 75-80. Extra grain is not needed. Usually have to lower the grain bill somewhat.

As is typical NB their customer service is outstanding. I emailed them my concern regarding the low efficiency and lack of requested double crush. Right away they mailed me additional milled grain for two other all grain kits I had purchased. (2-3lbs for each of two kits I had bought, I can't recall)

What a great company. I have not bought a bad product from them and their recipes; at least the ones I've tried, have been very good.

Oatmeal stout (extract with specialty grains)
Nut Brown (extract with steeping grains)
Oatmeal cookie brown ale(3 gallon BIAB)
Le Petite Orange (All grain)
Dead Ringer (All grain)
Chinook IPA (All grain)

I think the Nut Brown was my favorite

 

[soccerdad]

Dead Ringer is a great recipe - and as Gavin sez, NB is stellar on customer service. You can't go wrong (IMHO).

 

[eadavis80]

Yeah, NB is a great company and has always been more than fair with me for sure - I'm just curious if the extract it is as good or better than the BIAB version. I still like the idea of using a 3-gallon carboy to secondary/dry hop that beer so while the BIAB kit is obviously cheaper, it also yields 2 less gallons and would "require" me to get a 3-gallon carboy + stopper.

 

[Gavin C]

No need for a 3 gallon carboy. Do it all in your primary bucket or carboy; it matters not a jot.

 

[bbohanon]

Great kit, great IPA. I crush my own grains so I ordered the grains unmilled when I first did this one.
Exceeded efficiency numbers and it turned out great. Would brew again and its on my to-do list for spring.
Honestly I think their Chinook IPA is a better brew..That is hands down one of my fav kits from NB(with the Caribou Slobber).

 

[soccerdad]

I like the Chinook as well. Someone (here) once said that Chinook hops were like a saw on your tongue Of course, that was said in a good way.