Mini-survey of extract efficiencies

[mikebeth]

Hi all,

Just got my first all-grain brew in the fermenter (strong bitter ale) and finishing up my notes. Figured out my extract efficiency at 69% and wondered if that's good/medium/bad. In other words, should I look to improve my methods, or am I on target.

Thanks to any who would like to reply.

Mike

PS: After reading some posts and the stickies up top, I think my extract is more like 80. I neglected the gallon of foundation water I left in the bottom of the lauter tun (too much sparge water due to overshooting with the acid while adjusting the pH down to 5.7) since I got my 7 gallons before running off all the sparge water. Obviously still working on my technique.

 

[s3n8]

That's certainly in the ballpark and not bad for your first brew. My first was 75 or so. It has dipped as low as 65, got some bad 2 row I think, every batch I made with it eff sucked. My normal is right around 80, so that's the number I use in Beersmith.

 

[s3n8]

Bump. Curious about this myself. I get 80 using the Bobby_m double batch sparge no mash out method.

 

[McKBrew]

I averaged just under 70% before getting my Barley Crusher. My last two batches have been at 75%.

I'm going to tighten the gap a little, redesign my MLT, and try to remember to use PH stabilizer from now on. I'm happy with 75%, but would like to get a consistent 80+ if possible.

 

[madewithchicken]

I aim for about 75%. But Of course the goal is to get as close to 100% as possible so you can save a bit in grain.

Anyone know what big beer manufacturers get?

 

[Doog_Si_Reeb]

I get 70% consistently using the no-mash out double sparge technique and my Barley Crusher (haven't changed the gap). I also do 1.25 qt/lb but I am planning to thin it out on my next batch to see what effect that has on efficiency.

 

[springer]

I was getting low 70's with pre crush grain the last two with the BC I hit mid 80's . I am going to do a few more and see where it settles and adjust the recipes from there

 

[Southwood]

A lot of recipes assume 70%. I get >80% using Brewmasters Warehouse's crush & pH 5.2.