My First AG Brew-Witbier

[gruversm]

I completed my first AG brew today. A Witbier recipie from BeerSmith.

I was a bit worried after adding my mash water that I didn't reach the recommended 154F temperature. I had to add another .75-1 gallon of water to reach only 148F. I learned after my brewing that I should pre-heat my cooler However, my pre-boil OG seemed great.
The lautering process in my igloo rectangular cooler went without a hitch. I've read that lautering flaked wheat often causes stuck mashes. I had zero problems.
After adding the milled coriander and orange zest the aroma was just outstanding. I ended up with an O.G. of 1.045. My SUPER wort chiller chilled the 5 gallons of wort down to 70F in just over 5 minutes!!!

My next AG batch will be Sierra Nevada Clone

 

[videoman]

For your first AG sounds like you had an excellent session!!! What was the tempature of your strike water? Knowing how hot to get the water, and how your cooler system reacts, are the unknowns you will learn only through working with your system.

I use beersmith, and even though I have set up my equipment profile and check the box that says compensate for equipment when setting temps in the mash profile, I still have to go 2 degrees higher than the suggested water temps because of my system. Why? I have absolutely no idea, but it works on MY system so that is what I do.

I have done a couple AG wheats and have not experienced a stuck mash... just did a Belgium that was almost 50% wheat in the grain bill, with absolutely no problem. I did throw in a cup of rice hulls just in case.

Good luck!!!

 

[gruversm]

My strike water was 166F. What I forgot to do was to pre-heat my cooler. I had to change out the gasket and stainless washers that morning and filled the cooler with cold tap water to test for leaks. I guess that the cooler was still retaining the cooler temps.

 

[videoman]

Not that my numbers are right for you, but I'm usually closer to 170 on strike water.

I like to bring my coolers into the house the night before a brew (they reside in a non-heated room, espcially an issue in the winters here in Maine). As I am heating up my strike water I put a couple gallons of hot water right out of the tap, into my cooler and leave it there till the strike water is ready, then dump it. That usually takes care of the pre-heat issue for me.

 

[gruversm]

Videoman: Your suggestions are much appreciated! Thanks!

 

[auto]

Very nice, hoping my next (2nd) AG turns out as well. Let us know how the final product turns out.

 

[BeerSmith]

Outstanding results!

I think you will enjoy the beer as well...

Brad

 

[BrianP]

Congrats. Your efficiency is pretty good for a first time. Welcome to the AG club.

 

[gruversm]

Brad: Your program is fantastic! I can't wait to taste the finished product.

 

[Iechyd Da]

I was going to PM you to ask how your first AG went, then I saw this post. Glad it went good for you. I just kegged my first AG today and can't wait to see how it tastes. Congrats!

 

[BeerSmith]

Brad: Your program is fantastic! I can't wait to taste the finished product.

Thanks for the kind comments. The Wit is one of my favorite recipes and also very popular with visitors.

Cheers,
Brad