New to Extract

[Bru]

Most brewers go from Extract to AG - Im going the other way.
Ive been brewing AG for a while - 15 batches so far - but I have a freind who doesn't have the space or cash for an AG set-up so Extract it will be.
Please check my Extract procedure :
Mix various DME / LME as per recipe with water in a pot.
Boil (for how long ? )
Add hops (in a bag)
Cool
Add yeast
Carry on as per AG
Hows thats sound ?
Can I boil, say, a 10L batch and then add water afterwards to make up the volume.

 

[petep1980]

You only need to boil for as long as you would normally do for hop utilization.

You also can just use top off water like you suggested.

 

[Suthrncomfrt1884]

you CAN use top off water, but the beer will be better if you do full boils.

You need to bring your water to a boil, THEN add your extract. Make sure you remove the pot from it's heat source or turn off heat before adding extract. Once you get all the extract stirred in, start heating again. Consistantly stir until you reach a boil again. Add hops when you reach boil.

 

[pericles]

Do a search to find out more details - it's all over the site - but I'd suggest you wait to add the extract until late in the boil. Say, 15 minutes. This will prevent caramelization, will prevent darkening the beer, and will avoid the "extract tang."

 

[phrogpilot73]

Just because he doesn't have room or cash for AG - don't deny the man the extract + specialty grains option! I haven't moved on to AG yet, but the specialty grains piece is easy to do and cheap (since all you need is a muslin bag, and the grains) and adds so much more to the beer.

All you would add to what you've already listed is steeping at around 155 for 30-45 minutes. Pull the grain bag out (I usually put it in a deep sauce pot and let it drain out some more as I've turned off the flame and am adding my DME or LME, then when your wort's all mixed up - pour the extra liquid that has now seeped out of your grains and bring the whole thing to a boil.

Do a search to find out more details - it's all over the site - but I'd suggest you wait to add the extract until late in the boil. Say, 15 minutes. This will prevent caramelization, will prevent darkening the beer, and will avoid the "extract tang."

I've only done one late addition for the extract. Didn't notice any difference in flavor between the two, and to avoid carmelization of your extract, just turn your burner off. You get a hot break even with extract, and at 15 minutes, I'm thinking about trying to get my IC in the boil, as well aroma/flavor hop additions rather than watching it like a hawk for a hot break. Granted, I only have 9 batches under my belt - but I would say that adding it at the start of the boil is fine.

 

[Bru]

I assume with Extract / Partial there is no control over body etc because there is no mash ? Its also at least an hour quicker for the same reason ?

 

[MTEXX]

I always steep first, then add the extract.
Reasoning- I don't want extract loss in the grains.
Palmer suggests this in his book as well.

I also "sparge" heavily then let the grains sit in a colander while the kettle is on its way to boil.

 

[SMOKEU]

Add a few Coopers kits together, don't even bother doing a boil. Dry hop for flavour.