Starting out brewing all grain

[NCBeerMedic]

Am I stupid for wanting to start brewing my first batch as an all grain?

 

[Hello]

No way. Some do. I liked extract and steeping grains to get some experience under my belt but I can see how all grain wouldn't have been a bad way to start. It's just another step in the end.

 

[Phoenix7801]

I'm of the same mind you are. This past Tuesday I brewed my BBS Everyday IPA kit and that was all grain. I know it only makes one gallon and if you do a bigger batch all that water can become unwieldy but I'm sure some folks can work it out.

 

[doby]

Not really, but have a good understanding of ever thing involved and before investing in all the equipment make sure you like the hobby

 

[Calichusetts]

No way...I started all grain, didn't even know extract existed. Smaller size batches work best, as with some knowledge of water chemistry. Still, even if you just dive in, water chemistry affects extract as well so its a moot point. Go for it, have fun, you'll make beer and you'll be way ahead of the curve later down the raod

 

[kh54s10]

I did the standard extract - partial mash - all grain route. But if you have read up on the processes and have prepared there is no reason not to go straight to all grain. It is not really that much more difficult. There is more to pay attention to and it takes longer but it also gives you more control over what you are making. When using extracts part of the process is already done in the creation of the extracts.

 

[ulnpiper]

I'm learning, reading and studying and planning to go straight to all grain also. I recommend reading this if you haven't seen it already.

http://www.suebob.com/brew/Bobby_Mallgrainprimer.pdf

 

[NCBeerMedic]

Can anyone suggest a good all grain kit, one thats pretty foolproof. Where do you guys usually get your stuff from? I don't have a LHBS close by, so mail order looks like the way for me.

 

[Clonefan94]

Definitely not stupid. You have to start somewhere. I actually find the all-grain process actually more relaxing and less stressful than extract brewing. Extract definitely takes less time, but the boil seems to be a lot busier. I like the time gaps you have between mash in and draining the wort. Then, for the boil, all you have to worry about is the hop additions. I would always stress about scorching the extract, when exactly to add it, etc. Over all the all grain day isn't any harder, it's more relaxing and just takes a little longer.

In the end, imo, the most important part of making good beer is good fermentation and controlling the temps of that. So no matter how you create your wort, just make sure you ferment at the lower to mid range of the yeast you select and it will all be good.

 

[SteveLikesBeer]

Not stupid at all. However, you may want to start with a small batch to make sure your feel comfortable with your process.