Three Gallon BIAB Lager

[GREM]

I like options; and BIAB offers plenty. Lagers are the direction I'm headed...so I gave it some thought; along with a little experimentation along the way. Here is the progression thus far...subject to change...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfx-02vj_wk

After review;...although a paint strainer bag may suffice...I opted for one custom made to fit my kettle. It arrived a few days ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcVI410wMcw

With a proper water profile, adequate yeast pitch, fermentation control & low lagering temps... I'm looking forward to brewing up my first small batch of a Bohemian Pilsner. Advice thoughts & input welcome...

Cheers,
grem

 

[RM-MN]

Your false bottom is a great idea....but you don't need it. Heat the water to strike temp, put the bag in and stir in the grains. Put a lid on the pot, insulate it, and walk away. If your grains are milled fine for the BIAB system, you only need a 30 minute mash, perhaps even less, but your mash temp isn't going to drop much during that short time.

Pull the bag out to drain and now you can turn the burner on high without worrying about burning it.

 

[GREM]

Thanks RM-MN...it makes total sense & I plan on giving it a go when the weather warms up a bit!

Tried out the 3 gal BIAB setup in our un-insulated garage before the SB kickoff on Sunday. Temps topped out at 25F after single digits overnight. I fired up the wood burner early in the morning determined to brew up something. Timing just wasn't right for a lager; so instead I decided to use what was on hand & worked up this recipe for an "American Brown Ale". Here's how brew day went...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNMP7_X8VMY

Cheers,
grem

The recipe...

 

[TopherM]

Best advise you are going to get:

DON'T RUSH IT!

A good lagered beer in particular just takes longer to create than an ale. To make a good one, here's the basic timeframes you are looking at:

10-14 days primary fermentation in the mid 50s
24 hours Diacetyl rest in the high 60s/low 70s
RACK TO SECONDARY
2-3 days to slowly ramp down to 30-32F
8-12 weeks at 30-32

That's the winning schedule for most lagered fermentations! Good luck!