Neck Oil Clone

Brewelder · Jul 12, 2022

Nottsbeer said:
I'm going to make this comment and then run....but did you squeeze the bag after your sparge? I squeeze as much as I can to get the last drop of wort out, others suggest not to. As I don't dunk sparge it may not make as much difference to you, but always worth a go to increase efficiency.

Knowing my efficiency is around 70%, when I recently bought an AG kit I on purposely got a kit for a volume a few litres bigger than my planned brew, popped the info into an app and worked out water volumes etc for a slighly smaller volume. All worked perfectly. Glad you're making progress, am sure you'll have a great tasting beer in a few weeks time

Yeah i did squeeze the bag mate but i didn’t wring the neck out of it, although i did let it sit on a draining rack for quite a while as well.

I don;t think this is the issue, more a case of the boil off rate due to the high temperature on the kettle.

Nottsbeer · Jul 12, 2022

Brewelder said:
Yeah i did squeeze the bag mate but i didn’t wring the neck out of it, although i did let it sit on a draining rack for quite a while as well.

I don;t think this is the issue, more a case of the boil off rate due to the high temperature on the kettle.

Regarding your boil off rate...yes was probably high, but as your efficiency is low you ended up getting close to your OG. Naturally, with a lower boil off rate you'll have more wort but a lower OG unless you increase efficiency, or add more grain. The fun of AG. It took me a while to hit my numbers, and it doesn't always happen now due to my method, but it's all good fun

you can also record the gravity pre-boil and compare that to predicted values, gives you an indication on how things are going.

Brewelder · Jul 12, 2022

Nottsbeer said:
Regarding your boil off rate...yes was probably high, but as your efficiency is low you ended up getting close to your OG. Naturally, with a lower boil off rate you'll have more wort but a lower OG unless you increase efficiency, or add more grain. The fun of AG. It took me a while to hit my numbers, and it doesn't always happen now due to my method, but it's all good fun you can also record the gravity pre-boil and compare that to predicted values, gives you an indication on how things are going.

Appreciate that mate, the more advice i get the better. I’m a complete novice at this “All Grain” but enjoying the process and the steep learning curve, well not so steep at the minute, but i’ll get there eventually.

I’m just a bit annoyed at the Klarstein and how it boils to be honest. It’s either too high and gives a very energetic boil, or too low and doesn’t boil at all, no happy medium And there’s got to be a way to bypass the old analogue controller but i’m no electronic wizard so maybe not. I’m just clutching at straws here otherwise it’s an expensive upgrade to get round the problem.

The orangey looking thing is the back of the temperature controller, to the left is the timer and far right the on/off switch. If there’s any electronic guru’s out there i’m all ears.

Nottsbeer · Jul 12, 2022

I've no idea about the electrics, but either do a search on the forum as someone has probably posted a similar issue at some point, or make a new thread specific to the wiring issue - someone will more likely see the post and reply to your issue. When I started I had an old berco which had a dodgy thermostat. I could easily bypass the temp controller and made a standalone controller (think Foxbat wrote a thread on that). I quickly moved to a Digiboil (very similar to a Klarstein) which has 2 heat settings (900w and 1500W - can combine both for rapid heating). If you can't get your boiler sorted, them long term definitely worth looking into something that can give you more control (if you plan to continue AG brewing).

If you haven't already done so, download a brewing app (I use Brewfather) and play with a recipe. I would start by inputting the ingredients you have just used and see how the figures it produces compare to those from the kit instructions. I'd also suggest that by using a brewing app, you can take into account your rigorous boil and reduce your boil time (you'll find a thread on here with lots of opinions about boil lengths). The brewfather app lets you change the boil off rate (you may have an indication of this from your brewday?). Using the app you can take into account the rigorous boil and get revised mash and sparge volumes. As previously noted, you can also post-dilute your wort after the boil if it's gone above your target OG (naturally that may have an effect on bitterness). By reducing your boil time you will also need to change your hop schedule. Again, the app takes this into account so you can still get your desired IBUs.

As you say, it's quite a steep curve, but fun. Don't hesitate to ask a question on here as everyone's very friendly...and we've all started with similar issues. Happily, unless you make a massive mistake (I've inadvertently contaminated a brew with rain water....not a good result!!) you'll get good tasting beer. I've been doing AG for a year now and haven't moved past the initial stages. I've yet to think about changing my water profile or even looking at the mash pH (that has an effect on efficiency I believe). There is lots to learn, but as I'm short on time and very happy with my beers to date, I'll take the next steps once I find time. john

Brewelder · Jul 12, 2022

Nottsbeer said:
I've no idea about the electrics, but either do a search on the forum as someone has probably posted a similar issue at some point, or make a new thread specific to the wiring issue - someone will more likely see the post and reply to your issue. When I started I had an old berco which had a dodgy thermostat. I could easily bypass the temp controller and made a standalone controller (think Foxbat wrote a thread on that). I quickly moved to a Digiboil (very similar to a Klarstein) which has 2 heat settings (900w and 1500W - can combine both for rapid heating). If you can't get your boiler sorted, them long term definitely worth looking into something that can give you more control (if you plan to continue AG brewing).

If you haven't already done so, download a brewing app (I use Brewfather) and play with a recipe. I would start by inputting the ingredients you have just used and see how the figures it produces compare to those from the kit instructions. I'd also suggest that by using a brewing app, you can take into account your rigorous boil and reduce your boil time (you'll find a thread on here with lots of opinions about boil lengths). The brewfather app lets you change the boil off rate (you may have an indication of this from your brewday?). Using the app you can take into account the rigorous boil and get revised mash and sparge volumes. As previously noted, you can also post-dilute your wort after the boil if it's gone above your target OG (naturally that may have an effect on bitterness). By reducing your boil time you will also need to change your hop schedule. Again, the app takes this into account so you can still get your desired IBUs.

As you say, it's quite a steep curve, but fun. Don't hesitate to ask a question on here as everyone's very friendly...and we've all started with similar issues. Happily, unless you make a massive mistake (I've inadvertently contaminated a brew with rain water....not a good result!!) you'll get good tasting beer. I've been doing AG for a year now and haven't moved past the initial stages. I've yet to think about changing my water profile or even looking at the mash pH (that has an effect on efficiency I believe). There is lots to learn, but as I'm short on time and very happy with my beers to date, I'll take the next steps once I find time. john

Very sound advice mate and as always, very much appreciated.

I’m a bit pushed for time myself this week and don’t have anymore brew days planned just yet as i already have 2 brews on the go and only have 2 corny kegs so time to play with re: sorting out the Klarstein issue. But, i will definitley put a post on for some help for sure.

Regarding the boil, what exactly is the boil for? In my head i always assumed it was to concentrate the sugars but no doubt i’m way off the mark and i think i have a lot of homework to read up on before the next brew day.

Fully agree with the App and recipe planning though and for future brews that’s the route i’ll be taking. For now i’ve gone for kits due to the convenience of it all, but i need to start looking at other ways.

Once again, thanks for the advice.

Nottsbeer · Jul 12, 2022

Brewelder said:
Very sound advice mate and as always, very much appreciated.

I’m a bit pushed for time myself this week and don’t have anymore brew days planned just yet as i already have 2 brews on the go and only have 2 corny kegs so time to play with re: sorting out the Klarstein issue. But, i will definitley put a post on for some help for sure.

Regarding the boil, what exactly is the boil for? In my head i always assumed it was to concentrate the sugars but no doubt i’m way off the mark and i think i have a lot of homework to read up on before the next brew day.

Fully agree with the App and recipe planning though and for future brews that’s the route i’ll be taking. For now i’ve gone for kits due to the convenience of it all, but i need to start looking at other ways.

Once again, thanks for the advice.

Good Q about the boil. For me it is to get rid of some things from the wort which are not good (can't remember the name), to add flavour (with the hops), and to concentrate the sugars. There has been quite a discussion on here about boil times, and no-boil brewing. I'm happy with a 60 min boil. If you haven't already got a copy, "How to Brew" by J.J. Palmer is worth getting. It is very detailed so it's not a bedtime reading book, but it's a good reference for terms that pop up on here which I have no idea about, as well as explaining processes that sound interesting. I flick through it a bit but haven't read it all. One day I'll look at the water chemistry chapter!! My other go-to book is Home Brew Beer by Greg Hughes - a simple explanation of brewing and some nice recipes. Again, you'll find a thread on here dedicated to books worth looking at.

Kits are a good way to brew (one of my favourite brews at the moment is the Morai Mingle by CLM....the only AG kit I've done, and one I'll def do again). Once you're confident to go it alone, search on here for any beer style you fancy making and someone will have posted a recipe somewhere. Start simple (SMASH recipes are good - single malt and single hop) or just go for it with a more complicated recipe (though it's not actually more complicated as you are already doing similar recipes using the kits). Am happy to pass on any tips I have anytime.

Brewelder · Jul 12, 2022

Nottsbeer said:
Good Q about the boil. For me it is to get rid of some things from the wort which are not good (can't remember the name), to add flavour (with the hops), and to concentrate the sugars. There has been quite a discussion on here about boil times, and no-boil brewing. I'm happy with a 60 min boil. If you haven't already got a copy, "How to Brew" by J.J. Palmer is worth getting. It is very detailed so it's not a bedtime reading book, but it's a good reference for terms that pop up on here which I have no idea about, as well as explaining processes that sound interesting. I flick through it a bit but haven't read it all. One day I'll look at the water chemistry chapter!! My other go-to book is Home Brew Beer by Greg Hughes - a simple explanation of brewing and some nice recipes. Again, you'll find a thread on here dedicated to books worth looking at.

Kits are a good way to brew (one of my favourite brews at the moment is the Morai Mingle by CLM....the only AG kit I've done, and one I'll def do again). Once you're confident to go it alone, search on here for any beer style you fancy making and someone will have posted a recipe somewhere. Start simple (SMASH recipes are good - single malt and single hop) or just go for it with a more complicated recipe (though it's not actually more complicated as you are already doing similar recipes using the kits). Am happy to pass on any tips I have anytime.

Brilliant mate, i’ll get on Amazon immediately and get myself a copy opf one of them recommendations.

At theminute i’m into IPA’s and NEIPA’s, probably couldn’t have picked two worse beers to start with but hey-ho, in for a penny and all that.

As you said earlier, it’s fun and i’m definitely enjoying myself trying, fingers crossed one of the brews i have on the go turns out drinkable, but either way, i’ve got the bug and will persevere.

Nottsbeer · Jul 12, 2022

Brewelder said:
Brilliant mate, i’ll get on Amazon immediately and get myself a copy opf one of them recommendations.

At theminute i’m into IPA’s and NEIPA’s, probably couldn’t have picked two worse beers to start with but hey-ho, in for a penny and all that.

As you said earlier, it’s fun and i’m definitely enjoying myself trying, fingers crossed one of the brews i have on the go turns out drinkable, but either way, i’ve got the bug and will persevere.

Lol...yes. I stayed away from NEIPAs until I accidentally bought a kit version...tho it turned out very nice. Can't remember doing any IPAs but the ones in the GH book sound good. Enjoy the hobby. As I don't drink lots I tend to make 12l batches so I get a bit of variety, plus I don't have a great amount of space to store bottles. Briefly looked into kegs but know I'll end up drinking more than planned to make room for the next brew so have stayed away from them so far

. Most brews turn out drinkable, so you'll end up pleasently surprised. As you progress it's worth taking part in the competitions that run on here, or approach a member to send a bottle to....you'll get some great feedback on where you can improve things (not me tho, I'm limited to saying if it's drinkable or not!!

).

Pete9586 · Jul 13, 2022

Remember your hops will absorb a fair bit.

Brewelder · Jul 13, 2022

Pete9586 said:
Remember your hops will absorb a fair bit.

I was hoping to get a full kegs worth, 19ltrs, looks like i’ll get around 15-16 if i’m lucky as there’s a good inch or slightly more of trubb in the bottom of the fermenter and it’s only just startyed fermenting last night.

Brewelder · Jul 13, 2022

Nottsbeer said:
Lol...yes. I stayed away from NEIPAs until I accidentally bought a kit version...tho it turned out very nice. Can't remember doing any IPAs but the ones in the GH book sound good. Enjoy the hobby. As I don't drink lots I tend to make 12l batches so I get a bit of variety, plus I don't have a great amount of space to store bottles. Briefly looked into kegs but know I'll end up drinking more than planned to make room for the next brew so have stayed away from them so far . Most brews turn out drinkable, so you'll end up pleasently surprised. As you progress it's worth taking part in the competitions that run on here, or approach a member to send a bottle to....you'll get some great feedback on where you can improve things (not me tho, I'm limited to saying if it's drinkable or not!!).

I went to a “Pizza Bake Off” competition a while back, it was held in a local craft brewery so as you do you try them all and i fell in love with their NEIPA, just so drinkable and smooth with a fantastic hop flavour.

KegThat · Jul 13, 2022

Sorry was late to the thread on this one! If you have any issues still let me know :) Cheers

Nottsbeer · Jul 13, 2022

Brewelder said:
I went to a “Pizza Bake Off” competition a while back, it was held in a local craft brewery so as you do you try them all and i fell in love with their NEIPA, just so drinkable and smooth with a fantastic hop flavour.

I'd strongly recommend trying this one: Māori Mingle • NZ IPA | Recipes. Beer, Wine & Cider

I suppose it's not classed as a NEIPA, more a NZ IPA but very tasty. My brew fridge smelt great for weeks afterwards

. I read a few posts on here about oxidation issues with making NEIPAs so stayed away from them. Got this by accident but it's fab. Some of the others from CML also look great.

Brewelder · Jul 13, 2022

Nottsbeer said:
I'd strongly recommend trying this one: Māori Mingle • NZ IPA | Recipes. Beer, Wine & Cider

I suppose it's not classed as a NEIPA, more a NZ IPA but very tasty. My brew fridge smelt great for weeks afterwards . I read a few posts on here about oxidation issues with making NEIPAs so stayed away from them. Got this by accident but it's fab. Some of the others from CML also look great.

Sounds nice, the recipe has all the right grains and hops so should be good. I’ll bear that in mind for my next brew, but also thinking about KegTaht’s Summer Session as well.

Brewelder · Aug 11, 2022

AnimatedGIF said:
@Brewelder - will you let us know when you've tasted the finished product? I may give this kit a go myself if it turns out well.
I hope the brew goes well at the weekend

Well, what can i say? Other than i am really disappointed with theend results after all my efforts.

Not an issue with the supplied kit, rather my inexperience and bad brewing techniques, but whatever, it turned out rather bitter and doesn’t taste very nice at all.

I think where i went wrong was at the initial stages and unable to control the boil which resulted in an excessive boil off rate.

it hasn’t put me off though and i will try again for sure, but for now i need something quick so have opted for a Muntons Hazy IPA extract kit as i need to get something into the FV quickly.

AnimatedGIF · Aug 11, 2022

Brewelder said:
Well, what can i say? Other than i am really disappointed with theend results after all my efforts.

Not an issue with the supplied kit, rather my inexperience and bad brewing techniques, but whatever, it turned out rather bitter and doesn’t taste very nice at all.

I think where i went wrong was at the initial stages and unable to control the boil which resulted in an excessive boil off rate.

it hasn’t put me off though and i will try again for sure, but for now i need something quick so have opted for a Muntons Hazy IPA extract kit as i need to get something into the FV quickly.

I'm sorry to hear that. I've had a couple of AG kits go wrong for whatever reason, and given the time it takes to do an AG brew, it's very disheartening.
~~Do you use an induction hob for the boil?~~
EDIT:
I just saw Post 33 again where you explain your process

Brewelder · Aug 12, 2022

AnimatedGIF said:
I'm sorry to hear that. I've had a couple of AG kits go wrong for whatever reason, and given the time it takes to do an AG brew, it's very disheartening.
~~Do you use an induction hob for the boil?~~
EDIT:
I just saw Post 33 again where you explain your process

It doesn’t deter me mate and i won’t give up, i’m the sort opf person that will try till i succeed even if it takes time and money, i’ll get there in the end.

Next up, after the Muntons Hazy Kit, will be a Riper NEIPA kit from CrossMyLoof but that won’t be for a week or two yet.

Brewelder · Aug 12, 2022

KegThat said:
Sorry was late to the thread on this one! If you have any issues still let me know :) Cheers

Hi Ben and sorry for the delayed response, however i was waiting to see how it turned out before commenting.

Not a good experience at all i’m afraid to say, however that is not a reflection on KegThat or the supplied kit, but rather my inexperience and resultant poor end product which was a rather bitter tasting brew which didn’t resemble anything like Neck Oil. But hey=hop, put it down to experience and hoipefully learn from my mistakes and try again.

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