Well it’s about time I got amongst it and started this AG lark!!
After months of reading, watching and contemplating I decided to go for a few kits; I love all things German so decided on an Oktoberfest and Dunkelweizen along with a raspberry pale and a Black Sheep clone.
Nothing like jumping in so I started with a double brewday…. I bought a 50l pot with element and decided to go full volume biab to minimise to variables for starters. I’ve also looked at water stuff so got the bits to treat to style….
Black sheep was up first, water measured out and additions in. As it’s new kit to me I wasn’t sure about timings so made notes on literally everything lol. All went surprisingly smoothly until I pulled the biab out after mashing and realised I had nothing to rest it on as it drained…. Bit of impromptu construction and I managed a makeshift balancing thingamabob that did the trick… note to self - buy a big colander!!! Otherwise no cockups and it went into the fv for overnight chilling. Numbers came back as expected at around 62% eff giving me a 4.2 abv if it ferments out as expected- just what I was after!
Quick clean down and straight onto the Oktoberfest! I only ended up doing this as I need it ready for a Halloween party next month…. Anywho, after the earlier practice all went well again. Water additions were minimal this time - bit of salt and lactic, then mashed in. A lot more grains with this kit which should give around 6.5% abv. similar eff at 63% so at least I’m being consistent. Again left overnight to chill and I’ll pitch the yeasts tomorrow evening.
all in all a bloody good day and something I’ve thoroughly enjoyed! The first of many brewdays for my little Wonkey Donkey Bar.
Cheers!
After months of reading, watching and contemplating I decided to go for a few kits; I love all things German so decided on an Oktoberfest and Dunkelweizen along with a raspberry pale and a Black Sheep clone.
Nothing like jumping in so I started with a double brewday…. I bought a 50l pot with element and decided to go full volume biab to minimise to variables for starters. I’ve also looked at water stuff so got the bits to treat to style….
Black sheep was up first, water measured out and additions in. As it’s new kit to me I wasn’t sure about timings so made notes on literally everything lol. All went surprisingly smoothly until I pulled the biab out after mashing and realised I had nothing to rest it on as it drained…. Bit of impromptu construction and I managed a makeshift balancing thingamabob that did the trick… note to self - buy a big colander!!! Otherwise no cockups and it went into the fv for overnight chilling. Numbers came back as expected at around 62% eff giving me a 4.2 abv if it ferments out as expected- just what I was after!
Quick clean down and straight onto the Oktoberfest! I only ended up doing this as I need it ready for a Halloween party next month…. Anywho, after the earlier practice all went well again. Water additions were minimal this time - bit of salt and lactic, then mashed in. A lot more grains with this kit which should give around 6.5% abv. similar eff at 63% so at least I’m being consistent. Again left overnight to chill and I’ll pitch the yeasts tomorrow evening.
all in all a bloody good day and something I’ve thoroughly enjoyed! The first of many brewdays for my little Wonkey Donkey Bar.
Cheers!