My Brewcraft LHBS "expert" advised me to boil crystal for 20 mins. It didn't sound right to me, so I used the same principal as the TCB wetpack I brewed a few weeks ago, and steeped in 65C water, rinsed and added 5 mins before end of boil.
whilst it could have had a longer boil as has been stated, IMHO what you did was better than what you were advised. So don't stress it, its fine. Swap 5 minutes for 15 minutes, and what you did is perfic.My Brewcraft LHBS "expert" advised me to boil crystal for 20 mins. It didn't sound right to me, so I used the same principal as the TCB wetpack I brewed a few weeks ago, and steeped in 65C water, rinsed and added 5 mins before end of boil.
Something I've read about (and will try in for one of my planned brews coming up which will use specialty grains) is to put the grains in a mesh bag (a stocking will do, providing it is dye free) put them in the saucepan with the water and remove them just before the water reaches boiling point. Haven't tried it yet, but sounds worth a go
There are several ways to do the grain steep, and this is one of them. I find it works particularly well, and a lot of people like it cos it's no mess, no fuss. James from basicbrewing is a fan of doing it this way. Start from cold, put on the heat, and remove the grain when the temp hits mid 70's, then just bring to the boil and go from there.
I Steep my specialty grain in a saucepan and then strain and sparge though a strainer from the two dollar shop. Works a treat. I can do up to 500 grams with this strainer.
18-24 hour cold steep for me.
Works good.
staggalee.
but I trust you lot more. :icon_cheers:
Ok, so to clarify, bring water to 65-70 degrees, add grain, take off heat, cover for 20-25 minutes, strain grain or remove bag, then boil hops as per the schedule.
Sound alright?
Hazz
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