Limited Boil Volume Help...

[scarlesso]

Hi,

I am about to try my first all-grain, but being an all-grain newb I have questions which can't always be answered by using the search bar.

The largest pot I could find was 19L! In addition, I am limited to the stove top.

Now, this raises all sorts of concerns in my mind as all the reading I have done centres around boil volumes larger than the batch volume, particularly in Beer Smith recipes.

Mashing won't be an issue as I can boil water as I go, obviously. But when it comes to the 60min boil and hopping is where I have issues.

I was planning to do about 10-12L mash of about 5kg grain, followed by 5L sparge (leaving me with 2L head space in the pot at worst (I know - boil over city!)). Post boil I had intended to make the remainder of the volume up with water to 23L in the fermenter.

Other than the boil volume affecting hop utilisation and the initial gravity values (until I add the water to make up volume), will there be other adverse affects?

Cheers.

 

[felten]

Have you read nickjd's 20L stovetop mashing thread? I can't find the link atm but it sounds like you haven't

 

[Acasta]

Have you read nickjd's 20L stovetop mashing thread? I can't find the link atm but it sounds like you haven't

http://www.aussiehomebrewer.com/forum/inde...showtopic=44264

Also, if you want to control boil overs, keep a spray bottle with cold water in it. The boil overs will get bad at hop editions.

 

[np1962]

It is a reasonably easy process to set up an equipment profile in Beersmith to allow for a limited boil volume and top up water.
There is already a Brew Pot (5 Gallon) profile in the Equipment tab. which is suited to what you are proposing. A little tweaking and you should get there.
Nige

 

[manticle]

When I first started I had smaller pots and used to do two boils. Pain in the rear but it worked.

I'd research stovetop mashing though - Nick's linked thread is one. This is another: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f39/easy-stove...ing-pics-90132/

 

[argon]

For a great guide on doing over gravity brews, have a read of RdeVjun's guide on BIABrewer.info for making a full- sized batch where the kettle volume is less than the usual 23 L brew length.

Perfect for getting a full size batch out of a small pot.

:icon_cheers:

 

[Brewme]

For a great guide on doing over gravity brews, have a read of RdeVjun's guide on BIABrewer.info for making a full- sized batch where the kettle volume is less than the usual 23 L brew length.

Perfect for getting a full size batch out of a small pot.

:icon_cheers:

Hey, that info clarified a few things for me.

Just a few quick questions:

Will adding the extra sparge liquor 10 minutes before the end of the boil have any effect on the whole wort? The addition will only have a 10 minute boil, not 60.

Will it be better to boil the extra in a separate pot and add it to the carboy with the main wort?

Is it a good idea to skim off the froth at the beginning of the boil or it doesn't matter?

I hope Ralph doesn't get his brewing water from those taps in the laundry

Cheers

 

[argon]

Hey, that info clarified a few things for me.

Just a few quick questions:

Will adding the extra sparge liquor 10 minutes before the end of the boil have any effect on the whole wort? The addition will only have a 10 minute boil, not 60.

Will it be better to boil the extra in a separate pot and add it to the carboy with the main wort?

Cheers

You want to be getting as much of your pre-boil wort into the kettle as soon as possible. You can add it periodically through out the boil to replace evaporation if you like

Is it a good idea to skim off the froth at the beginning of the boil or it doesn't matter?

Cheers

Doesn't matter... some don't, some do... but i'm of the opinion that is make SFA difference... so therefore i don't. There was a brewing network episode that talked about this. The consensus was no to do it. Can't remember the exact details, but that was the conclusion.

 

[scarlesso]

Have you read nickjd's 20L stovetop mashing thread? I can't find the link atm but it sounds like you haven't

Indeed you are correct! Did the usual, played with the search etc, and nuthin'...

Thanks all for your replies

I will keep you updated as I progress.

My digital thermometer arrived today at a total purchase price of $4.somethinrather http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...em=190440643462

Took it to work and calibrated it with a scientific reference thermometer... in my own time... Turned out it was 1.8C higher than the reference probe - glad I did this; as far as I know this temperature ranges are critical (you can go ahead and agree).