MAsh temp affects if the process yields fermentable or non fermentable sugar. Two different enzymes are present that make the sugar (alpha and beta amylase) They are active at different temps.
Chart below should help. I target 148 - 150 for my IPA's
Edit - Beta makes fermentable sugar -...
I have done it before with no problem, but that was only once. Probably a few drawbacks like possible exposure to oxygen and nasites - so it CAN be done - cannot really comment on how advisable it is
for candi sugar (never used it myself) 46 gravity units per pound. for 5 gallons -
1 lb = 46/5 = 9.2, so will raise each gallon by SG.0092, or from 1.070 to 1.079
Low OG is no big deal. It happens. I learned to keep DME or corn sugar on hand for that when I do DIPA (mostly corn sugar)
Stay patient on the yeast. My batch from Saturday did not kick over for some reason until late Sunday evening. By morning, it was in all its glory. No worries - relax...
If you got both pouches of yeast at the same time from the same place, it is not unrealistic for both of them to have been subject to environmental conditions that "stunned" the yeast. Could have accidentally been frozen, overheated and damaged, just old, who knows.
On a whim, jumped into an impromptu brew today. looked at what I had on hand and came up with the following (used a few little scraps along the way)
5.5 gallon batch OG 1.058
10.0 lbs maris otter
1.75 lbs malted red wheat
.5 lbs golden naked oats
.5 oz Columbus @ 60
1.0 oz Columbus @ 20...
That looks great to me. Bravo should work well in that mix.
This is just a thought - but lately I have simplified my hop additions and it makes things so much easier.
60 min - single hop bitter. probably about 50% of desired IBU (double IPA targeting 80 IBU - bitter to 40 IBU)
20 min - one...
I may be inclined to sub out the Pilsner malt with a Maris Otter or better yet, equal values of 2-row and golden promise.
The biggest thing is to drop the Citra as your bittering charge and go with Magnum/Warrior/Apollo - something other than that nice flavor hop. Move that Citra to the dry...
To me - it signals action. Brewing is the act of creating the craft beer. Beer company may hint at someone that is simply selling the craft beer.
Also - it just sounds better.