2nd BIAB in the fermenter, much better numbers

[dkevinb]

Last week I did my first BIAB. Things went smoothly, but my efficiencies were low. This week I did another batch and did much better.

This time I had the LHBS double-mill the grain. I hit my strike temp (158F) right on, doughed in 9.25 lbs. of grain into 6.5 gallons of water, and hit the mash temp exactly (152F). I wrapped the kettle in a hoody, then stirred at 20 and 40 minutes. I didn't bother futzing with the temp. After an hour it was 148F. I mashed out for 10 minutes at 168F, then squeezed the bejeezus out of the bag. The fact that it was humid and foggy when I started undoubtedly reduced my boil-off quite a bit. I just dumped the kettle into the fermenter after chilling.

Pre-boil volume: 5.5 gallons
Pre-boil gravity: 1.048
Post-boil volume: 4.5 gallons
OG: 1.059

Conversion efficiency: 92%
Pre-boil efficiency: 78%
Ending kettle efficiency: 77%
Brewhouse efficiency: 77%

This beats the crap out of last week's brewhouse efficiency of 56%. Now we just have to wait and see how the beer tastes.

 

[brew_ny]

good for you enjoy the fruit of you labor ( beer )

all the best

S_M

 

[wilserbrewer]

It appears the crush helped you out. Not so sure the stir twice during the mash is worth the temp loss, but rather a very thorough stir at the end of the mash prior to removing the bag might be all that's needed...just a thought...always looking to reduce effort and improve results.
Cheers!


Wilserbrewer
Http://biabbags.webs.com/

 

[dkevinb]

It appears the crush helped you out. Not so sure the stir twice during the mash is worth the temp loss, but rather a very thorough stir at the end of the mash prior to removing the bag might be all that's needed...just a thought...always looking to reduce effort and improve results.
Cheers!


Wilserbrewer
Http://biabbags.webs.com/

I think I'll try the "no stir" method next time. The first time I stirred every 15 minutes. This brew was much more relaxed than the first one after I decided to lighten up and let the barley fulfill its dream of turning into beer.