I've been brewing - on and off depending upon free time and where I've lived - for 25 years so. I started with extract many years ago and have done all grain for about 15 years. Brewed sub-4% beers to about a 13% barely wine. Done a few sours, parti-gyles, multi-step mashes, etc. So, I'm no newbie but looking to get back into it more on my own.
My dad and I brew together on a three vessel system (cooler HLT and mash tun, and brew kettle) which is versatile and works really well. I'm looking for something that takes less space, is a little faster (we fly sparge), and maybe a little cheaper.
Having done some 1 gallon batches recently, they quite frankly aren't worth the time and effort for me to do them (your mileage may vary). It's a good way to test out some ingredients or a new recipe but I'd rather make at least 3, preferably 5 gallons at a time.
Doing a bit of research, here are some ideas for a simple system that would meet my desire for taking up less space, being faster, and (maybe) cheaper and some questions:
Some other questions:
I know there's a lot there - thanks in advance!
My dad and I brew together on a three vessel system (cooler HLT and mash tun, and brew kettle) which is versatile and works really well. I'm looking for something that takes less space, is a little faster (we fly sparge), and maybe a little cheaper.
Having done some 1 gallon batches recently, they quite frankly aren't worth the time and effort for me to do them (your mileage may vary). It's a good way to test out some ingredients or a new recipe but I'd rather make at least 3, preferably 5 gallons at a time.
Doing a bit of research, here are some ideas for a simple system that would meet my desire for taking up less space, being faster, and (maybe) cheaper and some questions:
- BIAB in the brew kettle (single vessel). How well can I maintain mash temp in a BIAB in a brew kettle?
- Electric system (basically a BIAB single vessel) - Is the extra expense worth it to maintain temperature? What are some suggestions without going $1000 in?
- Cooler MT no sparge (either in a bag or buy/build a manifold or screen) - Preferences of a bag vs. a more standard collection system?
- Cooler MT batch sparge. I assume I'd need an additionally vessel for a HLT or a second kettle to be able to collect wort and add more water.
Some other questions:
- Do any of these have versatility limitations? I'd like to - once in a while - brew some big beers. How big of a cooler or kettle are required for higher grain bills in a 5 gallon batch?
- Fermenting in a corny keg? I can probably buy them for pretty cheap from a friend that has 40+ of them and doesn't use them like he used to. (he had a small farm brewery which he doesn't do any more).
- Recirculation - Since I probably can't do it all by gravity (I could but that would be more space), is there a significant advantage of recirculating the wort in any/all of these systems?
- I like the idea of the electric systems but have zero experience with them. Any big pros and cons?
- We've mostly used glass carboys but I'd like to get away from them.
- Anything that I've not thought of / have overlooked? Other ideas for simple systems?
I know there's a lot there - thanks in advance!