So I brewed this yesterday and I can only say that it was a terrible brewday. My plan was to get home from work around 530 and start it then, things got in the way and I ended up not starting until 930 or 10. Instead of using the mash volumes that beersmith gave me, I followed the directions from the kit saying add 5.5 gallons of water to start...terrible idea. I get to strike temp and put in the bag with grains. I checked 20 mins later and the temp was still around 160, I add a few cups of cold water to lower it. I checked about a half hour later, temp was around 150 so I put the kettle over low heat to raise it up. After 75 mins, I collect a sample and let it cool, multiple readings were 1.022 and one preboil reading was 1.043. I guess I mashed with too much water so from now on I'll follow beersmith directions and not kit directions.
I ramp up the heat to start the boil but its staying at a constant 160 and doesnt raise up for a half hour. I turn the burner down and then turn it up again....finally got a good flame and was boiling about 20 mins later. The boil proceeded as normal, throw in the IC and chill it. I take a reading and get a post boil of 1.028. I transfer to my 5 gallon glass carboy...and realize I cant find the rubber bung to put the airlock in. I sanitized a plastic fermentor and transferred it to there added the yeast (including stirbar because I forgot to take it out). The final volume was close to 5 gallons. Its fermenting away in a swamp cooler but I have a feeling this is going to be a very weak beer and will end up getting dumped. Sorry for the long post, I just needed to vent some frustration.