Help with first BIAB

[Ninj]

Hi all,

Just getting my head around a Pilsner recipe. Im using 5kg pilsner malt, 300g torrified wheat for the grain bill and Hallertaur for the hops - dead simple 50g for 90mins.

I have a 30l boiler and I cant see what Brewsmith reckons for the amount of water I need to start with. Also, my efficiency is down under 70% is this a massive issue or is there a way to increase it?

Apart from that, it looks ok, colour, abv and bitterness are there abouts.

Cheers

[potatoes]

To work out your water levels I would recommend using the BIAB calculator from the BIAB website. here is the link http://www.biabrewer.info/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=15

You need to join the website first, then make a post and then you can download the excel sheet. I have used it when I did BIAB.

Dan

[jimp2003]

Hi ninj!

I don't have the Beersmith and so can't point you in the right direction for finding the water volume I am afraid but it should on there somewhere and hopefully a Beersmith user will be along to advise you.

With regards to the efficiency you should be able to adjust the settings to suit the efficiency level you anticipate and 70% would not be a bad figure to plump for. As this is your first BIAB that would just be a guess and as you brew more and take good records of how each brew went (records are very important IMO) you can start to get a feel for where your efficincy really is and plug in the real figure.

Don't forget to let us know how your first brewday goes.

Cheers

Jim

[Goulders]

Beersmith will work out your stuff but as I am not at home I can't help, but from what I recall, go to the mash tab and select BIAB in the drop down tab. I have a 40l buffalo and for a recipe of that weight would need around 31 to 33l of water for a 23l recipe, and obviously the grain will displace this further. You may be better of going maxi biab with a 30l boiler as I don't think your boiler will cope with a full BIAB. Potatoes' website link also has a section on how to do a maxi BIAB.

[jonnyt]

With 5.3kg of grain you will need 31.37L of water at 69.4 degrees to hit a 66 mash according to brewmate with a 23L batch

I've found the water quantities a little under and now use around 34L for such a grain bill

[Ninj]

Thanks gents, top info. I think in reality I need to whittle the quatitites down a bit, I wouldn't want to risk a starting level over 30l, perhaps couple of litres less to allow for boil over, absolute brimful is about 32l.

Cheers guys

[Ninj]

Bit confused with water quantities, Beersmith reckons I need 31.82l for a 19l batch - seems high. Ive read a few people saying BS had let them down with regard to this.

So looking at my boiler which is brim full at 33l, theres no way I can get a 19l batch into it??

[jonnyt]

What's your weight in grains?
For around 5kg grains I need 35 litres for a 23L batch. That's through use of my equipment as I've found most apps under estimate...

[Ninj]

Thanks jonny,
Im using 4.6kg

When I look in Beersmith, do the water quantities take into account the grain etc? If I need to add 31.odd litres of water on top of the grain then I reckon Ill be overflowing before I even start!

Cheers

[jonnyt]

Yes you will. You will need a bigger pot or do a Maxi BIAB

[Ninj]

Hmm, how come a lot of posts say 30l boiler is fine for a 23l batch? Seems like a long way off for me :/

In fact, is maxi BIAB not based on using a 19l kettle?

[jonnyt]

Not for BIAB it isn't. You need 50L for a 23L brew length BIAB unless you Maxi BIAB

[Beer O'Clock]

Not for BIAB it isn't. You need 50L for a 23L brew length BIAB unless you Maxi BIAB

I use a 40 litre boiler. Mash out and/or sparge to get 23 litre brews.

The BIABrewer calculator states about 37 litres of water for a 4.5Kg grain bill. This just fits in my boiler. Once grain is removed there is plenty of head-space for a proper boil.

[Ninj]

Thanks beer o clock, missed your reply. I've just registered on BIABrewer to get the calc, although Im sure Beersmith will be similar.

What would be the maximum traditional BIAB batch for a 30l boiler then do you reckon?

Confusing myself further - when you change the mash settings in BS to single infusion, full body, no mash out as recommended - the pre boil volume comes right back to 24.6l - that should be a lot better even with the grain bill.

[potatoes]

Thanks beer o clock, missed your reply. I've just registered on BIABrewer to get the calc, although Im sure Beersmith will be similar.

What would be the maximum traditional BIAB batch for a 30l boiler then do you reckon?

It depends on your efficiency and water loss from boil evaporation. I think you could do a 15 litre brew, when using a 65% (low) efficiency. 27 litres of water plus 4 kg of grains will take you to 30 litres. Play around with calculator and then play around in real life. Have you already bought a 30 litre boiler?

Dan