Reassurance for first time

[likesbeer]

I've done a couple of kit brews but really want to more on to AG, as I've just bought a 15 litre pot and found an interesting looking recipe for extract thought I would give it a go before sorting out some AG kit. But like so many newbies am nervous and looking for reassurance that I've got the right end of the stick.

The recipe I posted here

My plan is to either make half (i.e 10lt) or boil 10 lt and let it down with another 10lt in the FV a bit like a kit. Or is that a bad idea?
If I went for half does that also mean half the hops?

Will cool in a sink with cold water and some ice around, but then I get a little confused on transfering from boiler to FV I will be left with hot and cold break floating around and perhaps the hops if I dont bag them (I will bag the grains) should I just syphen like raking off, poor, or shove a (sterile) jug and transfer by hand?

Any other advice for a worrying first timer extract brewer would be appreciated

[Reg]

Lots of pictures of a similar brewing process, (although this was done as a single medium sized vessel AG brew) in my Gallon Test Brew thread here:-

viewtopic.php?t=886

[likesbeer]

Wow thats exactly what I needed to cool my nerves.
Still debating halving the recipe or watering down, which do you think?

Will pick up a M&S bag with ingredients not sparging though just going for the steep process. Also seeing filtering issues the idea of hopping in a bag sounds appealing what do you think? Perhaps need to add a few extra grams to make up for poor circulation?

Then to transfer to FV could just syphon with end cap bit and hop the break stays in pot or pour through sieve.

Or not worry and let it settle in the ferment, will end up looking like the cider I have with 1/2 inch a crud in the bottom

[Reg]

Halving the recipe should work fine, but you have to be a little more accurate with measures.

This recipe once tested went on to become Plummer's Principal from Newsletter No 1.

Making small brews when you are experimenting saves on ingredients and lets you taste and adjust.

Remember to be accurate. Small changes in hops and malts make a bigger difference at smaller volumes.

Happy brewing!

Reg

[likesbeer]

Thanks Reg and the brewing was happy, have just finished this and put it to bed which is where i am going as well if it tastes as good as it smelt then it'll be great. I'll post a brew day thread with the pics I took lets hope it turns out ok