Need help with a BIAB recipe.

[Ibasterd]

Hey BORG. I was hoping for some help with my first all grain BIAB recipe. For space and convenience, I am happy fermenting in my LBK. So would like to keep the batch size to 2 gal. Or, is 2.5 gal ok in the LBK? I understand that there are a lot of 5 gal recipes out there that would be easy to half into 2.5, so I guess I don't actually know which is best.( again with the help)

My second issue is pot size and water volume. I don't have a pot large enough right now, so I am planning on getting a 5 gallon pot which should be good for a 2 gal batch. What starting water volume should I use for a 2 gallon batch in a 5 gallon pot?

Now for the recipe. Thinking I should start with a SMASH as my first attempt to keep things more simple. Maybe an IPA or at least a hop forward ale. I would love to hear some recipe ideas/suggestions for grain and hops.

Sorry if this is too vague. Appreciate the help.

[jimjohson]

I use my lbk for a 2.5 all the time. downside is it almost always foams over a little. (but ymmv) right now beersmith has me starting with 3.10 gal to end up with a 2.5 in the lbk. but I've been using bs for a while and it's dialed into my equipment, so again ymmv.

[Beerlabelman]

I use 1.5 qts of water for pound of grain.
You can use about 5 lbs of 2 Row
1/4 lb of carapils
1/4 lb Dextroae
Mash at 153-155 for 60-90 minutes
I'd boil for 90 minutes, but 60 is OK.
Hops at 90 or 60, 15, 5, whirlpool - DH optional
US-05 yeast
You should choose a pot that can hold twice the amount you intend to brew. Bigger is better. It depends on where you brew . In a kitchen-stove top? Or, outside on a burner?
You can always top off with cool water to bring your LBK up to full volume
Cheers & brew on.

[Brewbirds]

Since it will be a new pot and your first all grain BIAB I would suggest starting with kits until you get your equipment profile dialed in as JJ mentions.

It usually takes a few batches to figure boil of rates etc.

With a kit and its instructions you will know what your targets should be and you can focus on hitting all your numbers and getting your brewing methods nailed down for making the switch.

Once your equipment profile is established you will be able to design recipes that are accurate for your gear.


For kits make sure that you have the LHBS separate the grains so you can split them evenly.

[russki]

To calculate your strike temps and volumes, I recommend using a BIAB calculator, i.e. www.simplebiabcalculator.com. A 20-24 qt pot is ideal for 2.5-3 gal BIAB, but you can get by with a 16 qt one.

[Beer-lord]

I use the site russki mentioned but have found that for me and my equipment, this one is more accurate. http://www.copycalc.com/bob/BIAB%20Fixed%20Boil%20Off

[Trollby]

I have a nice 20qt pot and do my LBK batches in it.

I find that doing a Mash-out and a 1 gallon sparge helps me with getting my % up.

I take the grains out and drain then "Rinse" with 1 gallon water 168*F and pour that in my pot, this helps get all the goodness out and make my boil volume higher since I don't like adding water to a BIAB to top off the LBK.

Also Unlike extract brewing you really need to leave the last bit in the pot or you will have way too much trub in the LBK, I call this exceptable loss (works out to a few cups mainly the grain goo, finering and comando hops anyways)

[Beer-lord]

I just use a good strainer to remove a good deal of the funk at the bottom. It's never been a big problem for me in the LBK. I've read some use a sanitized hop bag and like how much that works but my strainer is very fine and I'm sticking with that.

[John Sand]

All good advice. I'll add that you shouldn't worry too much about getting it just right the first time. Keep some LME on hand if your gravity is low, or top off a bit if it is high. Up til now I have been making 5 gallon batches in a 5g pot, adding sparge water after the hot break, then topping off later. So you can certainly make a 2.5 in a 12 qt pot.

[Ibasterd]

Thanks for all the good advice. I took the first step and got a new pot. I actually got this at Target. It is an Imusa, aluminium pot with a false bottom. It was only $20.00. I think it should work perfectly for what I need. The false bottom should come in handy to keep the bag off the bottom. Excited to break it in!

I was unsure about whether to get aluminium or steel. Here is a link discussing the pros and cons of each. For my needs, aluminium should be just fine.
http://beersmith.com/blog/2010/08/17/al ... wing-pots/

[philm00x]

a pale ale would be a great first AG brew. the grain bill is usually pretty simple on them so brew day usually goes smoothly. SMaSH brew would make things really easy, and will help you get a feel for what base grains taste like on their own. I recently did a SMaSH faux lager to use up some of the Belma hops that I got in the freezer, and initial sampling was fantastic. Just a little bit for bittering, and a little more toward the end of the boil to split the line between max aroma and minimum flavor. Up front, the malt comes through, and then the hop flavor shines in the finish. It also helped me confirm that I really really love Belgian grains.