Question about conversion from extract to AG

[FedoraDave]

Is there some place where conversions can be made from extract recipes to AG?

I've got a recipe that's extract plus steeping specialty grains, and it's quite good, but I'd like to try turning it into an AG batch and seeing what the result is.

Thanks.

[Beer-lord]

Do you have Beersmith? I've never done it but it's supposed to be pretty good.
I kept the info below after I read it thinking I might use it one day but never have so, I can't vouch for it.....
EXTRACT TO ALL-GRAIN
Amount of liquid malt extract x 1.23 - amount of pale malt
(example: 6.6 lbs. liquid malt extract x 1.23 = 8.1 lbs. pale malt)
Amount of dry malt extract x 1.45 - amount of pale malt
(example: 5 lbs. dry malt extract x 1.45 = 7.25 lbs. pale malt)
Amount of liquid wheat extract x 1.07 - amount of wheat malt
(example: 6.6 lbs. wheat extract x 1.07 = 7 lbs. wheat malt)

[Crazy Climber]

I've got BeerSmith and can vouch that it does such conversions, lickety-split. It's almost a one-click procedure. I say 'almost' because you need to have an equipment profile set up already, plus specify which base grain you want to use, and your expected AG efficiency.
If you want to PM or post the recipe, I'd be willing to run it through. Would need some equipment info, though, too, in order to convert it.

Lacking that, here's some reading on the subject:
http://www.northernbrewer.com/connect/2 ... g-recipes/
http://www.jaysbrewing.com/2011/11/17/l ... lme-grain/

In short, the key is to convert your extract to an equivalent amount of base grains. This is where it helps to know what is in your extract. If you're using just pale extract, you can safely convert that all to 2-row and move on from there. If you're using a darker extract, or something a little more "exotic" like Munich, Rye or Maris Otter extract, it's a little trickier because those are a blend of 2-row and other malts, in varying ratios.

I can't say for sure if the numbers Beer-lord provided are accurate, but at a glance they certainly look reasonable.

[FedoraDave]

Alas, I don't have BeerSmith, but I'll post the recipe here in the next day or two. I don't think it would be anything other than 2-row in place of the DME, but I'd have to review the recipe to make sure. It's too late, and I'm too tired after an 11.5 hour workday to do anything other than make this post.

Thanks for the help; I knew the Borg would come through.

[Texas Dan]

I found Beersmith indispensable, for me, in brewing AG recipes. Sometimes they have a sale right around certain holidays.
Regular price is $27.95, worth it at that price, but they were advertising $19.95 for the download when I purchased mine.
If you do become interested, you might wait a few days and see if they offer a sale for Labor Day.

www.beersmith.com

[alb]

Try this, Dave. I have it printed out in my Brew Book, and I use it for BIAB.

http://byo.com/recipe-calculations/item ... n-and-back

[Foothiller]

Using software like Beersmith is a good approach, as it calculating the equivalent substitutions, but here's another approach: plug the original recipe into brewing software to get your target OG, IBU, and SRM, then substitute your ingredient, and adjust the quantity to match the targets. Not fancy, but can do the job.

[RickS]

Here is a chart: http://www.jaysbrewing.com/2011/11/17/l ... lme-grain/

[DaYooper]

Try this, Dave. I have it printed out in my Brew Book, and I use it for BIAB.

http://byo.com/recipe-calculations/item ... n-and-back

Thanks for the linkie Alb! Useful if not to get a better understanding of the conversion process.

I too use BeerSmith and find it indispensable. Had a borrowed copy from a friend and ended up buying the 2.x version. Strangely enough, I pretty much use the 1.3 version since it will run on a memory stick. My work PC is locked up from installing programs, but this way I can use it on my lunch hour. I purchased mine at a discount and know they always run a Black Friday sale.