I will be giving BIB a go in a couple of weeks. What mesh would you recommend? I will
be doing it in a 15 gallon Polorware with a false bottom. So, what about the medium
nylon mesh and 18.75" x 19" at Northern Brewer? Not having seen the fine mesh, I would
think it’s probably a little too fine and would risk plugging up.
If you have a 15 gallon pot with a false bottom why bother with the bag? sounds like you have a mash tun ready to go already. Perhaps I am missing something?
A bag would allow me to remove the grain and then to do the boil in one kettle. The motivation
behind this is: Next summer we are planning on doing a 5.5 gallon all grain brew in the boundary
waters; canoe access only. We plan on brewing, fermenting, kegging/carbing and drinking it
before we return to civilization.
You can also drain into buckets, clean and refill the kettle with wort.
that sounds like a blast! in that case, when I used a bag to mash in I used the grain bag that they sold at the LHBS which is a pretty fine mesh. kind of like a paint strainer bag or hop bag fineness.
Wow…That’s an ambitious idea.
How long to you plan to be in the BWCA?
You might be able to get away with using 5 gallon paint strainer bags, from your local hardware store.
But, in my experience they are pretty coarse.
Maybe, double bag?
They’re only like $2 for a 3 pack.
Buy one at your LHBS or online.
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/nylon-straining-bag-18-3-4-x-19-fine-mesh.html
If you want to make your own, the local fabric store often has un-dyed sheer nylon or polyester “voile” or “chiffon” used to make curtains and/or dresses that comes just about as fine as one can get. You can make a bag out of that. I’m not that resourceful. I believe some Aussies originally described using this material for their BIAB techniques.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voile
http://www.eastsidebrewers.org/index.php?option=com_kunena&func=view&catid=7&id=558&Itemid=86
the bags i have used were very fine stretchy almost t-shirt like material. they start out about the size of a sock and stretch to basketball or bigger.
the other option is to brew normally and give me your permits to the boundary waters. i have had multiple scout troops up to ely, mn and loved it.
Thanks for the replys, the guys and I do a man camp or two/year. We have been tweaking our
equipment and process accordingly. As the last two decades have went by, our camp brewing
has developed into brew camping; age and energy was/is a factor. None the less, experience
has taught use the importance of fermentation temps. We have three options; lake, stream and
dig hole to ground water based on water table elevation. Is there a lager in our camp future?
Hmm? Anyway, we have a great time enjoying brewing and the out doors. Give it a go.
The mesh strainer bags from Northern Brewer (and other places) are only $5, reusable, and they are food grade - unlike those paint strainer bags.
Doesn’t the “Food Grade” rating pretty much go out the window, when you hit it with 170+ degree water?
…Just curious…Not trying to argue.
That may be right (probably is) but I’d still feel better starting off with food grade.