Finally! I mashed in at 41 degrees this morning an hour earlier than I mashed in two weeks ago… When it was 4 degrees out. Other than the Gail force winds going on, today might be the ideal brewing temp. It’s currently 48!
Ya I like brewing in the winter too. Of course it isn’t as bad here in NM, but I have brewed in low 30s once, and often in 40s which is nice. ps, anyone ever tell ya your pic looks like a mug shot, with the orange overalls and all. Not trying to rub ya the wrong way or anything (specially if it is yer mug shot), just a thought man…
Lol it’s actually a red shirt… Was grilling some burgers in that pic.
Had the guys over to bre an Irish Red a few weeks ago and it was 5 degrees outside. Looking forward to summer brewing
lol, glad you have a sense of humor
Yeah, I like brewing in the transition seasons… 40-70 is probably prime. It’s been brutally cold for the last handful of brews. Today was actually a longer brew day with a 90 minute mash and 140 minute boil, and I feel far less worn out. That single digit weather takes a toll on ya.
It was 13 degrees today when I brewed. I admit that when it gets below freezing and such I’ll mash in the house then do the boil outside. It is tricky to keep the propane burner going though. I’ve a few tricks to it if anyone is interested.
As a side note the boil off rate goes though the roof!
+1 to this. Brewed 2 batches on Friday. Normally lose 1.25 to 1.5 gal.hr and on Friday it was over 2 gal/hr. I had to add water to top off the first batch.
Paul