I brewed a Belgian Wit this weekend, but didn’t realize how low I was on propane. I got a good rolling boil for at least 45 minutes, but the final 45 minutes the strength of the boil was weak at best, as the tank got lighter and lighter (less pressure pushing the gas out). I left the heat on for a little longer to compensate (maybe 15 minutes).
A little less than half the grain bill is German Pils (40 to 45%).
Can’t help you much with the DMS issue but, assuming you use portble propane tanks, there’s a couple of things you might want to consider.
First off, the colder the weather the colder the tank the harder it is for it to push the gas out. Partially submerging the tank in a tub of warm water helps there.
Second, it’s a good idea to always have a second full tank around. That way, when the first tank starts to wind down, you can just switch over the second. Then it’s just a matter of refilling the first tank whenever it happens to be convenient.
I wouldn’t worry too much…
Thanks Denny!
And thanks for the hokerer. I use the same propane tank for brewing and for my outdoor grill (not that I’ve been doing any grilling in the winter). I may try the tub of warm water - although it won’t stay warm for long in the sub freezing temps we have here. Every time I picked up the tank and gave it a good shake, the gas pressure bumped a little, but not for long.
I have a propane heater in my basement, which means I have a large propane cylinder beside the house. Once I get my patio finished out back, I plan to move the grill there and get a hook up for the grill and brewing. No more lugging tanks around or worrying about running out of fuel!