so i am getting into making lots of all grain beer. I am wanting to get a mash tune and am looking at different options. I am looking at using a cooler but also looking at getting a 15 gal stainless steel brew kettle with a false bottom and a spout on it. Im not sure if i could use that same kettle for boiling? I guess im not sure what the best option would be? If I use a cooler then I will be getting a bigger pot to boil so i dont have to go add more water after im done boiling the wart to make a 5 gal batch. It would be great to get some advice from you on what to get. I have a 5 gal pot to boil in right now and a fermented bucket. but if i ever want to do a bigger batch or anything it would be nice to have the option. Also i am wanting to make some higher alcohol beer around 8% how do you get a beer with that high of content? Any other suggestions on equipment or beer making would be great! there is some much to learn!
what do get to upgrade my homew grewing gear? And how my make a stronger beer?
Welcome, Joel!
You can use the same pot for boiling and mashing, but where will you keep the wort while you clean the pot from the mash? What will you sparge into? In my opinion, it is best to have 2 vessels for mashing and boiling. I use a cooler mashtun, and a 10 gallon pot for boiling.
As far as a higher alcohol beer, there are several ways to boost your abv… Use more grain/extract. Or use less water. I sometimes add some plain table sugar, it helps to dry out the beer, and adds to the abv as well. It could be important to make sure you have a yeast strain that is tolerant of higher alcohol content if you want to go really big…
I think you are better off, when just getting started, to keep it simple. Get a good sized cooler with good insulation and invest in a good kettle. Later when you’ve mastered the single infusion methods and are really planning to expand your setup you will have a much better idea what direction to go.
This is what I’ve done and am not really looking to expand the equipment pile much. This is after 12 (or so) years of all grain brewing. I’ve changed my cooler setup at least 3 times but haven’t felt the need to invest in a direct fired mash/tun. Lots of reasons for that but the main one is I like the beer I make and don’t see any need to “upgrade” just 'cuz. Others are 2 kids in private schools and 2 in college but money could be found if needed.
Most of all dig in, have fun and see where it takes you.
I just feel that multi infusion step mashes introduce too many variables for my liking with not only adding heat to raise the temp but also diluting the mash down further. Now if you’re using a RIMS or HERMS you will be fine of course…
I’ll step mash once in a while in my cooler. not that big a deal. I no-sparge a lot and it’s no more difficult to do a two step. I haven’t tried more steps than that though.
there is always decoction if you want to step your mash without adding more liquid.
I’ve been thinking about moving from fly sparging to no sparging because for a 5 gallon batch my tun is big enough… any knowledge you’d like to pass along on that technique? Pros/cons? The pro I’m thinking of is that I wouldn’t have to pay as close attention during sparging…
you lose a few points on efficiency but that is easily dealt with by adding an extra lb or so of base grain to the recipe. no sparge gets tricky and expensive for really big beers though. I usually do it with small beers like bitters. I do partigyle which is kind of no sparge for big beers and i generally hit about 55% efficiency on first runnings. on an ordinary bitter I come in somewhere around 65-70% no sparge.
it makes water chemistry a lot easier as you are manipulating your mash in water only enough to achieve your mash pH and calcium goals and can spice the kettle for everything else. I perceive it as a richer malt character but that is pretty subjective.
