Djehuty
Master Brewer
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2010
- Messages
- 56
- Reaction score
- 0
I've decided to try the batch sparge method for my first all-grain beer, and before I order the grain, I have a few questions. First, what does it mean when BeerSmith says to use batches equal to 90% of the container's volume? I ask because, in my recipe, it isn't using anything like that -- which is a good thing, since that would mean 9 gallons of water at a time, in two batches, which would rather overwhelm my 8-gallon pot.
Next, what should the efficiency be? I'm seeing efficiency reports ranging from 50% to 80% when I search for this. I've tentatively set my efficiency at 66%, at a guess, down from the default 75%. I'm hoping underestimating the efficiency is better for the beer than overestimating it.
Finally, the stupid question. Batch sparging is just emptying the mash tun, then adding more water, waiting ten minutes, and emptying it again. Right? I'm fairly certain I'm right. But the check box in BeerSmith for draining the mash tun before sparging (which appears to do nothing) has me wondering if I've misunderstood something.
Thanks in advance for putting up with another set of questions. I'm not normally quite so tentative, but in a few weeks I'll be serving this to family and friends. I'd hate to screw it up.
Next, what should the efficiency be? I'm seeing efficiency reports ranging from 50% to 80% when I search for this. I've tentatively set my efficiency at 66%, at a guess, down from the default 75%. I'm hoping underestimating the efficiency is better for the beer than overestimating it.
Finally, the stupid question. Batch sparging is just emptying the mash tun, then adding more water, waiting ten minutes, and emptying it again. Right? I'm fairly certain I'm right. But the check box in BeerSmith for draining the mash tun before sparging (which appears to do nothing) has me wondering if I've misunderstood something.
Thanks in advance for putting up with another set of questions. I'm not normally quite so tentative, but in a few weeks I'll be serving this to family and friends. I'd hate to screw it up.