Davik Brewing

If you’re a homebrewer that’s still stuck in the expensive routine of using brewing kits or liquid malt extract, this just might be what you need to know.

You can easily brew better tasting, higher quality and cheaper brews by switching to all grain brewing. Don’t be intimidated, it’s actually alot easier than you might think.

Sure, you need a few more tools to be added to your brewing arsenal, but it really will be worth it. You will understand when you mash your first batch of 2 row, and see the clear, golden wort coming from your mash tun as you start your lauter.

It’s a beautiful thing!

You’ll also be pleasantly surprised with the higher efficiency you can get from all grain brewing. Of course this might not happen on your very first batch, but after a few batches you’ll be thankful you switched.

On of the most popular mash tun designs is the 5 gallon Igloo cooler. This cooler can be picked up at almost any hardware store for around $25. The design of this cooler holds heat extremely well, and adapting a manifold is quite easy. This design can hold up to 12 pounds of grain, which can get you a wort around 1.070.

A hot liquor tank is not really required, it just makes the whole process a bit easier. If you have issues with storage of your brewing equipment (not enough room), you can just sparge by hand.

Personally, this is the process I prefer. Just keep an eye on the level of sparge water above the grain, keeping it about 1 inch above the grain. Use a quart pyrex measuring cup and a slotted spoon to do your sparging.

Remember not to pour straight in, to avoid creating holes in the mash. You want your crushed grains to create a filter above your manifold so you wort will run clear into the boil pot.

Your manifold can simply be 1/2 copper tubing with slots cut into the tubing. A hack saw works for this, but a dremel or some sort of power tool makes easy work of this. Remember to remove any burs created from cutting the slots and remove any grease or grime before use.

Sanitation is not required, as the wort will be boiled after this process anyway. You will find that the acids from the wort will clean your manifold to a bright shine… so if the manifold is dirty, that dirt ends up in your wort.

You can buy this complete system, that comes complete with stainless steel ball valves on 2 Igloo coolers (mash tun & hot liquor tank), mash tun false bottom and sparging arm with tubing included.
http://davikbrewing.com/Kegging/AllGrainSystem

Filed under: Brewing 101 on June 24th, 2009