8 replies to this topic

[johnpreuss]

 

It's based off a recipe that Chils and I came up with that is based off of Sam Adams Boston Lager.  That was my first lagers and one of my best beers I have ever made IMO.  I'm going to tone it down a touch though and do a single infusion mash at 151dF.  I'll split the batch into 2 fermenters and each one will get 2 packs of W34/70 straight in. 

 

I'm using a pound of C60 and C80 basically because that's what I have.  Avangard Pils for my German pilsner malt. Also last time I think I used Santium and Vangard, this time Straight up Hallertau Mitts.  Do it real noble this time.

 

 

 

Measuring and crushing some grain.  Oh yeah I have the Barley Crusher.... and I opt to use the drill. 

 

 

21 lbs of grain maxed out my bucket pretty good.

 

 

Crush looked good.

 

More to come tomorrow after the brew day! 

[Steve Urquell]

Rock on with your bad lager self! Gonna harvest and reuse that yeast? W34 always seems to make a better beer for me the second time around. It's like leftover lasagna.

[johnpreuss]

 

Rig ready to go...

 

 

Grain is lookin' mighty cold but I should be able to hit my mash temp.

 

 

Fail.... or like some one told me earlier today it was just a happy little accident.

 

 

After a 3 gallon decoction hit the step mash target on the head!  So it was 144dF for 30-45 min and then 158dF for another 30 min or so.

 

 

Get my first sparge on... darn brew day pr0n.

 

 

It's a bit chilly today so my kids thought, and I agreed, we should have a fire by the garage to stay warm.  Smart Kids.

 

 

Almost there....

 

 

I swear these last few degrees take the longest to get through.... that or I just don't pay that close of attention until these last few..

 

 

Now that we are boiling I better have a beer.... this was a tasty little treat.  Toasty, malty, just what you should have on a chilly day!

 

 

AND I'm out of pictures.... the day got long and I stopped caring to take a picture anymore.  For what ever reason the out hose blew off my immersion chiller... I got a bath of hot water ... good thing I was wearing extra clothes due to the cold weather.  OG came in at 1.052 with 12 gallons in the buckets. 

 

What did I learn today.... I need to brew more!  And I still love this hobby.

[johnpreuss]

Rock on with your bad lager self! Gonna harvest and reuse that yeast? W34 always seems to make a better beer for me the second time around. It's like leftover lasagna.

 

 

I plan to.  I'm not sure what I'm going to use it on yet but hopefully it won't be like the last two batches of yeast that I harvested and then sat in my fridge for 2 months before I brewed again.... I know I've used yeast that old before but... well... I lost my edge or something, I've dumped and pitched new yeast.

[ncbeerbrewer]

Looks like a godd brew day!! Great pics!! Hope she's bubbling away nicely

[neddles]

Packers cup on the shelf, grains from Point Brew Supply, and Central Waters Beer… your avatar says your still in MN. but I am not sure!

 

Great pics, thanks for sharing. Looks like a nice brew day and you're going to be set up with a nice winter lager here in several weeks.

[johnpreuss]

I was back a few weeks ago visiting my brother in Appleton.  I love Point Brew Supply.  I stop there every time we pass through point and load up. 

[johnpreuss]

Ok... 16 days later.... FG came in at 1.010.  Smells devine... Or just a ton of lagery goodness.  Kegged all 12 gallons tonight.  Give it a week and I'll let you know how it came out.

[neddles]

Post up a pick when she's looking purdy.