Partial Mash
When I grow up I want to brew all grain.
Well either I've grown up or just got lucky - see my all grain pages here.
Until Feb 2004 I had only brewed kits (6 to be precise). I have read heaps of stuff about RIMS, HERMS, microcontrollers, PID, HSA, DMS, steps, acid rests, protein rests, alpha amylase, beta amylase, infusions, decoctions, fly, false bottoms, ... until my brain hurt. Relax, you won't read any of that stuff here. Furthermore you can make great beer without even having a clue about these terms. That doesn't mean they are bad, just non-essential. There is plenty of time to learn more about them while you have something in the fermenter.
Here are some pics and descriptions of my attempts so far:
#1 A $20 pot and $20 colander and away we go. What could be easier?
#2 new recipe, bigger boil, different mash tun.
#3 bigger boil with this recipe. Used Esky (cooler) as mash tun.
There is more detail on the equipment I used for each partial mash on the pages but as you will see, for buggerall outlay, I made the jump to partial mash and then with each subsequent brew added a bit here and a bit there.
The other thing that stands out for me is that I have made "blunders" on each attempt but at the end of the day the brew has been great.
I find the learning curve enjoyable - not so daunting as going the whole hog in one hit.
Beyond Kits - Keep it Simple
See GettingStarted for my take on getting your first kit brew happening.
For now this is just a collection of links to what seem to me, simple but effective approaches to more advanced brewing.
I have been recording my journey to all grain (see above). If you have been thinking of a trying a partial mash, I hope the simplicity (not to mention great tasting beer) of my first go will convince you to give it a whirl.
BatchSparge - in my words.
Keep It Simple another no nonsense approach to all grain brewing which won't require a mortgage on the house.
Bottoms Up Brewery Simple, no nonsense description of an all grain brew day.
paul sorenson