Expert: John Snyder - 5/12/2007

Question
QUESTION: hi John,
would like to try allgrain brewing,but would like to brew low alcohol about 2.5%to 3%
can you tell me how please?
graha
ANSWER: Graham,could you give me a little info:

What brewing equipment do you have?
What testing equipment do you have?EX:thermometers,hydrometers,starch testing

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QUESTION: hi john,
have watched a dvd onallgrain brewing in a bag,
I have a straining bag and a bucket I can use as a mash tun,have a gas turkey burner and pot etc,
have a hydrometer digital thermometer no starch testing
ANSWER: Ok,you have enough equipment for brewing.The starch testing is to make sure that you have converted the starch in the grain to sugar,before,ending the mashing.This is done with an iodine solution.

Is this an Ale?Do you have the ingredients,and amount needed?I'm assuming you are making a 5 gallon batch.After your reply,I will work on the formulation,this weekend,and send it sunday night

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi john,
yes it is a dark ale, no i dont have ingredients,
and yes it is a 5 gallonbatch.
thankyou john
ps i dontlike  too hoppy a beer

Answer
Ingredients:

7-LB Pale 2 Row Malt
1.5-LB Crystal 60 malt
1/2 oz.Styrian hop pellets
1 Oz.Fuggle hop pellets
1-Tsp.Gypsum
Ale yeast

Notes:
1-you will need to have the malt bought cracked
2-an 8 gallon brew pot,either stainless,or a not chipped canning pot.
3-Tincture of Iodine-can be purchased at any drug store

To check starch to sugar conversion:
1-Put a spoonful of mash liquid,on a white saucer,after 30 min mashing
2-add a drop or 2 of the iodine,if the iodine stays the same color (brownish),you are done mashing.If the iodine turns purple or black,mash for another 30 mins,then check.When all the starch has been converted to fermentable sugar tha Iodine will remain brownish

Tight temperature control is very important

If you need any help with the mashing,or sparging process,let me know,(temps,water quantities,etc),or the hopping additions

         good brewing
         John

How are you going to quickly cool the boiled wort?