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My Eff is completely screwed...
For the 3rd consecutive session, OG has come in almost a full .10 lower than expected.. Prior to that, I was running about 80%...I haven't changed anything, technique or equipment. I've actually been holding temps better the last 2 batches.. I did an IIPA yesterday, shooting for 1.071, came in at 1.062 and that's after adding 8oz sugar to bump up from pre-boil. PB should have been 1.053, but it was only 1.044...
Maybe it's my sparge...I brew on a slight decline in the yard, so the mashtun does slope, but only a degree or too.....It smelled fantastic with almost 8oz of Cascade, and first taste post boil was pretty good... I'm just concerned about losing suagrs somewhere in the process...
My next brew session will probably be an open MA Local day, so all the experts can come down and tear apart my process.....
Did you by any chance change suppliers, or use a different grinder?
Crabnut wrote:
Did you by any chance change suppliers, or use a different grinder?
Nope, and nope...
I've been going over my processes the last few batches, and I have noticed my sparging prep has been horrible. I'm always low on sparge water, so I have to rush to get more water heated. That then screws up total volume, as I only got 4.5 gallons in primary from this brew... I think I need to have an additonal kettle and burner going with more hot water.. I have both, so I just have to drag them out. I'm also going to try to level off the brew table a bit more. I'm redoing the stones in my patrio area next week, so I can level grade the brew area at the same time..
While your suppliers are the same, are you using malts from a different maltster you don't normally use?
Have you checked the gap on your Barley Crusher? I'm sure its unlikely that its walking on you but I'd check it to rule it out.
I've heard some water districts make seasonal changes to their water chemistries. It's possible it may be affecting your efficiency. Have you had a similar efficiency problem in the past?
I would check the pH of your mash. I had a similar problem and have found that the 2 biggest efficency problems are crush and pH.
One more thought, Who's weighing your grain? Do you know if the scale is correct? Even though my LHBS weighs out some of my grains I always double check it before brewing.
Also, have you done an iodine test to check for conversion?
I haven't been using test strips, but I think I will from now on.. I gave this mash just over 90 minutes @ 149....
As for pH, I'm not sure what it is. I use bottled spring water with pH 5.2 added...
I do weigh the grains before I crush them; and I check the crusher every time...grist looks good.. I make sure any clumps get broken up and all grains are under water..
I'll get some iodine test strips and pH check strips next order.. Next brew isn't shceduled for another month, so I have time to get both..
Everything sounds like you should be doing fine, I would look toward your sparge procedure. Are you batching or flying? If batch, make sure you stir up real good on your second infusion, and givit a little rest before you open the valve to runoff, let the leftover sugar get scrubbed and into solution before you collect. If fly, slow down the rate. An extra 15-20 minutes on your fly rate may add some points.
ricka182 wrote:
My next brew session will probably be an open MA Local day, so all the experts can come down and tear apart my process.....
Hopefully, I can make it to that one and help out. It sucks when things don't go as planned.
I think Thirsty actually used to heat sparge water on the kitchen stove. Seeing as your kitchen is right off your brew area maybe you could start doing that in a couple stock pots just as back up.
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