Still Smarter

So....

These guys do have a range and tbh i'm kind of lost with it.

I'd like to eventually get into AG Whiskey and the odd AG Beer thrown in for good measure.

I realise the "all bells and whistles" option would no doubt be the best one to go for, but, i'm by no means rich, so would really like to know if the basic one will do me, or would i be better with one that recirculates etc?

Just getting my research out of the way, so i know what to be drooling over for the next couple of months!

My brother in law has the Maischfest, £199 on there website. https://www.klarstein.co.uk/Home-applia ... 5-Ltr.html

I think it sits in the middle of the range, it has the temp control and a grain basket, but not recirc, however he bought some silicone hose and a brew pump and other bits to make it recirculate.

if you read up on BIAB (brew in a bag) online, that should give you an idea on the process.

Thanks Jon,

Thats the one i had my eye on to be fair.

I don't know how important the recirculating part actually is. If its a big thing i might be better biting the bullet in the first place.

the basic principle is your soaking (mashing) the grains in water at 66c, to get all the sweetness out, if the water is moving through the grain you should get better efficiency which gives a higher starting gravity. with the BIAB method, you use separate additions of water to wash the grain out (sparging) so something along the lines of 60 minute mash (stirring occasionally) then lift the basket, and pour your remaining sparge water through the grains.
I have a Braumeister which recirc's, but I still sparge the grains, so is it really worth the extra?

I have the Mundshenk.
I have now done 23 beers and 75 kg of whisky malt through it.
I think the re-circ helps, and I also sparge after that.
I bought direct from Klarstein via Amazon and had it delivered for £283.98.
Clicking on the above link it is now £339.99, and if mine died, I would happily pay that for another.
Linger on the website and you seem to get a £10 discount.
I think the Mundshenk trumps the Brewmeister by not having needless Bluetooth, but that is just MHO.
I am a Luddite at heart.
Horses for courses.

Robert.

Think the Grainfather has bluetooth too.

The original Braumeisters don't have bluetooth, but TBH I agree with you I wouldn't buy a new one for several reasons. If you ever want to splash the cash on a BM look at the Camurri brewer.

It is worthy of note that the three different systems do the same job in a completely different way.
Mundshenk/GF are a classic pump over sparge design. The Camurri brewer is a stirrer. The BM pumps UP through the grain bed.

They will all take the same grain bill and produce a different beer.

That is enlightening.
I fancy a stirrer, the way many malt whisky washes happen.

Robert.

Jonx69 wrote: Mon Sep 16, 2019 3:06 pm ... he bought some silicone hose and a brew pump and other bits to make it recirculate.

This answers the op question perfectly. Get one with a pump, as you will find it a "must have" later.

Well i've gone and done it.

Got a cracking deal on a brand new 35lt, re packaged, Maischfest on fleabay @ £196... no recirculation but, too good to turn down and can always add a pump if i decide it needs it.

Oooh, i'm all excited now! AG Beer, Wikkey and Vodka here we come!!

What sort of beer do you like? .. There are a few recipes kicking about

Light and citrusy, Mash

Corona/ Peroni sort of thing.

Good for you dude!
The discount will more than pay for the pump and tube!

Robert.

EchoSevenNine wrote: Thu Sep 19, 2019 7:21 pm Light and citrusy, Mash

Corona/ Peroni sort of thing.

Now that I can do. Probably not quite Peroni - A bit more flavour. See what you think....

Nice one Mash. Dropped you a PM ref method for a noob like me!

I tried making a Belgian Tripple a few weeks ago, not a beer that i would normaly seek.
Bugger me, it tastes pretty good already.
Hey ho! Starting to run out of empty bottles again, because I have around 150 litres conditioning.
And two of my three reserve pressure barrels seem to have problem, leaking co2.
I am growing a beer baby, and I do not love it.

Robert.

I know what you mean. I fight hard against having a beer baby - you would be amazed how much maltose does not ferment.

I may eat a bacon and egg, or sausage and egg lunch 5 or 6 days a week.
After a breakfast of fruit and yoghurt.
I have had to limit the occassions that a fried slice is on the plate.
A fried slice is probably the same carbs. as a couple of pints.
I can resist one, the other is harder.

Robert.

how long do you think it will be before EchoNineSeven is reporting a beer baby?

I have to admit, I've never drank as much in my life.

You only live once though... Might as well shorten it as much as I can!

I am sure on another thread, Echo said that he was 'chunky'.
I dread what AG beer may do to him.
He will be making Ambrosia, and unable to resist it!

Robert.

I'm 18st 5lbs, Robert, but I'm 6'5" too so can carry it off to a certain degree

Post a pic of your 'beer baby' in 6 months mate

Robert.

My beer making skills, even from good quality kits has given me
Diabetes. It is all to easy to open the cupboard door and crack
open another strong tasty pint when.
One it's there.
Two it only cost me 35p.
Be careful mate and drink LIKE A NUTTER

35p struck me initially as a very expensive.
However, by my reckoning I am in at 32p - And that does not include's crown caps.

It is been a day or two since I worked it out.

However, against a shop price of £1.75 per bottle. It's a 55 quid saving every batch !!