Mash ?

TBSIII · Post by **TBSIII** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 9:09 pm

I apologize if I am asking a question that has already been answered. I have noticed the read,read,read slogan but have yet to find my answer.

Can I make my mash in a larger pot then pour it or ladle it into my still? Or does the mash have to ferment in the still? I’m new and want to try several different recipes so I’m thinking about mixing several separate mashes then running them all on the same still.
At separate times obviously.

CoopsOz · Post by **CoopsOz** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 9:21 pm

Ferment in your fermenter, not your boiler. Once it's done you could ladle into the kettle if you wash but most use a siphon or a tap.

TBSIII · Post by **TBSIII** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 9:35 pm

I see, that would have been probably one of my many mistakes.
Can you recommend a fermenter? Are we talking a five gallon bucket, trash can or does it need to be a stainless steel pot?

CoopsOz · Post by **CoopsOz** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 10:02 pm

Plastic is fine during fermentation (one of the only times it is acceptable in this hobby). There are a million different things you can use....some use plastic rubbish bins with cling wrap over the top (poke a few holes in the cling wrap with a fork, this allows the CO2 to escape.) I use 55 litre commercial barrels fitted with an airlock.

birdwatcher · Post by **birdwatcher** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 6:47 am

TBSIII wrote:I see, that would have been probably one of my many mistakes.
Can you recommend a fermenter? Are we talking a five gallon bucket, trash can or does it need to be a stainless steel pot?

I like Rubbermaid opaque white storage containers. Various sizes with lids.

Also being considered by a few of us recently are large plastic beer coolers.
Hinged lids. Spouts for drainage.

G

Bob E · Post by **Bob E** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 10:06 am

I've gotta glass carboy and a plastic bucket I use for fermenting.
But If you got more copper/stainless than you know what to do with, first give some to me, then you could put together something like this
http://hbd.org/brewniversity/engineering/conical/

mrotch · Post by **mrotch** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 11:42 am

Heck with fermenting in that! - TURN IT OVER and make a still outta it!

Bob E wrote:I've gotta glass carboy and a plastic bucket I use for fermenting.
But If you got more copper/stainless than you know what to do with, first give some to me, then you could put together something like this
http://hbd.org/brewniversity/engineering/conical/

Bob E · Post by **Bob E** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 12:04 pm

Rudi · Post by **Rudi** » Thu Dec 13, 2007 12:31 pm

CHEAP

TBSIII · Post by **TBSIII** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 10:15 pm

I'm using a 5 gallon bucket as a fermenter. I also bought the lid, should I just poke some holes in the lid or do I need to run a tube out of it into a bottle full of water? I have seen pictures of both. What's the difference?

CoopsOz · Post by **CoopsOz** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 12:52 am

TBSIII, the tube into the water is merely an airlock.....it allows the escape of C02 which is a by product of fermenting but doesn't allow anything in to spoil your wash. It isn't all that necessary when the ferment is in full swing as the amount of C02 escaping is enough to stave off any bacteria, but at the start and also as the wash starts to finish, there is less pressure. Although I've never done it personally, I've read that those who use grain don't require it because the grain forms a protective "cap". Once the cap falls you know that no more C02 is being produced so it is finished.