Being a pirate in training, things are not easy when it comes to mashing.
Fortunately, I have a willing deckhand - to a point.
(We're running low on Gin and Vodka - so .....)
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
So, the normal protocol of boiling the water on the stove top, then mixing in the grains, Liquid Alpha, liquid gluco, etc. was not viable. It is heavy, hot and there is always the danger of burning yourself as you cannot a) standup or b) move quick.
So, having read through a lot of YLAY posts, figured it was time to give it a go.
Mash bill (repeat X 3)
* 7.5kgs of Maize meal - fine ground
* 3.33 kgs of Rolled oats - fine ground
(Total grains = 10.83kgs)
* top up to 45L mark after grain absorbed some of the water
* 4 x TBSP of YLAY (60 gms) - pitched on top of the mash - no starter, no stirring it in
I took all 3 of my 50L fermenters and put about 35L of hot water (tap water is at 65°C mid afternoon - solar and solar powered electric)
We then added the grain bill while running the paintstick. No dough balls formed (didn't expect any)
Mash temp was now around 45°C - so stirred it every 15 - 20 minutes. Each time, the grain had settled to the bottom.
Eventually, got the temp down to 34°Cish
Gave it a good mix with the paintstick, and while it was still going round, Pitched the yeast straight on top. No starter, no stirring
That was at 18:00 last night. This morning at 06:30 you could hear it roiling away - it was going like a boeing. I gave it a stir with the paintstick - but i don't think it was needed. The grains were no longer at the bottom but fully mixed and as noted - very active.
So now we wait. Temps here during the day are 30°C+, and it gets quite warm inside. Nighttime lower - around 20°C or so.
I haven't got facility to heat - so will just let it go at whatever temp it gets to.
Will post update once finished fermenting!