Brew notes 9/13:
Mash strike was 144degF, initial mash was around 140-142 which is over target for protein rest. Added probably 30 ice cubes to get temp down to 137ish.
After 10 mins protein rest, direct fire while stirring for 5 mins to reach 145degF for beta amylase.
After 20 mins, pull a 1/3 decoction and heat to 165, rest for 10 mins. Then bring the decoction to a boil for before returning to main mash. Direct fire main mash (if necessary) to reach 163degF for alpha amylase. In total, approx 1 hour spent in alpha.
Once beta temp is reached, leave for approx 30-45 mins before raising to 167 for mashout. Post mash pH was 5.52, need to add a bit more acid malt since the water is so soft.
6 gallons mash water and 4.5 gallons sparge water yielded 9 gallons of wort. 2gallons/hour of boiloff hasn't been a problem before, since we have a 90 minute boil today hoping to get down to 5 or 6 gallons post-boil.
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Fermentation notes:
Approx 12 hours after pitching at 60degF, temp of fermentation vessel had cooled all the way down to 40-42degF which is obviously too cold. Adjusted temp controller to have set point of 57 with an offset of 5, whereas it had been at 53 with an offset of 5. Not sure what the deal is with that but fermentation has been pretty active now around hour 18 after raising the vessel temp to around 48degF which is likely just fine.
On beginning of day 8 raised set point to 62, will raise by 5 deg every 12 hours until vessel reaches 65-68degF.
