Can someone please point me in the right direction for getting from can to partial grain (with the over aim of getting to full grain)

I have been adding extra such as hops and chocolate (to stout) and orange and corriander etc... im just not sure where to go from here

Any input would be much loved

cheers

Thom

Hey Thom,

The simplest and cheapest way to step into kit and grain type brewing is through "Hot Steeping" a small amout of specialty grain. This would be in addition to your normal Kit and Kilo or Kit and extract brewing process, as the grains are more there to impart particular fresh flavours than to make up your bill of fermentables like they do in All Grain.
Basicaly you just need from about 50-200g of your crushed grain of choice (Crystal Grain is a great all rounder, Chocolate Grain goes well in my Porter, also a fan of the "Cara" grains, CaraPils,  CaraMunich, the list goes on...) and steep it in the plunger with boiled water for 20-30 mins, then strain into your fermenter and continue as normal.

Next step up would be a Partial Mash, as suggested above, this is big pot time. And again, as suggested above, there is some great information out there on the web (www.aussiehomebrewer.com and http://homebrewandbeer.com and their forums are good places to start) so have a good read before you buy or do anything.
I won't go into too much detail, but it's pretty much:

- Bring a big pot (I use a 10 or 20L stockpot) of water (usually 4-10L) to about 70 degrees and pour in your grain
- Keep at 70 degrees for about an hour
- Strain into your kit wort
- Brew as normal


There's a little more to it than that, but not much. I say do it mate, I've found it greatly improves the quality and range of flavours I can make with my HB.

Oh and once you've given a partial mash a go, and if you're interested in taking the leap to All Grain, I suggest logging on to the forums at www.aussiehomebrewer.com and investigating the Brew in a Bag (BIAB) method. A nice way to get started in AG without the massive expense of setting up a full AG system.

I hope this helps,
Happy Brewing,

Bear

Ok have ordered my grain so i will have a crack at it next week!

Also does anyone know where i could get an apple press?

Im not sure if this is an iffy question in a BEER masons site but we have several apple trees and end up with too many even after giving them away so last season i found apple cider a good use of the apples.

So if any one knows where to get one from or a cheap way to make one please let me know

cheer

thom

Thanks for advice guys!

Have been adding 100g to 400g worth of grains to a few brews and they have been ALOT tastier with a much better mouth feel and head retention.

Have found a small basic all grain method im going to try this weekend...i think i may have gone down the rabbit hole!!!

cheers again

thom

This is the Brew In A Bag im going to try

http://www.aussiehomebrewer.com/forum//index.php?showtopic=38674

first to find a cheap good quality pot

Supported, Have even considered doing the Food Science/Brewing degree at Ballarat Uni so I can legitimately fill the "Occupation" box on my passport app with "Brewer"