All Grain Brewing Guide

February 1, 2024 by

All Grain Brewing Explained

All-grain brewing is a method of brewing beer using crushed malted grains instead of malt extracts. This method gives brewers more control over the brewing process and allows for more creativity and freshness of ingredients. The all-grain brewing process involves several steps:

Heating the Strike Water: This is the water that will bring your mash (see the next step) to the correct temperature.
Mashing: This is the process where the brewer converts the starch in the grain to fermentable sugars through enzymatic activity. The crushed malted grains are soaked in hot water, typically in a range of 145-158°F (approximately 63°C to 70°C), for about 1 hour to extract the grain’s sugars. The mixture, known as “mash,” is held at this temperature range to facilitate the conversion.
Lautering: After mashing, the sugary liquid (wort) is drained from the grains. This process is similar to steeping an extra-large bag of specialty grains.
Boiling: The wort is then boiled and hops are added for bitterness, flavor, and aroma.
Cooling and Fermentation: After boiling, the wort is cooled and yeast is added to begin fermentation. The yeast consumes the sugars in the wort and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Conditioning: The beer is then left to condition, during which flavors mellow and any remaining yeast and sediment settle at the bottom.
Packaging: The beer is then packaged into bottles or kegs and carbonated if necessary, after which it’s ready to be served.

The equipment (more on that in the next section) needed for all-grain brewing can range from a single boil kettle and a fine mesh bag to a more traditional 3-vessel system consisting of a Hot Liquor Tank (HLT), Mash Lauter Tun (MLT), and Boil Kettle (BK). All-grain brewing can be a more engaging and hands-on process, but it can also be intimidating and potentially more expensive. However, with the right knowledge and equipment, it can be a rewarding way to brew beer.

What Equipment Is Needed For All-grain Brewing

To engage in all-grain brewing, you will need a variety of equipment to handle the different stages of the brewing process. Here is a list of the essential equipment:

Boil Kettle: An 8-gallon (36-litres) or larger kettle for boiling the wort.
Mash Tun: A vessel for mashing the grains, which can be a 7 or 10-gallon (27, 38 litres) cooler or kettle with a ball valve.
Hot Liquor Tank (HLT): A large pot for heating water, which is used for the mash and sparge water.
False Bottom for Mash Tun: To separate the grains from the wort during lautering.
High-Temperature Tubing: For transferring liquids between vessels.
Heat Source: Such as a propane burner to heat water and boil the wort.
Wort Chiller: To cool down the wort quickly after boiling.
Fermenter: A vessel for fermenting the beer, which can be a bucket or carboy.
Thermometer: To monitor temperatures during mashing and boiling.
Hydrometer: To measure the specific gravity of the wort before and after fermentation.
Airlock: To allow CO2 to escape during fermentation while keeping contaminants out.

Optional equipment that can enhance the brewing process includes:

Sparge Arm: To evenly distribute sparge water over the grain bed.
Pump: For easier transfer of liquids. Magnetic drive pumps are usually used for this.
Mash Paddle: To stir the grains during mashing.
Cleaner and Sanitizer: To clean and sanitize equipment.
Bottling Wand or Siphon: For transferring beer to bottles or kegs.

For those looking to simplify the process or brew smaller batches, the Brew-in-a-Bag (BIAB) method requires less equipment, such as a single large kettle and a mashing bag. The equipment can vary based on the scale of brewing and personal preferences, with options ranging from basic setups to advanced all-in-one systems.

Automatic Equipment For All Grain Brewing

Automatic all-grain brewing equipment allows for a more streamlined and efficient brewing process. These systems often combine multiple brewing steps into a single device, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying the brewing process. Here are some examples of automatic all-grain brewing systems:

BrewZilla 35L Gen 4, 65L Gen4 Microbrewery: The BrewZilla (formerly known as RoboBrew) is a popular all-in-one electric brewing system that has evolved over several generations, with the Gen 4 being the latest iteration. These systems are designed to simplify the homebrewing process, making it easier for both novice and experienced brewers to produce high-quality beer at home. The BrewZilla aims to combine the functions of a mash tun, lauter tun, and boil kettle into a single, compact unit that can be conveniently operated in a kitchen or small brewing space.
Grainfather S40 S-Series Electric All-in-One All-Grain Brewing System: This system from Northern Brewer is part of the Grainfather’s latest lineup. It allows for sparging, boiling, and cooling all in one system.
BrewEasy™ Classic: This system from Blichmann Engineering features touchscreen operation, precise and accurate temperature control, automated step-mashing, and purpose-built brewing timers. It eliminates the need for sparging and simplifies the brewing process.
ANVIL Foundry™: This all-in-one brewing system from Anvil Brewing is versatile and feature-rich. It includes triple element low watt density dual voltage heaters for fast heating speeds and a high flow grain basket.

Zymatic Automatic All Grain Brewer: This system from Home Brewing Shop brews 2.5-gallon batches of all-grain beer and features a fully automated brewing and self-cleaning system.

These systems vary in their features and capabilities, so the best choice depends on your specific brewing needs and preferences.

What Are Some Popular Brands For All-in-one Electric Brewing Systems

Some popular brands for all-in-one electric brewing systems include:

Brewzilla (Robobrew): Brewzilla’s line of electric brewing systems are designed to be user-friendly and efficient. They are known for their integrated features and comprehensive brewing capabilities.
Anvil Foundry: Known for its versatility and efficiency, the Anvil Foundry system is highly rated for its quality and value. It offers features like recirculation pump kits and is suitable for both novice and experienced brewers.
Brewer’s Edge: The Brewer’s Edge Mash & Boil system is appreciated for its simplicity and affordability. It includes a pump for easy recirculation and is capable of handling both mashing and boiling in one vessel.
Grainfather: The Grainfather is a well-established brand that offers advanced brewing systems like the G40, which are packed with innovative features for precision brewing. Their systems are designed for serious homebrewers looking for high-quality results.
DigiMash: While not as widely mentioned as other brands, DigiMash systems are part of the variety of all-in-one electric brewing systems available, catering to brewers looking for digital convenience and efficiency.
Zyborg: Another option among the all-in-one electric brewing systems, Zyborg provides brewers with automated solutions for an easier brewing process.
Clawhammer Supply: The Clawhammer system is noted for its quality and solid price point. It is modular, allowing for future upgrades, and is favored by many homebrewers for its user-friendliness.
Unibräu: The Unibräu system is designed for both beginners and seasoned brewers, offering an all-in-one countertop brewing solution that emphasizes ease of use and versatility.

These brands offer a range of options for homebrewers looking to simplify their brewing process with electric, all-in-one systems. Each brand has its unique features and capabilities, catering to different preferences and brewing styles.

All Grain Brewing Key Processes

Now, that you know that all-grain brewing is a method of making beer from scratch using malted grains, water, hops, and yeast let’s dive deeper into the steps we mentioned earlier:

Mashing

Mashing is the process of mixing milled grains (usually malted barley) with hot water. The heat activates enzymes in the malt which convert the starches in the grain into fermentable sugars. This usually occurs in a mash tun, and the temperature is typically held between 145-158°F (approximately 63°C to 70°C) for about an hour.

Lautering

After mashing, the mixture is lautered. This involves separating the liquid wort from the solid grain material. A false bottom in the mash tun usually facilitates this process by allowing the liquid to drain off while retaining the solid grains.

Boiling

The wort is then boiled, usually for about an hour. During the boil, hops are added at various times to contribute bitterness, flavor, and aroma to the beer.

Cooling

After boiling, the wort must be cooled to a temperature suitable for yeast to be added for fermentation. This is often done with a wort chiller.

Fermentation

Yeast is added to the cooled wort, which then ferments, typically in a fermenter, for a period of days or weeks. During this time, the yeast converts the sugars in the wort into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

Conditioning

After fermentation, the beer is conditioned. This can happen in the fermenter or in a separate conditioning tank. This process allows flavors to mature and can take from a few weeks to several months.

Packaging

Finally, the beer is packaged into bottles, cans, or kegs. If not already carbonated by natural fermentation, carbon dioxide can be added at this stage.

Summary: All-grain Brewing Key Points

Overview

All-grain brewing involves making beer from crushed malted grains instead of malt extracts. This gives the brewer more control and creativity.

Equipment Needed

Essential equipment includes a mash tun, boil kettle, hot liquor tank, wort chiller, thermometer, hydrometer, fermenter, etc. Simpler “brew in a bag” setups are also possible.

Process Steps

Heat strike water and mix crushed grains to form mash. Held around 145-158°F (approximately 63°C to 70°C) to extract sugars.
Lauter the wort by draining it from the grains.
Boil the wort and add hops.
Cool wort and transfer to fermenter. Add yeast.
Allow beer to ferment and condition.
Package into bottles/kegs.

Key Concepts

Mashing converts grain starches to fermentable sugars via enzymes. Controlling time and temperature is crucial.
Sparging rinses sugars from grains after mashing.
All-grain allows for more creativity and control vs. extract brewing.

Troubleshooting Tips

Hitting target OG/FG: Ensure good crush, proper strike temp, adequate sparge water, etc.
Off-flavors: Check process steps and fermentation temp control.
Efficiency: Address potential causes like grain crush, lautering issues, water chemistry, etc.