Equipment

Although it may not seem like it, a goal of the redesign was to bring some simplicity to the system and the process.

I had used a three vessel system for years, but moved to a two vessel system consisting of a 20 gallon SS Brewtech InfuSsion mash tun, coupled with a 22 gallon BrewBuilt kettle that also doubles as the hot liquor tank (HLK as I call it).

Strikewater is heated in the HLK, pumped into the mash tun, underletting from the bottom.  After the mash is complete, the wort is pumped back to the HLK for the boil.  I use a Brew Bag to line the mash tun so that I can hoist the grain up and out rather than trying to carry or tip the mash tun to empty it.  BeerSmith software powers the brew day, using a BIAB profile.

I already had a pump, but I didn't want to be constantly disconnecting and moving hoses around and getting burned on hot liquid.  It needed a manifold and some valves to do the job.  Take a look at that here.