Kölsch Style Beer -All Grain Brew in a Bag Grain to Glass - Wyeast 2565

[@mdspider]

The great narration made the video that much more enjoyable and educational. Thanks for the video.

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

Thank You!!

[@peperb0y]

I really enjoyed the production and narration. All the info I need and no filler. Subbed! Cheers.

[@haydenhollenbaugh3958]

I have the spike solo. After a couple brew days I sold off my 15gal spike kettle and brewbag. I could never go back. My mash temps are always with a degree. I can crank out great batches of beer much more consistently.

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

That Solo system looks awesome!!! Thanks for the advice

[@Hellbrews]

Kölsch season baby! Great video again, cheers!!

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Electric changes the game so much. I think its worth the investment, lots of different options on the market out there. There's also the option to get a heat stick and temp controller for less than most of the options out there, plus you get to keep your old equipment. Sounds and looks like a great Kolsch, they're fantastic beers! Awesome video!

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

Thanks! Yes I’ve watched your older videos closely to see how you had your system hooked up. Although the clawhammer looks like a great option! I’m definitely considering the 240v system they make. I just feel like I’d like some more control of my mash temps, especially when using different steps. I also want to try out an electric system so I can try some kettle souring.

[@alexrocks135]

I have the anvil foundry and I love it! I can set a timer the night before and wake up at my strike temp to mash in.

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

That’s one of the main reasons I’m looking at it! Waking up to water at strike temp sounds awesome!

[@alexrocks135]

@@ElementaryBrewingCo yes , it is pretty awesome. However, I would get the 240 volt version if you are able to because the 120 volts does take a good amount of time to heat up 6 gallons to boiling temp (about 40-60 mins)

[@mustyditch4703]

@@alexrocks135 Wait a second here ... my Anvil is both 120 / 240 volts, flip a switch and modify the plug. Are we talking about the same Anvil?

[@alexrocks135]

@@mustyditch4703 yeah that’s what I meant . I would modify the plug to 240 v outlet

[@ronnyskaar3737]

Have a kölsch ready to keg. Look forward to it.

[@thehoppyhour6297]

BOTH: electric takes forever to heat up even for 5 gallon batches: propane for strike, and boil. Electric for mashing and kettle sours

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

Yup, my thoughts exactly. I like the speed of boil but I’ve been really wanting to brew a Berliner and don’t want the beer sitting in my kids bath tub 😂 and those heat pads seem like they won’t keep it warm enough.

[@curtpick628]

All depends CH. Wattage makes a huge difference. I've seen some elements that are actually faster than propane. But as you say, you pay for that luxury. Wiring 240, breakers, GFCI, all begins to add up the cabbage for sure.

[@ChuckUnderFire]

Leave it to CH to have a good answer on this.

[@thehoppyhour6297]

@@ChuckUnderFire what up chuck!

[@lifeafterarmy3019]

I use a 3 kettle electric herms system based on the "Electric Brewery" design, it allows me to do 5-10 gallon batches easily. I built this for the exact reason you mention, being able to control mash temps in more repeatable/controlled environment. Single kettle systems were not much of a thing when I built it but think I would stay with the same set up as it is what I learned on. Thanks for all the content!!

[@slowbrew3074]

i got the clawhammer system (110) a few years ago after a few shoulder surgeries i just got tired of lifting the grain basket. i switched to a blichmann brew easy (240) much easier on my shoulders.... i recommend either of those two systems both are great!!!!

[@matthewkaiser310]

I went electric 4 years ago, and could not be happier. I wanted to keep costs down so I went with the 35L Robobrew (Brewzilla.) It is a great unit, and the only issue I had with mine was the board supplied with that unit had issues, and needed to be replaced. I enjoy the single vessel "brewhouse" over the three vessel for ease of cleaning and use. If money was not an issue I would consider Spike Solo or the Brewha. My next upgrade will be 240v to speed up the process, but my little unit is still pumping out great beers with the brewday taking about 4 hours. Good luck on your search. Cheers!!

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

Thanks! I haven't pulled the trigger yet but will definitely go with 240v.

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

Which system that I have would you like to know about?? Lol Nice weather!! Wish we were having better weather!! Lol cheers! 👍🍻

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

Us Californians definitely have nothing to complain about weather wise😂 Hope you’re doing well and not too cold! I’m looking at the foundry, mainly because the price seems right. I’m thinking I’d like to use it mainly for mash temp control then run off and sparge into my kettle and boil over gas? I’d like to be able to do 8-10 gallon batches still so I can do split fermentation experiments. Do you have another electric kettle/mash tun you’d recommend? I think the only other one I’ve seen that’s not an all in one is the Blichman kettle?

[@ShortCircuitedBrewers]

@@ElementaryBrewingCo for that size of batch there is the Brewzilla 65 L. It is 240 volts so you want to make sure you have the power requirements for it. That might be one to check out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoWTgIFjiNWAmM0

[@kwm2136]

@@ShortCircuitedBrewers ^^^ This

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

I have seen that one and it’s on my radar as well. I have to get the 240 wired in the garage but I’ve got room on my panel for it:)

[@eduardoorvananosarcher4053]

i highly recommend the Clawhammer Supply system, it is very easy to use and works very well. they have a youtube channel with the same name if you want to check it out.

[@RC-pz5jz]

Can recommend the 35L Digiboil with mash kit/malt pipe. Super easy to use, fast to heat, has an awesome consistent boil, and it’s cheaper than the cheapest ‘all in one’! No pump or anything but that’s not something that bothers me. Cheers for the videos 🍻

[@markschmitt8315]

I too made the switch to electric so I can brew indoors year round as we have weather in Ohio. I have the Clawhammer system and have been very happy with it. I get mash efficiencies in the low to mid 70% range with a finer crush, no sparge but gently squish the mash to get the wort out. I'm sure a sparge would increase ME but I'm not too concerned with it. With the 120V system, keeping rolling boils can sometime be a challenge but for my last batch I used both the metal film bubble wrap insulation stuff plus the neoprene jacket and it worked great. Clean up takes a bit longer for me as I like to remove the heating element to get all the gunk off and then run PBW and Starsan through the whole system. Done one kettle sour so far and you can't beat the simplicity and control you have with the system.

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

The Clawhammer system looks really cool. It’s at the top of my list for sure. I’d love to try some kettle sours with it.

[@wd6358]

I recommend an oxygenation kit for your wort! It's made a huge difference in my fermentation

[@danielsherman2503]

I have the claw hammer 120 system. I am limited to 120 if you are not I’d recommend 240. It has long ramp up times but I’ve figured out how to work around it. I’ll get the water going over night and I’ve gotten a brew down to 6 hours depending on mash schedule and boil time.

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

Nice! I’ve got 240 in the garage so I would definitely go that route!

[@TheBruSho]

Been brewing on propane BIAB for years now and I too have been thinking of switching to electric for the mash to be more accurate and have more control. But excited to see what you end up going with. Great vid!

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

Thanks! Yes I think I should’ve been more specific. I like propane for the speed of boil but having electric for the mash would be really nice 👍

[@johncspine2787]

One article about Kolsch suggests making calcium lactate by reacting 88% lactic acid 1.75ml w 1g chalk, adding half to mash and half to sparge. I added a 220-40 coil to my keg and a 220 v outlet to my kitchen, it boils like a fiend! First wort hopping w the bulk of the bill works great for this by adding a very subtle and flowery hop presence to the entire mouthfeel. This yeast works great though..and as cold as you can manage..the flavors are fantastically subtle and worth the time..

[@johncspine2787]

More color (just a little) is nice in this beer, even if style guidelines discourage it..the subtlety and flavors of this, well, it’s hard to describe, but, non beer drinkers will like it. It is truly a wonderful thing when made well..

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

This is definitely a style I would like to revisit often and tweak my recipe!!! Thanks for the tips!

[@johncspine2787]

@@ElementaryBrewingCo in the 90’s I toured Europe with my orchestra, I was a pro brass player, as we came offstage in Cologne, sweaty, stressed, still holding our instruments, they had the waiters with the round doodads handing us stanges of cold Kolsch! Talk about a great introduction to Kolsch..wow..as soon as I got back to the US I started learning to homebrew, as good Kolsch was hard to find..and actually, it still is hard to find. Oh sure, plenty out there, but not many actually taste like real Kolsch..I’ve collected some books and articles on it, but haven’t gotten to brew much lately, I’m trying to get back into it.

[@RuggerJWill]

I started out with a brewzilla, then upgraded to a claw hammer. Best decision I ever made brewing-wise.

[@cdctx07]

I use the Brewzilla 65l. Great for 5 and 10 gal brews. I had the BrewBoss system before, which was good, but I wanted more simplicity. I highly recommend the Brewzilla

[@azerbouf]

Hey. You haven't did a lagerazation? Its only been fermented at 60-68F then kegged without letting it sit for another two weeks or even a month with a lower temperature like lager? As I understand, kolsch should be fermented with ALE yeast then ... lager temperatues

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

You are correct, I just got impatient and the beer tasted good. I did let it lager for a while afterwards and it definitely was tasting better after about 3 weeks, although it never dropped bright...

[@azerbouf]

@@ElementaryBrewingCo interesting! Will try this out (since I don't have a temperature controller) Thanks!

[@jens5934]

I have a system that does both, electric and gas. Can't fault it. Ramp up from mash to boil is only a few minutes. The gas does the heat increase from step to step and maybe aid in the boiling on a cold day, when turned right down. The electric does the maintaining of the temp.

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

Did you build it yourself?

[@jens5934]

@@ElementaryBrewingCo Hi, no didn't have to build it myself. there are Brew in a Basket systems here in Oz. The basket sits a little higher, so an element can fit below it, along with thermo-well and tap. These baskets work very similar to bags. You could even adapt your current system to this setup. Get a 2" tri-clover through-hull welded into the brew pot near the bottom, then just install the element and get a basket with maybe 3" feet on it to lift it up in the pot. I made an insulated jacket for my set-up , during the mash cycle, where I only use the electric and a cheap inkbird controller. Then, when it's time to ramp up to boil, the jacket comes off and the gas burner on. Trick is not to put the burner on while a jacket is on the pot.... Ask me how I know. :-)

[@HOMEBREW4LIFE]

nice pad braj!

[@kwm2136]

Nice job. Next time, I'd consider pressure fermenting at higher temp in your All Rounder. If you go electric, get a 240v setup.

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

I’ll check out the higher temp next time for sure. And 240v seems like the only way to go if I’m doing anything over 5 gallons. It’ll just take way to long with 110v.

[@busbys002]

I switched from propane to electric and the temp control is awesome. Check out the Delta Brewing All In One System. I really like it.

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

Haven’t checked that one out yet but I will, thanks!

[@TeoOktoberfest]

Cheers 🍻🍻🍻 Munich Bayern Germany

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

Cheers!!!

[@kodydubarry4827]

I have a clawhammer 120V and i love it. It can be slow to heat up. the 240V is a ton faster i have heard, and it looks like you have some electrical in your brewery on the wall there, probably be easy to add a 240 plug! Check out Martin on The Homebrew Challenge , he has an awesome setup!

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

Yes the clawhammer is definitely on my list! And The Homebrew Challenge is one of my favorite channels!

[@Will-jd2br]

The reason it takes you 40 minutes is that you have to stir the wort chiller. Either recirculate, or do what i do and wear thick rubber gloves and move the immersion chiller around. I’ve gotten 5.5 gallons from boil to 68F in less than 10 minutes. I used to let it sit, but i hate wasting so much water.

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

I started stirring and picked up the jaded hydra immersion chiller and now I can get to pitching temps within 10 minutes during most times of the year. Cheers!!

[@HOMEBREW4LIFE]

We shop at the same store!

[@curtpick628]

Depending on your needs of course. Just had an Anvil 10.5 delivered. But watch Genus Brewings concerning step mashing. It may open your eyes. And don't get rid of your current system. Electric, no power, no brewing. Good video as always. Take care.

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

Nice! I’ve been eyeballing the Anvil, it looks like a great system! I will definitely check out the Genus vid too. I don’t plan on getting rid of anything just yet, more of an expansion 😂 I’m also a bit jealous of the ability to program some of these electric systems to start heating water at a certain time.

[@curtpick628]

@@ElementaryBrewingCo I hear you on the delayed heating. Like you, I enjoy the early morning hours. And to be able to set a time, well it's wonderful. I would suggest downloading the manual from Anvil. They've changed the design a bit. Particularly, the way you hang the malt tube. I'm not so sure I like it or not. They eliminated the malt tube ring, which some complained got in the way when lifting the malt tube out. Now it actually hangs on the outside lip with two hooks per se. Its seems awfully close to the perforations on the side of the malt tube. Could be tricky to do without spillage. And, I would think in time would show wear on the outer wall. And since its not centered, I'm leary of it possibly being side heavy, and unstable, possibly a hazard. I'll keep you posted. Plan on a trial run in a couple days. If I see its an issue. Its going back. Take care braj.

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

@@curtpick628 Good to know! Let me know how it goes. The Anvil is towards the top of my list since it seems like you get a good bang for your buck. I’m almost thinking I’d just use the electric to mash in then transfer to my kettle and boil over propane.

[@ilanmagen]

Mash and boil is my game with CHUGGER PUMP and 40 plate BestEquip Heat Exchanger

[@TheAlchemistsBrewery]

I think I'll do another Kölsch by using Pilsner and 10% wheat malt. And a long lagering period... I've found that I get great tasting clear beer juat by lagering... I mean, it is a German beer

[@tomasnavarro]

the clawhammer supply system is great! check out their youtube channel

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

Yes, I have seen their system and that one is definitely towards the top of my list!

[@markzunk9925]

Clawhammer!!

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

That ones towards the top of the list for sure! The 240V looks like a great system and the price isn’t bad either!

[@thehoppyhour6297]

and electric gets brutally expensive for 10 gallon batches