Yesterday, I used my HERMs (Heat Exchange Recirculating Mash System) brewing stand to make beer for the first time.  I made an Extra Special Bitter (ESB).

Adding the grain to the mash tun.

After making beer, Wife and I made pizza on the grill.  It was a good way to end the day.

I tried the brew stand for the first time.  I only used water and was trying to hold the MLT temperature constant.  When I have the flow through the HERMS coil limited, I need to keep the HLT at 170 degrees to have the MLT at 154 degrees.  When the flow is not limited, the HLT only needs to be around 163 to keep the MLT at 154.    I also noticed the measured temperature of the output of the MLT is a couple degrees less than the water in the MLT.  I need to have a better way to circulate the water in the MLT.  Maybe a better sprayer for the top of the mash..

I installed the pump.  (thing with the cord)

This shows the HERMS coil in the HLT (bottom) and the stainless braid in the MLT (top).  On the outside of the MLT is a valve with a temperature probe in the end to measure the temperature of the wort as it circulates.

Pioneer craft brewer and booming personality Sam Calagione will star in his own Discovery Channel show, “Brewed,” set to air this fall. The series will follow Calagione along with archaeologist Pat McGovern as they set out to recreate historic brews,……

Pioneer craft brewer and booming personality Sam Calagione will star in his own Discovery Channel show, “Brewed,” set to air this fall. The series will follow Calagione along with archaeologist Pat McGovern as they set out to recreate historic brews,