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Author Topic: Blichmann Boilermaker Clarity Issues  (Read 1950 times)

Offline Wheat_Brewer

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Blichmann Boilermaker Clarity Issues
« on: June 23, 2014, 07:55:12 am »
I mashed my second batch of beer on my new Blichmann Boilermaker with a false bottom this weekend and have some concerning results. Both batches have been 5 gallon batches with the first being a belgian blonde and the second being a wheat beer. Both have 8-9lb grain bills.

In both batches no matter how carefully, slowly, or the amount of wort I vorlaufed I could not get it to run clear. I ended up having to let the wort settle and then rack off of that to get a more clear (but not clear) wort.

I've read other posts and reviews that swear they get the cleariest wort without any issues...what am I missing?! Is it because my batches are too small and I'm not getting enough grain bed to filter everything out? Any help is appreciated!

**Update: I followed the advise below and brewed 2 large 10 gallon batches. Turns out the issue was grain depth. I've had nothing but amazingly clear wort since upping my grain bed depth. Thanks!**
« Last Edit: July 05, 2014, 07:51:34 am by Wheat_Brewer »
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Offline Stevie

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Re: Blichmann Boilermaker Clarity Issues
« Reply #1 on: June 23, 2014, 08:00:38 am »
Have you tried whirlpooling for 60 seconds and allowing it to settle for 15-20 minutes?


One easy trick is to only open the ball valve about 1/4 - 1/3 of the way. This helps to avoid sucking up all the bits that have settled in the middle.

Offline Wheat_Brewer

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Re: Blichmann Boilermaker Clarity Issues
« Reply #2 on: June 23, 2014, 08:09:31 am »
Sorry I corrected the original post to state I mashed in my boilermaker with the false bottom. I use the same boilermaker as a kettle after transferring the wort from my collecting pot, but my issue is when I collect the wort from the mashtun.
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Offline Stevie

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Re: Blichmann Boilermaker Clarity Issues
« Reply #3 on: June 23, 2014, 08:33:14 am »
Got ya. I got confused with the racking clear wort portion.


What does your crush look like? Also, a high amount of wheat will leave the wort cloudy. Could be the thickness of the grainbed, but 8 pounds should be thick enough unless you are using a 20 gallon pot.

Offline morticaixavier

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Re: Blichmann Boilermaker Clarity Issues
« Reply #4 on: June 23, 2014, 08:53:46 am »
what do you mean my not clear? my runoff is never or almost never crystal clear. It doesn't seem to make a huge impact on final beer clarity if any at all. as long as no chunks are coming through I say no worries.

Could be grain bed depth I suppose. try brewing a bigger batch and that should be answered.
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Offline nbarmbrewer

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Re: Blichmann Boilermaker Clarity Issues
« Reply #5 on: June 23, 2014, 10:30:53 am »
I get nice clear wort with my Blichmann. I use a pump for about the last 3-5 min of my mash.

Offline AmandaK

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Re: Blichmann Boilermaker Clarity Issues
« Reply #6 on: June 23, 2014, 01:32:33 pm »
How big is the kettle?
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Offline Wheat_Brewer

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Re: Blichmann Boilermaker Clarity Issues
« Reply #7 on: June 24, 2014, 08:39:34 am »
It's a large 20 gallon pot. I'm thinking it may be that there wasn't enough grain bed to create the filtration necessary...hopefully all I have to do is brew more beer  ;D
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Offline AmandaK

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Re: Blichmann Boilermaker Clarity Issues
« Reply #8 on: June 24, 2014, 11:49:12 am »
It's a large 20 gallon pot. I'm thinking it may be that there wasn't enough grain bed to create the filtration necessary...hopefully all I have to do is brew more beer  ;D
Rough life, ain't it? :)
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Re: Blichmann Boilermaker Clarity Issues
« Reply #9 on: June 24, 2014, 08:20:42 pm »
You could also be crushing your malt too fine.  Husk damage and a slotted false bottom equals cloudy wort.

Offline AmandaK

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Re: Blichmann Boilermaker Clarity Issues
« Reply #10 on: June 25, 2014, 06:38:26 pm »
You could also be crushing your malt too fine.  Husk damage and a slotted false bottom equals cloudy wort.
Easy solution: rice hulls.
Amanda Burkemper
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