[madscientist]

Hey all,

So i'm going to brew an amber ale this weekend, and I am hoping to tweak my technique a little bit to get the most out of my beer.  It's an extract kit from midwest supplies, and it includes specialty grains and 6 lbs of liquid malt extract.  I will steep the grains in one pot, and heat water in a second pot to the same temp.  I will rinse the grains with this second batch of water right into the boil kettle.  Is this acceptable, do I benefit from doing this rather than just doing everything in one pot?

I also want to add half the LME early, and the second half in the last 15min of the boil.  I heard this is supposed to improve the quality of the beer. 

I'm mainly concerned about the steeping.  Should I even bother rinsing my grains with more water or is that excessive/unnecessary?

Thanks!

[madscientist]

Think i just answered my own question.  Anyway, work is dull today so comments still welcome. :-)  

Hops are Hallertau (1 oz. 60min) and Fuggle (1 oz last 5 min).  Don't think they have high AA content if i remember correctly so I don't think I'd have to do much adjusting for the bitterness if adding a late addition of extract.

[bluesssman]

What temperatures are you using for your steeping and sparging?

[madscientist]

What temperatures are you using for your steeping and sparging?

155 i believe

[euge]

I also steep in a separate pot about 2qt/lb, guess it would be ok to dunk it into the brew kettle and get a little extra rinse. But I'd do it before adding the extract.

[madscientist]

Thanks.  I'm looking forward to this brew... but I look forward to every batch I brew.