From before and after: the origin of this beer odyssey
Recently, I decided to challenge the limits of my small beer kingdom with the help of an automated manufacturing system that promises to simplify the life of the homebrewer. And yes, the story begins with a simple recipe, but with many expectations and a couple of nerves.
Star recipe: the classic Belgian Wit under modern magnifying glass
I opted for one of my favorite tastes: a Belgian Wit. I call it ‘the one that never fails’ and, on this occasion, I prepared it with a renewed touch. However, contrasting with previous recipes, this time I changed proportions: 60% barley and 40% wheat in flakes, in an attempt to avoid problems with recirculation. But, surprise, the Breweasy mesh turned out to be a heroine in this.
The test ritual: refining the equipment with pure water
Before entering flour, I performed a water test to understand the soul of the system. This allowed me to calibrate the thermometers and adjust the flow of the Pump March so that it did not look like an obstacle race during the real process. Patience was worth it, and now I know exactly how much I can open the automatic valve without risking a disaster.
Heat and precision: Temperature dance in maceration
With the breweasy in action, hot the water in the lower pot and adjusted the temperature at 157 ° F, but the trick was to understand that the controller probe does not measure exactly the temperature in the upper pot. A small margin, nothing that cannot be adjusted by adding a couple of degrees. The machine, in that sense, behaved like a queen, keeping heat with less than a degree of difference.
The moment of grains: when patience and precision are found
Dough-in, that sacred moment. I closed the valves and poured my mixture of barley and wheat in the mash tun, checking that the mesh did not miss more particles and that the recirculation flow was a caress, not a gale. The previous experience served to adjust levels, and the system responded with a gentle and stable recirculation.
Magic: from recirculation to boiling
With everything in progress, the machine became a kind of choreographic ballet. I adjusted the speed of the Pump not to overwhelm the mesh and let the recirculation do its magic. When the temperature reached the point, the process was relatively simple: to boil in the large pot with the resistance of 5 kW and, at that time, let the system do its work.
Cool in record times and sediment separation
What surprised me the most was the fast thing that the silver cooler, with his cold water in circulation, managed to lower the temperature of the must in minutes. The mesh and the pot of the pot made a spectacular job separating solids and sediments, leaving a clear liquid and ready to ferment calmly.
Lessons and reflections: what nobody tells you when you venture with yourself
What did I learn after this experience? The previous calibration, although it seems a minor task, is crucial. The difference between the temperature at the controller output and in the maceration may seem small, but it makes a difference. In addition, a small adjustment in the speed of the Pump prevents the process from becoming chaos, and waterproof gloves are almost a must if you do not want to end up tangled in valves and tubes.
Is it worth the change? The personal and future vision of this beer machine
The final balance is positive. Breweasy not only maintains its promise of simplification, but also offers possibilities for expansion and customization. Efficiency, although something below traditional systems is not an impediment to creating impressive beers, even in greater volume. I think that my next project will be to experiment with the highest percentage of wheat and perhaps without the need for the mesh, trusting its performance.
Finally, enthusiasm does not diminish: the ease of cleanliness, the control in each step and the power of the equipment makes it now imagine a future miniature brewery in my garage, with all automated and more fun than ever. Experience not only feeds my passion for elaboration, but also promises a future in which the technology and the art of making beer mix perfectly.
