"BIAB" Mashing

So you're thinking about homebrewing but feel the cost of malt extracts to be somewhat exorbitant?  Perhaps you're not quite ready to lay-out the cash on a Mash Tun, propane burner and large stock pot?  The All Grain, Brew in a Bag (BIAB) method is for you!

I use this method for small batch stove top brewing in the dead of winter.  It can be adapted to larger scale volumes as well.  My first ever batch of beer was BIAB.  Equipment required?

1. Paint strainer bag from your local hardware store
2. Couple of your larger kitchen pots
3. A wire mesh strainer/collender

Now source of the ingredients for your All Grain batch of beer.  Keep it simple.  Some base malt, a touch of crystal malt and you favorite hop.  You'll need a packet of dry yeast as well.  When you order your malt, make sure you have it milled.

Line pot with paint strainer bag.

Fill pot with full volume of water and heat to strike temperature

Pour crushed grain into bag/water, stir well.  Cover pot and let sit for 1 hr

Lift out bag with "spent" grain inside, place into strainer basket over top of pot

Let drain well.  Pour hot water over grain bag until you pot is full of wort

...Continue on with your typical boil/hopping/cooling routine.

You might also consider a BIAB mash to create wort for starters!  Much cheaper than Malt extract.  You can either hop the wort and drink the beer, or perhaps leave un-hopped for exclusive starter use.  For the later, you might even consider not doing the full 60 minute boil.  Maybe 20 minutes would be sufficient...  just a thought.