I'm going to try my first no-sparge mash soon. I'm doing an experimental half-batch (2.5 gal) and want to try a no-sparge mash on it. Palmer claims a "richer" wort from all first runnings and for a little extra grain I figured it would be worth trying it. It will shorten the day too which is always nice. Anyone have a rule of thumb scale up factor for the grain? 20%? 30%. I use BeerSmith2 and they suggest setting up the recipe as a BIAB to figure out your grain bill. This still does not seem to scale up my grain bill properly though. I'll probably just pick 20% and give it a shot but thought I would reach out first.
If you use BrewCipher, you can do this... - Enter your recipe as if it's going to be a single batch sparge (including your normal mash efficiency), and note your OG - Go to the Mash Efficiency Calculator tab (can't remember the exact tab name right now) - Enter your total original grain weight, and select "Sparge to No Sparge" from the dropdown - Your estimated No-Sparge mash efficiency will be calculated and displayed. - Enter that new (no-sparge) mash efficiency on the main recipe tab, set your target OG to the original (desired) OG, and hit the scale button. - Your Grain Bill has been adjusted It sounds harder than it is. I just didn't want to leave out details.
I do this on certain recipes/brews for competitions and special occasions. I typically add 30-40% more grain depending on the style and grain bill. I've also added 20% more grain and done a VERY limited/mini sparge. Had great results both ways. Never used brewcipher; but that sounds like a great tool. I'll have to check it out. I use beersmith. Sainte!
I do no-sparge brewing and just lower my eff # in BS about 10% lower than when I do a batch sparge. I go from 70 to 60% eff for my recipe/equip, also always keep a pound or two of dme handy in case you come up short.
This is likely the opposite of a useful answer, but I would still batch sparge and use the 2nd runnings for a starter at least. I mean, you've done all the work with the mash, and it's ready to go, just add more water.
I'm new to brewing but I do a pseudo sparge with twice as much water as the mash in the kettle heated to 170°. It's essentially a biab where I let the first runnings drain into the mash pot and soak the whole grain bag in the kettle for 10 minutes, drain and add the first runnings and then boil as usual. I'm still about 30% extract though so this may not be what you're looking to do. I've only been off my target gravity .002 low doing this.
