Hi I am ordering a BIAB kit with the mad cow stout grain kit I know there is a bit more to it but is it possible to add oatmeal to the kit?
Cheers Niall.
The simple answer is yes however before yo do make sure you like oatmeal stouts because not everybody does :)
Just be aware the Oats will raise the OG of the beer.
You'll probably want around 500g in a 23l batch. As this is your first BIAB, you might want to pop along to either the North County Brewers or the Capital brewers brewdays on Saturday 4th October to see how it's done and ask loads of questions first.
I'm just down the road from you in Glasnevin, so I could always come to you and help with the brew, if you want.
Thanks for all the advise...Dunkel that's a very generous offer thank you I may take you up on it! Ideally I would like to do a couple of smaller batches first the thoughts of ending up with 23 litres of just drinkable stout or ale doesn't sound good so I'll have to see if any brew shop can mix a smaller batch! I'll stick to a ready made kit for the first couple in the meantime I will research what grains to start ordering!
I wouldn't worry about having too much beer. Chances are your ok stout will taste amazing to you because you made it yourself.
BIAB kit is ordered along with a stout grain kit I'd like to add chocolate malt and oatmeal to it but I think I'll be better off staying safe this time and just use the kit!! I'll update next week when I put it on!!
Oatmeal stouts are awesome. You will want to make them at least 10% of the overall grist, but if I was to do it again I would shoot for 20%. I know a guy who made an oatmeal pale with 30% of the grist, but that seemed a bit like asking for a stuck mash.
Oats add a velvet, smooth taste to a beer, that is especially desirable in stouts. 5% ABV is the sweetspot. Or 'mothers milk' as my mate said to me as he cleaned out my batch.