What is BIAB (Brew in a Bag)?

BIAB (Brew in a Bag) is the simplest method for all-grain brewing. You mash your grains in a nylon bag directly in your brew kettle, lift out the bag, and boil the wort — all in a single pot, with no separate lauter tun required.

What efficiency can I expect with BIAB?

With BIAB you can typically achieve 60–70% brewhouse efficiency. By using a finer crush, performing a dunk sparge, or extending your mash time you can push efficiency to 70–75%.

BIAB vs. traditional lautering — which is better?

BIAB is ideal for beginners and small batches: cheaper equipment, less gear, less cleanup. Traditional 3-vessel lautering offers higher efficiency and is better suited for large batches, but requires more equipment and experience.

What pot size do I need for BIAB?

For a typical 5-gallon (20-liter) batch, you need a pot with at least 8–10 gallon (33–35 liter) capacity. The pot must be large enough to hold all the water plus the mash bag without overflowing.

Can I brew any beer style with BIAB?

Yes, BIAB can handle virtually any beer style — from light Helles to big Imperial Stouts. For very pale beers or high-gravity brews (e.g. Bock, Doppelbock), a dunk sparge with hot water helps you hit your target original gravity.

How can I improve my BIAB efficiency?

Four tips for better BIAB efficiency: 1) Use a finer crush than with conventional systems, 2) Squeeze the bag gently after lifting it out, 3) Perform a dunk sparge with hot sparge water, 4) Extend the mash time to 75–90 minutes.

BIAB Tutorial

🍺

BIAB Helles Lager

A classic Munich Helles - malt-forward, easy-drinking and refreshing. Perfect for those who love German beer culture. Brewable without refrigeration using ale yeast!

5.0%

ABV

IBU

20 L

Batch

~5h

Brew Day

7 EBC

BIAB Method

This recipe uses the BIAB (Brew In A Bag) method - everything in one pot, no separate lautering. Perfect for beginners to all-grain brewing!

Time Required

~5h brew day + 2 weeks fermentation + 3-4 weeks conditioning

Malt

Pilsner Malt4.5 kg
Vienna Malt0.3 kg
Carapils0.2 kg

🌿 Hops

Tettnanger (60 min)20 g
Hallertauer Tradition (15 min)15 g

🦠 Yeast

Safale K-97 (ale, lager-like) OR Saflager W-34/70 (lager)1 packet (11.5g)

K-97: Ale yeast but with lager-like, clean profile - perfect without refrigeration. W-34/70: Classic lager yeast, but needs temperature control.

📦 Carbonation

Table Sugar130g for 20L

6.5g sugar per liter - Helles likes a bit more carbonation

💡 Important: For BIAB you need milled grain! Have it milled at the homebrew shop or buy your own mill.

The Recipe

BIAB Helles Lager

A classic Munich Helles - malt-forward, easy-drinking and refreshing. Perfect for those who love German beer culture. Brewable without refrigeration using ale yeast!

ABV: 5.0%

IBU: 18

16 EBC

OG: 1.048 (11.9 °P)

FG: 1.010 (2.6 °P)

Boil: 60 min

~2h 45m

Save your recipe — otherwise it's gone

Find it again anytime in your library
Jump into brew day with timers & fermentation log
Tweak hops, malts & co. — live recalculation

Shopping List

Check off items as you shop

4.5 kgPilsner Malt (milled)Buy

0.30 kgVienna Malt (milled)Buy

0.20 kgCarapils (milled)Buy

20 gTettnanger Hops (Pellets)Buy

15 gHallertauer Tradition (Pellets)Buy

1 packetSafale K-97 / Saflager W-34/70Buy

130 gTable sugar (for carbonation)Buy

Your recipe is ready — start the brew day!

Brew session opens right away. With timers, mash & fermentation log. Data stays on this device — create an account later if you like.

Start brew day

What You'll Learn

BIAB mashing - Everything in one pot

Lifting the bag - The BIAB technique

Full control over mash temperature

Hop boiling - Bitterness and aroma

Understanding all-grain efficiency

From raw ingredients to finished beer

Ready for your first BIAB brew?

The Craft Beer Wizard guides you step by step through the BIAB process. With timers, checklists and tips for every step.

More Resources

Other BIAB Recipes

Overview

BIAB Guide

Blog

Extract Tutorial

For Beginners