questions from a first timer

[Cadbury]

G'day,
I am just about ready to do my first all grain brew and need a couple of things cleared up. After the mash has sat for an hour, I recirculate the first runnings. Then do I drain the mash completely before I sparge or do I leave some wort in the mash tun? If so, how much?
My second question is about keeping grain. If I am buying cracked grain, how long can this be stored before it must be used. If I buy uncracked grain, how long can this be kept and how do I store it?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Cadbury

[warra48]

After you recirculate (vorlauf) you drain the entire mash.
Then add your sparge water, recirculate, and drain the lot.

Cracked grain should be OK for 2 or 3 months if stored in a cool dry place.
If it's till in its original packing (such as CraftBrewers vacuum packs) it will keep for many months.

I'm still using uncracked grain I bought close to a year ago, and it's fine.

[drsmurto]

+1 to everything Warra has said.

Grain doesnt last that long in my shed, i brew far too much (and as a consequence drink more than the medically approved daily quantities - all in the name of research.... )

[Cadbury]

Thanks, that has put me in the right direction.
Cadbury