Difference between revisions of "Step-Mashing with Hot Water Infusions"

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[[Category:Beer]]
 
[[Category:Beer]]
[[Category:Methodology]]
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[[Category:Beer brewing process]
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[[Category:Mashing]]
 
In the days before modern highly-modified malt, it was often necessary to take extra steps in order for the starches to be adequately converted into well-conditioned wort. With today's malt, step-mashing is not a requirement, and can sometimes result in converting too many sugars to fermentable form, which it turn can result in very low finishing gravities, and thus, dried-out and thin-tasting beers. However, for certain styles, it is useful, and can result in excellent mash efficiency.  
 
In the days before modern highly-modified malt, it was often necessary to take extra steps in order for the starches to be adequately converted into well-conditioned wort. With today's malt, step-mashing is not a requirement, and can sometimes result in converting too many sugars to fermentable form, which it turn can result in very low finishing gravities, and thus, dried-out and thin-tasting beers. However, for certain styles, it is useful, and can result in excellent mash efficiency.  
  

Revision as of 15:15, 10 December 2007

[[Category:Beer brewing process] In the days before modern highly-modified malt, it was often necessary to take extra steps in order for the starches to be adequately converted into well-conditioned wort. With today's malt, step-mashing is not a requirement, and can sometimes result in converting too many sugars to fermentable form, which it turn can result in very low finishing gravities, and thus, dried-out and thin-tasting beers. However, for certain styles, it is useful, and can result in excellent mash efficiency.

Step-mashing involves bringing the mash temperature up to a certain level, resting there for a period of time, increasing again, etc. In the hot water infusion method, the mash starts off with a low water/grain ratio. When the heat is required to be increased, hot water is added in amounts and temperatures calculated to result in a specific overall mash temp and water/grain ratio. A typical stepped mash can include several steps:

  1. Add initial hot water to achieve initial mash temp of 133f
  2. Hold 133f for 30 minutes [Then add hot water to increase overall mash temp to 149-155f]
  3. Hold 149-155f for 45 minutes [Then add hot water to increase overall mash temp to 158f]
  4. Hold 158f for 10-20 minutes, or until an iodine test indicates starch conversion is complete
  5. Add hot water to increase overall mash temp to 167f
  6. Sparge with 170f water
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