Difference between revisions of "Terms and abbreviations"

Terms

Abbreviations

AAU - a measurement of hops, weight in ounces X % alpha acids

ABV - Alcohol by volume

ABW - Alcohol by weight

DME - Dry Malt Extract

DMS - Dimethyl Sulphide, A background flavor compound that is desirable in low amounts in lagers, but that at high concentrations tastes of cooked vegetables.

HERMS - Heat Exchange Recirculation Mash System - A mashing system whereby the desired mash temperature(s) is controlled by circulating the liquid part of the mash through a heat exchanger which is commonly a copper coil submerged in a hot liquor tank (HLT) that is maintained at a set temperature often times 170°F. The main difference between a HERMS and a RIMS system is that in a HERMS system, the wort never comes into direct contact with the heating element; this supposedly results in less scorching, and a cleaner-tasting wort.

IBU - International Bittering Units, A more precise unit for measuring hops. AAU X % utilization, wort volume and wort gravity.

LME - Liquid Malt Extract

OG - Original Gravity, how much sugar is in the beer before fermentation begins.

RDWHAHB - Relax! don't worry, have a home brew

RIMS - Recirculation Infusion Mash System - A mashing system in which a pump is used to continuously recirculate the liquid part of the mash through the mash bed. Mash temperature is maintained by passing the liquid over a heating element; the heating element is cycled off and on to maintain the desired mash temperature. Common heating elements are typical home hot water heater elements encased in a copper pipe with an inlet and outlet.

SRM - Standard Reference Method a system devised for the colors of beer. Interchangeable with the Lovibond (deg l) system