wiescins

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I'm relatively new to brewing (7 months), but have already completed 7 batches and moved on to partial mash for last 2. For the process we have come up with we have been adding the extract with ~20min remaining on the boil. (FYI - typically we use 8lbs gain and 3lbs DME for a 5gal batch) I thought it was a good idea to add it late in order to maximize the hop utilization. Today I was reading the letters to the editior in Zymurgy (nov/dec edition) about this and it says to always boil extract an hour to coagulate the proteins. Titled "Late Addition Extract", am I the only one doing this? Is it common?

What are you thoughts on the need to boil extract for 60min plus?

Yooper

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I saw that in Zymurgy, too. It surprised me, because everyone else I talk with seems to think of it as a common and accepted practice. My understanding that extract doesn't need to boiled at all, since it's been processed at the factory. In fact, they make "no boil" and "20 minute boil" kits that are big sellers.

I'm not one to dispute Charlie Papazian, though. My experience is different, in that I did it many times with good results but I am definitely no expert. Charlie says he never even heard of the practice before he got that letter.

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lumpher

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i always understood you shouldn't boil extract more than 15-20 either. i'm a grainer, so i'm not an expert either, though

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HiGravShawn

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I always heard you should boil it at least 15 minutes for a hot break, but anything else was unneeded and as mentioned in the letter, caused darkening (caramelized sugars). I always added any extract late without any discernible difference, but changed due to problems with boil overs near the end when I was doing other additions. It was just easier to add before boiling.

It is so hard to sift through all the opinions and anecdotal evidence.

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wiescins

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Anyone else have thoughts on why boiling DME for less than 60min is a bad idea?

JonK331

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Here's a good article on it: http://www.baderbrewing.com/store/product.php?productid=22691&cat=396&page=1

ChshreCat

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I've always understood that since the extract was boiled when it was made, that it had it's hot break then. I usually add my extract just before flameout when I can.

paraordnance

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I added all of my DME at flameout for last batch, am I screwed now?

ChshreCat

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Nope. Like I said, I've done that all the time.

Helms

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For what it's worth, in Brewing Classic Styles John Palmer recommends adding the late addition at flame out. That's the way I've been doing my partial mashes for the last year and a half.