Partial mash vs extract brewing - Page 2

Parker36 · 10-26-2009, 03:47 AM

Here is a link on partial mashing

http://www.howtobrew.com/section3/chapter18-3.html

grove · 10-26-2009, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WIP

Ok, so maybe I am not doing a PM. Anyone have a good link to a partial mash writeup to clarify?

Here is another good link on partial mashing:

http://www.byo.com/component/resource/article/511-countertop-partial-mashing

I used my new 3 gal Rubbermaid yesterday w/ a grain bag using this link as a guide and everything worked out fine. Using 4lbs of grain in the mash and 4.4lbs extract added at flameout, I did a 4g partial boil, topped off w/ cold water in the fermenter and got 5 gallons of 1.050 wort which is bubbling away happily now.

I don't think I'll ever go back to an all-extract brew.

FreakinA · 10-26-2009, 06:20 AM

I have always been a PMer. Everybatch i have made has been partially extract, partially steepage of a grain bag. The MLT is now built and so are 2 heatsticks. Im ready for the big leagues.

**ChshreCat** · 10-26-2009, 06:22 AM

Deathbrewer has a great write up on here (I'm too tired to look it up so you can all get off your butt and do it yourself

) that is a great way to get going in the process. I don't use his method, but it's a good one too.

One thing I like about partial mash is that I started mashing a couple lbs of grains (I just typed that as brains... man, I AM tired) at first and now I'm mashing 8 lbs or so and only using 3 to 5 lbs of extract to make up the difference. I've noticed a great increase in the quality of my beers as I've moved to more mash and less extract.

I don't have the ability right now to do a full boil, so unless I want to use a ton of grain, I need to make up the difference with extract. Someday I'll move up to AG, but I'm completely satisfied with my partial mash brews. Hell, I finished second in the HBT comp with a partial mash APA.

If you can do an extract brew, you can partial mash. It's really not that much harder. If you can read a thermometer and pour water, you can do a partial mash. Once you start playing with different crystal malts, biscuit, special B, chocolate malt and all the other fun options, you really start getting into the creative side of brewing which, to me, is what it's all about.

Recusit8m · 10-26-2009, 12:40 PM

Im a partial masher myself and what I typically do is set up my recipes via Beersmith and i use a high percentage of base malts and typically use only a pound or so of XLDME...Batches all come out great (well so far...lol)...My set up is a 5G IGLOO cylindrical w/ PVC manifold and ball valve...Turkey fryer w/ 7.5G SS brewpot (Bass Pro Shops)...I warm the cooler with hot tap water for about 15min or so, Mash in, Vorlauf, Batch sparge, Immersion Cool, Aerate and pitch...Efficiency is about 75-80%...Works well for me...I would like to go AG but for now Im much happier than Extract...Gives me more control and I now buy base malts in bulk...2 Row and Marris mostly...

peripatetic · 10-26-2009, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grove

Here is another good link on partial mashing:

http://www.byo.com/component/resource/article/511-countertop-partial-mashing

Wow -- that is a fantastic link. I guess maybe there is no single definition of "partial mash" -- that one to me looks like about half-way between what I've seen called "partial mash" elsewhere and a true all-grain.

It turns out there is a whole spectrum between all-extract and all-grain. The choice of where on that spectrum you end up is completely up to you. Take small steps, stay in your comfort zone, and definitely RDWGAHB!

**Yooper** · 10-26-2009, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peripatetic

Wow -- that is a fantastic link. I guess maybe there is no single definition of "partial mash" -- that one to me looks like about half-way between what I've seen called "partial mash" elsewhere and a true all-grain.

It turns out there is a whole spectrum between all-extract and all-grain. The choice of where on that spectrum you end up is completely up to you. Take small steps, stay in your comfort zone, and definitely RDWGAHB!

There IS a definition- it's when the grains are mashed. Whether you mash the full batch or only a smaller amount of the grains (partial mash), it's still mashing.

Steeping is like making tea- you're extract flavor and color from grains that are already processed to have their sugars/flavor/color release into water.

Mashing is when you use malts that have diastatic power to actually convert starches into fermentable sugars. The key is to use a prescribed amount of water at a prescribed temperature, and the proper amount of malts with diastatic power to convert. You must have base malt for this process.

The process appears to be similar technque-wise, but they are NOT the same thing.

peripatetic · 10-26-2009, 01:29 PM

Ah, OK. I'm new to this -- forgive me, all. There are plenty of posts that refer to "partial mash" or "mini-mash" where they are really just talking about steeping. Some homebrew stores even sell kits labeled like that, but it is just steeping. As always, though, you've set me straight Yooper! Thanks.

[Edit: Also, I now realize that this is what jldc was trying to tell me, but I didn't read his post carefully enough -- my bad!]

ezerhoden · 10-26-2009, 10:49 PM

I have two reasons for switching to partial mash.
1. Cost savings. Base malts are much less expensive than extract.
2. I can use ingredients that are not available with extract brewing.

cell · 11-03-2009, 05:10 PM

Thank you all for your replies! I think it answers my question.But I'll stick to extract brewing until I'm ready to spend more $$ on more equipment...