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rtb178 · 12-10-2012, 02:30 PM

In about an hour, I'm brewing a west coast IPA with Pilsen Light DME. I want to add as much extract as possible at the end so as to not darken the beer. So I'm wondering what the smallest amount of DME I could add at the beginning without problems? 2lb? 1?

Just for my own interest, I wonder why a malt addition is needed at the beginning at all? Any thoughts?

Thanks everyone.

**TopherM** · 12-10-2012, 04:39 PM

Whenever I do extract, I typically do 25/75 regular and late addition, and don't notice any appreciable color or hop utilization issues.

Everything I've read states that you need to have at least 15-20% of the fermentables in the normal early addition, as those sugars and enzymes aid in the release of hop acids/oils to allow consistent hop utilization. Hop utilization goes way down if they are just in water.

**unionrdr** · 12-10-2012, 04:46 PM

It doesn't go down as far as you'd think or read. I've done both in my time. but I have to say this way is a bit better-When brewing extract,I do 2.5-3 gallon partial boils. I put in half a 3lb bag of plain DME (1.5lb) & do my hop additions. Then add remaining DME & all LME at flame out quickly & very evenly. Cover a steep at least a few minutes to pasteurize,which happens about 162F. Since the boild wort is still 180F+,it's easy to do.