Easy Partial Mash Brewing (with pics)

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DeathBrewer

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EDIT: Modifications will be made to these pages over time. If you find anything confusing or would like clarification, please post your questions here. I'll be searching through the thread periodically to include all the information from answered questions within the tutorial itself.

Due to my bad back, the limits of brewing inside a carpeted apartment, and time constraints i have working tons of overtime at my job, i've often tried to find a quick, cheap and easy method of brewing.

Brewing with extract limits the type of beers you can make and the character you can get in certain beers. Some of my favorite grains, including vienna, rye, maize, oats etc. need to be mashed to get the right character out of them. I want to use them quickly with a minimum amount of equipment to clean.

The method i found works best in my situation involves a few pieces of equipment I already had, it uses a short amount of time, and I can brew any type of beer i want. I use this method to do 5 gallon partial mashes and 2.5 gallon all grains several times a week.

i thought i would post this to help some of the newer people easily do partial mashes, as i know passing the extract barrier can often be difficult.

I use the following equipment for the brewing process:

2 - 5 gallon stockpots (different sizes will work, this is just what i use)
1 - Lid (to cover one of the stockpots)
1 - Floating Thermometer
1 - Stirring Rod (you can use anything from a wooden spoon to a mash paddle)
1 - 24" x 24" Hop/Grain Bag

In this thread, i will explain how i made a 5 gallon batch using pictures from the brew night. This batch took less than three hours.

Step 1:
Place the bag inside your stockpot, folded around the sides, and fill with the desired amount of strike water (i use 2 gallons of water for 5-6 lbs of grain.) Place the thermometer in the pot and heat the water to the desired strike temp. i experience a loss of about 12°F when i add my grains with this equipment, so i shoot for 162°F water which will drop to 150°F mash temp when I add the grain.

EDIT: Using 162°F water is no guarantee you will get the right temp. It depends what the temperature of your grain is, how much water you use and your equipment. I would suggest using the Green Bay Rackers Mash Calculator and then finding out what works on your system.

Also, the binder clips are not necessary...the bag holds itself in the pot quite nicely, as long as you have the right size. JUST MAKE SURE YOU DON'T BURN IT


01strike-64347.jpg


I always have all my ingredients ready to go to make everything nice and smooth:

03ingredients-64349.jpg
 
Step 2:
Once you reach your desired temp remove the pot from heat, remove the thermometer and add your grains, while stirring. Stir well for a bit and again place the thermometer inside the stockpot and cover it. Let it sit a few minutes before checking.

At this time you could adjust temperature if you need to, adding a little heat or perhaps even a small amount of water if necessary. Messing with it, however, especially with an electric stove, can be finicky. The best way to cool it down or heat it up is to add a small amount of cold water or pre-boiled water.

As long as my mash is within 146-154°F, i cover it and leave it be.

It's also good to be comfortable during your brew days. i've had this shirt for 14 years =)

04mashin-64350.jpg


05mash1-64351.jpg


05mash2-64352.jpg


Step 3:
During the time that your are mashing, heat up an additional 2 gallons of water in the second pot to no higher than 175°F for the sparge. I usually heat it to only 160°F so I get some conversion during the sparge. Move the thermometer to this pot to help determine your temp.

06sparge1-64353.jpg


EDIT: If you experience a bit of heat loss during your mash (and care about that type of thing) then there are a few ways to correct it. I never recommend heating the pot, as it will likely get too hot and the heat won't be evenly distributed. Some people have had good luck with pre-heating the oven to the right temperature and putting it in there. My recommended method is to wrap in a blanket or otherwise insulate to conserve heat.

When I did this regularly, I usually experienced that my mash temp would drop down to 140°F. I didn't worry about it and the beers turned out fine.
 
Step 4:
After about 30 minutes (or once you have conversion), pull up the bag of grains and let as much drain back into the pot as you can stand. This is a good workout with enough grain. A colander can help.

CONVERSION TEST: Is the taste of the wort sweet or starchy? If it tastes nice and sweet, you're probably good to go. You can also do a search for "iodine conversion test" but 30-45 minutes should be enough time to get decent conversion.

...wait, what...beer?

06sparge2-64354.jpg


Step 4.5 (EDIT)
Once your arm is tired, remove the bag from your mashing pot and "tea-bag" in the sparge water. Make sure it mixes well, and let it sit for 10 minutes (advice given to me in this thread: if you leave it in the sparge water longer, you will get better conversion...just make sure your sparge water isn't too hot if you want to get more conversion...if it's too hot [think 168°F or above] you risk extracting tannins.)

After your sparge is complete, raise up the bag and let that drip again, so that you can get all the wort possible from the grains.

EDIT: Another method that is often used is a "pour-over" sparge. You put the grain in a colander or strainer and pour the sparge water over the top of the grain and into the first pot. I have used this method in conjuction with the "tea-bag" method...pouring over about a half-gallon and then submerging in the remaining amount...and it also seems to work well. In any case, this method is not intended to get very high efficiency; usually I get around 60%.

07sparge2-64355.jpg


Step 5:
Dispose of your grains and spray all the grains out of your bag. Hang it to dry for a bit...you'll be using it again soon.

08grains-64357.jpg


09hopbag-64358.jpg
 
Step 5.5 (EDIT)
Pour the wort from your original mash into the pot with the sparge water (now wort as well) or vice-versa. Try to minimize splashing, but don't worry about it. Put your heat to high and proceed to Step 6.

Step 6:
As the water heats up, i add my extract. Some people wait until it boils, then remove from heat and add, but i find my method makes it quicker with no undesirable effects...just be sure to stir well. I add all my extract at the beginning of the boil.

08extract-64356.jpg


Step 7:
Start your boil as usual! I reuse the grain bag for the hops...less to clean overall and it keeps me cleaning as i go. I'll clean the rest of the pots at this point too...i need the sink free. I use the binder clips again (be sure if you have a gas burner that you keep that nylon bag from going over the side and setting on fire.)

I use a partial boil, and adjust my hops accordingly, shooting for the middle or top of the style.

10hops-64359.jpg


Step 8:
Cooling...i use a water bath in the apartment. i change the water out 3 times over about a half-hour period...the last time i will add ice to speed it up.

11cooling-64360.jpg


Step 9:
Sanitization...I use iodophor or star-san. I sanitize anything that could possibly touch the yeast or the wort, in this case my two 2.5 gallon carboys, my airlocks, my sampler, my funnel and i even throw the yeast packets in there.

12sanitize-64361.jpg


NOTE: This solution is a little heavy...your iodine water does not need to be this dark. Use the manufacturer's recommended dosage.
 
Step 10:
Ferment...i split this 5 gallon batch into two 3 gallon fermenters and topped off with bottled water. Be sure the top-off water is sanitary...either boil and cool some h20 or use bottled water, if you'd like.

With this beer, I used two different yeasts (nottingham and windsor) and eventually blended them back together into one keg.

13split-64362.jpg


As for target gravity, i usually shoot for the middle of the style at 65% efficiency. i've experienced as low as 55%, but it's usually in the 65-70 range. as this is meant to be an enjoyable brew day, i don't take a sample until the beer is finished, poured and topped off.

NOTE: In an experiment with the 10 minute sparge, my efficiency rose to a steady 70% efficiency for 4 batches.

I hope this helps inspire some people to make the jump to partial mashing from extract! All you really need is the bag in addition to some regular equipment to see how easy it is. Once i started doing this, there was no turning back. I regularly make partial mash and all-grain batches nearly 3 times a week now.

Let me know if you have any questions on this process or if you need any easy partial mash recipes. Some of my favorites are Hefeweizens, Dunkelweizens and Cream Ales, as well as the Irish Rye Stout in my drop down.

Take care and keep brewing!
:mug:
 
Very good - however.

Why so slow on the cold break. Why not add the ice right off the bat. I can get from 212 to 110 in 15 minutes with ice water - then delute with 35 degree water to get to 65 degrees.

Just wondering.

Well done - where was this when I was looking into Mini Mashing my 1st time.
 
I'm not sure what kind of mood I was in last night. I knew lots of kidding was going on but for some reason since I had . . . odd hair . . .(frizzy afro thing in my youth) I felt the need to defend.

I think I was having a flash back from the 70s LOL
 
The only critique/comment I might add is that there may be a benefit, and maybe even 5% mash efficiency or so, in leaving your grain bag in the sparge kettle for 10 - 15 minutes, giving it a few stirs, and then tea bagging for a few minutes....
 
Wicked-Sick write up! You should definately keep rockin' your man mane :rockin:. I'm sure with this write-up many extract brewers will "cut their cord" and soon venture to AG.
 
The only critique/comment I might add is that there may be a benefit, and maybe even 5% mash efficiency or so, in leaving your grain bag in the sparge kettle for 10 - 15 minutes, giving it a few stirs, and then tea bagging for a few minutes....

good point...I think this would definitely help with efficiency. as i said, i'm always trying to speed the process up, not necessarily save money. i may try this in the future, tho. if i can get upwards of 75% efficiency, it would be worth it, especially since that is what i get on my AG setup.

Chillax dude, I'm sure deathbrewer can handle a good natured ribbing on his socially rebellious fashion statement.

i'm deeply hurt and offended, j/k :p

let's get things straight, tho...i'm no hippie ;)

Why so slow on the cold break. Why not add the ice right off the bat. I can get from 212 to 110 in 15 minutes with ice water - then delute with 35 degree water to get to 65 degrees.

i find if i do this, i waste all my ice (i only use the 3 trays) and i end up having to drain the water several more times and it takes longer. the water i use to dilute is about 55°F. i would probably use boiled water and stick it in the freezer, if it wasn't full of hops :D
 
i find if i do this, i waste all my ice (i only use the 3 trays) and i end up having to drain the water several more times and it takes longer.

AHH - I forgot what it's like to be a NOT be a hippie and NOT have a big ass freezer!!

The weird thing about getting older - your brain tells you you are NOT getting older . . . it's your body that is telling you that a 54 year old will feel more pain after playing Ultimate Frisbee then a 25 year old.

OK - sorry - OT!!
 
Chillax dude, I'm sure deathbrewer can handle a good natured ribbing on his socially rebellious fashion statement.

By the way...proof:
metalbobby.jpg

Umm...that pic friggin' rocks! Bobby, you need to use it on a label.

Poodle Hair Porter?
 
Wow great stuff. One question though. I too use idophor for sanitizing, and don't think mine has ever been quite that deep a yellow color. What concentration was that? Wondering if maybe I've been mixing mine too weak.
 
no, i often just dump some in without measuring and i added a bit too much this time.

don't do that...it'll stain your equipment if you leave it too long and can even give an iodine flavor to the beer.

using one capful per 5 gallons of water is just fine.
 
Ahhh good deal.

Ya I used about a capful in 3 gallons last time. Probably good enough, water had a very light yellow tint.

Anywho, great post, I've bookmarked this for an upcoming brew :D
 
Thanks for the cool tut.

I'm a noob & I've only done one extract brew batch. I am going to try this technique, for sure. Looks easy enough. Any fav recipes?

Hope your back gets better.
 
Thanks, i'm certainly working on the back problem.

my absolute favorite recipes for this method are my dunkelweizens. it can be as simple as:

Grains:
3 lbs Wheat Malt
2 lbs Munich Malt
¼ lbs Chocolate Malt (pale chocolate is wonderful in this recipe)

Extract: 3 lbs Wheat Dry Malt Extract

Hops: 0.6 oz Tettnanger, hallertau or saaz (at ~4% AA) for 60 minute boil.

Yeast: WLP 300

ferment in the mid 60s if you can ;)

EDIT: i think i'll make this recipe this weekend

EDIT: Changed amount of hops and added boil time for clarification.
 
Thanks, i'm certainly working on the back problem.

my absolute favorite recipes for this method are my dunkelweizens. it can be as simple as:

Grains:
3 lbs Wheat Malt
2 lbs Munich Malt
¼ lbs Chocolate Malt (pale chocolate is wonderful in this recipe)

Extract: 3 lbs Wheat Dry Malt Extract

Hops: 0.75 oz Tettnanger, hallertau or saaz (at ~4% AA)

Yeast: WLP 300

ferment in the mid 60s if you can ;)

EDIT: i think i'll make this recipe this weekend

That recipe looks fricken' amazing! I NEED to brew it. Have you ever brewed it at higher temps to get some yeast goodies? :D
 
That recipe looks fricken' amazing! I NEED to brew it. Have you ever brewed it at higher temps to get some yeast goodies? :D

yes...i'm not partial to banana esters in my darker hefeweizens, but...i actually think the time i made this with the pale chocolate it was with the 380...more apricot notes. it was fantastic. fermented in the high 60s.
 
Thanks, i'm certainly working on the back problem.

my absolute favorite recipes for this method are my dunkelweizens. it can be as simple as:

Grains:
3 lbs Wheat Malt
2 lbs Munich Malt
¼ lbs Chocolate Malt (pale chocolate is wonderful in this recipe)

Extract: 3 lbs Wheat Dry Malt Extract

Hops: 0.75 oz Tettnanger, hallertau or saaz (at ~4% AA)

Yeast: WLP 300

ferment in the mid 60s if you can ;)

EDIT: i think i'll make this recipe this weekend

Thanks for the recipe. This will be next on my list.
 
That is idophor in the carboy? WHEW! I thought that was pee or something. I know pee is sterile but I was not going to say anything!

I feel MUCH better now (and will through out last nights brew).
 
Great write up. I've been playing around with partial mashing and this was a perfect how-to to more or less let me know that I'm doing it right (I kinda just started doing what I thought was correct and logical). Thanks for taking the time.

nb
 
hey i got one question... BTW, nice write up. def going to help me "cut the cord" LOL! anyway, how much of that DME did you put in there??? thanks.

also, what color will that turn out ? give or take??
 
most of my partial mash recipes take 3-4 lbs of DME. i believe this one was about 4 lbs, but i don't have my notes with me.

i don't mash more than 6 lbs with this method, so if i want a higher gravity beer, more extract is necessary.
 
and as for color, this was a nice clear red color. rye and munich gave it the red. a decent conditioning time gave it the clarity. even with the small amount of extract you use partial mashing, you beers will usually be a little darker than all-grain but not a big deal.
 
First, great write-up; missed it when it first came around.

Second, do you still have the recipe for the rye you brewed in this write-up?

Thanks,

Rick
 
just a quick question, what's the conventional/easiest method for testing conversion/efficiency?
 
First, great write-up; missed it when it first came around.

Second, do you still have the recipe for the rye you brewed in this write-up?

Thanks,

Rick

i actually can't find it...it was one of those "hey, let's brew and bbq after work" kinda deals :D it wasn't my greatest recipe anyway. American pale ales and IPAs are not my strong points. :eek:

just a quick question, what's the conventional/easiest method for testing conversion/efficiency?

you can do an iodine test:

take a very small amount of wort (no grains) and put it into a small glass (like a shot glass) so it just layers on over the surface.

set the glass over a white piece of paper in a well-lit area.

take a dropper and add a few drops of iodophor (iodine solution used for sanitizing. your LHBS should have it.)

it changes color with starches, so if it turns black or purple, you don't have very good conversion. if there is no color change, your mash is finished.
:mug:
 

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