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Up to now, I've either bought kits with pre-crushed grains or bought my small amounts of grain at the LHBS and used their mill. In what seems like a logical step forward, I've started buying larger amounts of extract, hops and specialty grains and measuring out my own recipes. Problem is, the bulk grains are not pre-crushed. Well, actually it's not a problem...it's part of the strategy. I figure it's just like coffee, I should crush immediately before use and minimize oxidation. Better, fresher ingredients = better brew. Still, it means I've got an additional step to do.
Can anyone suggest a better way for a humble extract brewer to properly crush a pound or so of specialty grains? I did my research, and today I gave the old rolling pin trick a try. Sadly, it took a lot of time and effort, and gave rather poor results, with some grains clearly not cracked at all. I finished up with a rubber mallet, but there has GOT to be a better way.
An old book I have (Better Beer & How To Brew It) suggests using a blender, but that method seems to be universally rejected by the experts here. (Frankly, that book is FULL of terrible and outdated information. Twenty years ago it was my bible, but it seems comical now.) Anyhow, if anybody has any other suggestions or new ideas, I'd appreciate hearing them.
Can anyone suggest a better way for a humble extract brewer to properly crush a pound or so of specialty grains? I did my research, and today I gave the old rolling pin trick a try. Sadly, it took a lot of time and effort, and gave rather poor results, with some grains clearly not cracked at all. I finished up with a rubber mallet, but there has GOT to be a better way.
An old book I have (Better Beer & How To Brew It) suggests using a blender, but that method seems to be universally rejected by the experts here. (Frankly, that book is FULL of terrible and outdated information. Twenty years ago it was my bible, but it seems comical now.) Anyhow, if anybody has any other suggestions or new ideas, I'd appreciate hearing them.