I use the batch sparge method and had a question regarding the sparge(s). When you add your sparge water, do you let it sit? or varlouf and drain right away? I have been letting it sit for 10-15 minutes for each sparge. I usually have to divide my sparge water in two because my mash tun is slightly too small to handle a single sparge. Is there any ill effects from letting it sit before draining? Is there an efficiency hit if I drain right away?
Batch Sparge, Sparge questions
- Thread starter huge1s
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Most report no change in efficiency at all if you drain right away. I've always stirred it in rather aggressively for a full 3 minute, vorlauf and drain right away. I mean, it's not a race, but there's very little to be gained from letting it sit unless your crush is extremely coarse and it takes a little more time to diffuse and equalize.
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I have always done two sparges and let them sit for about 10 min. I don't know it helps, but my efficiency is great, so I know it doesn't hurt.
You're going to get all kinds of answers on this. I stir mine and let it sit a bit just so things will settle out. Works a little better on my system. You'll just have to experiment a bit and see what works best for you.
I usually let it sit for about 5-10 to let the grain settle. I don't know if it's necessary. I started this when I had to heat both sparge water separately. The 10 minutes gave the second sparge water time to heat up. Once you get a good vorlauf going, letting the grain settle might be an unnecessary step.
shaggybudd
Active Member
Well the purpose of sparging is to rinse the grains of the sugar; so in my mind it would be better to try and keep a flow going as much as possible to knock the sugars off of the grains. The more rinsing power without disturbing the grain bed would be the best IMO.
I will experiment a little on my next batch. I haven't heard anything in regards to negative effects of letting it sit. I thought that perhaps the high temp of the sparge water might cause some ill effects if left sitting.
There's no harm except for wasted time.
THIS^^^^. I've done extensive testing on this and there's nothing gained by letting it sit.
bumstigedy
Member
Nice to know. I may stop letting it sit and save the time!
stubbornman
Well-Known Member
and this guy has done more than a little batch sparging folks....
slothorentropy
Well-Known Member
Same here! This is the kind of practical technical advice that makes HBT invaluable to me.
Well, I let mine sit a bit just so the mud will settle a little. I mash in a 48 quart rectangular cooler and the grain bed isn't normally very deep (unless I'm doing an IPA). Helps to get a clearer runoff. That's why I said it depends on your system.
I probably should use a round, tall cooler, but I use what I have.
I probably should use a round, tall cooler, but I use what I have.
tangofoxtrot308
Well-Known Member
It's more about letting the grain settle the gaining any points for me. What's an extra 15mins?
404 batches, to be exact!
If you find a benefit to that, that's what you should do. In my system, it doesn't matter.
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