Hop oils bind to molecules in the water, right?
Therefore, if I add extract after I do a mini mash (5lbs grain) there should be more particles for the oils to bind to and thus more hop bitterness and flavor, right?
But, I have had much better success at adding extract late, like at flameout, to prevent excess darkening of beer and adding more unfermentable sugars.
Or, do hops absorb better in water without extract?
Therefore, if I add extract after I do a mini mash (5lbs grain) there should be more particles for the oils to bind to and thus more hop bitterness and flavor, right?
But, I have had much better success at adding extract late, like at flameout, to prevent excess darkening of beer and adding more unfermentable sugars.
Or, do hops absorb better in water without extract?