I went to MoreBeer a week ago during their 15% off sale and picked up a sack of Weyermann Vienna malt. Since SWMBO was out of the house on Saturday, I decided to do something with it. The resultant brain child (or brain fart, slightly more appropriate) was to do a Vienna/Hersbrucker SMaSH using triple decoction for the first time.
I can now see why people don't bother with decoction... six hours into it and my brew kettle was still waiting patiently to be put into use. All in all, a worthwhile experiment, and something I'd do again, but it was a very long day; my typical all-grain brew day is about six hours, and this took me about 10+.
On the positive side:
The wort was clear as a bell
There seemed to be a more malty flavor to the beer
My efficiency was about 85% (typical infusion is about 75%).
I guess I'll have to do an infusion mash with the same grain bill to see how much it differs.
I can now see why people don't bother with decoction... six hours into it and my brew kettle was still waiting patiently to be put into use. All in all, a worthwhile experiment, and something I'd do again, but it was a very long day; my typical all-grain brew day is about six hours, and this took me about 10+.
On the positive side:
The wort was clear as a bell
There seemed to be a more malty flavor to the beer
My efficiency was about 85% (typical infusion is about 75%).
I guess I'll have to do an infusion mash with the same grain bill to see how much it differs.