What is Sparging?

I am new to homebrewing, and for some reason sparging is a mystery to me. I am sure it is very easy but I was curious if someone can tell me what exactly to do, thanks.

Lots of threads on here about the various sparge techniques if you do a search. Here's a good primer as well: http://www.howtobrew.com/section3/chapter17.html

Sparging is simply rinsing the grain bed with hot water to wash out as much sugar as possible, while avoiding tannins and grain debris.

Its is an essential part of the process for partial-mash and all grain brewing.

You can read more about it here: http://www.howtobrew.com/section3/chapter17.html

Damn, you guys are quick. I was about ready to post the same exact link.

Yep, I found the brewing language hard to understand at first. Here is another link: >>[ame="http://www.google.com/search?q=define%3Asparging&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&client=firefox-a"]Sparging[/ame]
Lots to read and learn.

Blender said:

Yep, I found the brewing language hard to understand at first. Here is another link: >>Sparging
Lots to read and learn.

Click to expand...

I think brewing terminology can be unnecessarily confusing to people. I know the terms are traditional but really it can made easier for beginners. Like; sparging = rinsing / mashing = soaking / vorlaufing = recirculating / etc...

There is a glossary in the Wiki

• Abbreviations

• 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol

A

• ABV
• ABW
• Adjunct
• Aeration
• Aftertaste
• Ale
• Aroma
• Attenuation

B

• BJCP
• BMC
• Back sweetening
• Balance
• Balanced system
• Balling
• Batch Sparging
• Beta-glucans
• Betadine
• Beverage Lines
• Bittering Hops
• Body
• Bottle capper
• Bottle conditioned
• Bottling bucket
• Bottom-fermented
• Brett
• Brew Kettle
• Brew Kit
• Brix
• Burton Water Salts

C

• CAMRA
• CBOB
• Calcium Chloride
• Carbon dioxide
• Carbonation
• Carbonation levels
• Carboy
• Carboy cap
• Channelling
• Church Ale
• Cicerone
• Cold break
• Conversion
• Cultivar

D

• DME
• DMS
• Decoction
• Dextrose
• Dimethyl sulfides
• Dimethyl sulphide
• Dry Malt Extract
• Dry hopping

E

• Epsom Salt

F

• FG
• FWH

G

• GABF
• Gaskets
• Grant
• Gypsum

H

• HERMS
• HSA
• Head
• Hop Sock
• Hot Liquor Tun
• Hot break
• Hydrometer

I

• IBU
• IPA
• Imperial

K

• Kegerator
• Keggle
• Krausen
• Krausening

L

• LHBS
• LME
• Lactic Acid
• Lactose
• Landrace
• Liquor

M

• Malt extract
• Malting

M cont.

• Mash
• Mash-out
• Mashing
• Mini Mash

N

• Noob

O

• OG
• Oxidation

P

• PBW
• PH
• Parti-gyle
• Partial mash
• Picnic Taps
• Pitching
• Plato
• Polyphenols
• Polypins
• Poppet valve
• Priming

R

• RIMS
• Racking
• Racking cane
• Reinheitsgebot
• Relax Don't Worry, Have a Home Brew

S

• SG
• SIMMS
• SRM
• Sparge
• Specific gravity
• Steep

T

• Top-fermented

V

• Vertical tasting
• Vorlauf

W

• Whirlpooling
• Wort

I've got my first batch in the bottle. I'll admint this all grain business is intriguing and overwhelming. Of course, I haven't spent the weekend reading howtobrew for all grain yet. lots to learn.

so a partial-mash brew involves part extract and part grains where you mash the grains longer?

Don't listen to those yahoos. They don't know what they are talking about.

Back when pirates sailed the high seas, they would saddle up alongside another ship, throw grappling hooks or planks from their ship to the other, and then begin a Spirited Charge, also known as a "sparge".

Now, you may ask, what does that have to do with homebrewing?

EVERYTHING!!! When the water sparges through the crushed grains, it unleashes sugars, not unlike the bloodbath unleashed by the pirates.

I hope that clears everything up.

Arghhhh!!!

orfy, that's a mighty nice glossary. Unfortunately, the sparge link takes you to a blank page.

Been here two days and already a lifetime supporter, nice!

who, me? I recongnize a quality product when I see it :rockin: and this site/forum is the shizznit!!!!!

Lil' Sparky said:

orfy, that's a mighty nice glossary. Unfortunately, the sparge link takes you to a blank page.

Click to expand...

LOL.

I just rectified it.

Go Edit any one can.

Bah Humbug said:

LOL.

I just rectified it.

Go Edit any one can.

Click to expand...

Maybe I'll add a section on the Brutus 20 method when I get a chance.