Tried a triple decoction on Saturday...

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 use a single decoction as of late. Way too much time and propane.

Lots of fun though.

I didn't do a triple but a double for a lager once and had the same thought. A lot of time for sure, don't doing that very often myself.

I've done it twice now. It's definitely a long process, but I find that it does result in a maltier flavor and a thicker mouthfeel than a single infusion mash. Also, I have very high pH water, so the acid rest helps correct the pH of the mash without having to add acids or pH buffer.

ReverseApacheMaster said:

I've done it twice now. It's definitely a long process, but I find that it does result in a maltier flavor and a thicker mouthfeel than a single infusion mash. Also, I have very high pH water, so the acid rest helps correct the pH of the mash without having to add acids or pH buffer.

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Yep, that's exactly why I did the triple decoction instead of the double. I figured having a little help in the acidification department wouldn't be bad. My typical pH for an ESB or US-style pale ale is around 5.5. Unfortunately, I forgot to measure my pH for most steps, as I was trying to figure out WTF I was supposed to be doing next...