does a decoction generally increase efficiency?

[martinworswick]

i apparently hit 96% efficiency today with my first decoction, i normally hover between 80-85%, i don't really believe the figures and i'm thinking i must have screwed up somewhere, i double checked my readings as it seemed high early on and they were good, maybe i added more grain without realizing but that would be unusual!

 

[mitch171]

The first decoction would have just the first running which will have a higher gravity. You are use to adding the sparge to this which would bring your reading down to a lower efficiency.

 

[BigEd]

While a true 96% figure seems a bit high, all things equal, a decoction will often yield a small increase in efficiency compared to a simple infusion mash. For one thing the heat and mechanical action of the boiling can help break down starch granules making them more easily converted.

 

[martinworswick]

The first decoction would have just the first running which will have a higher gravity. You are use to adding the sparge to this which would bring your reading down to a lower efficiency.

i meant after th whole mash was finished, pre and post boil
i'm not sure how i achieved this figure then? if the beer turns out to be a winner i may make it again and see if i find a problem!

 

[Sawdustguy]

i apparently hit 96% efficiency today with my first decoction, i normally hover between 80-85%, i don't really believe the figures and i'm thinking i must have screwed up somewhere, i double checked my readings as it seemed high early on and they were good, maybe i added more grain without realizing but that would be unusual!

96% seems unrealistic. How did you calculate your efficiency.

 

[erock2112]

You might've boiled off more than expected and ended up with less volume at higher SG.

 

[martinworswick]

i agree it seems unrealistic i just can't figure where i've gone wrong, i use beeralchemy for my calculations,i was aiming for 40ltrs of 1051 and got 42 ltrs of 1061 with just over 8kg of grain

i think my volume measurements would need to be out by about 7 ltrs to account for it or a couple extra kgs would be required, i'm by no means a measurement nazi but i'm not that slack either!

 

[Oceantendency]

A decoction will def enhance the fermentables available versus a single temp infusion, it usually helps out with a couple points higher. I have used a double decoction on my last couple of brews and it has helped. Sometimes it pays to be OCD about certain things.