Brewslikeaking
Well-Known Member
What is a step mash and what are the benefits etc? Thanks
I use step mashes for all my German lagers. I'm not sure it really makes a difference, but it gives me a consistent fermentability, I think, and it's easy to do. I do a rest at 145 for 20-30 minutes, then infuse with boiling water to 158-160 for 40-60 minutes. Some claim that the 160 rest improves head retention, in addition to mouth feel.
I think that pro brewer was missing the point of a step mash. It doesn't effect taste, only the fermentability and mouth feel of the beer. I use a step mash when brewing a big DIPA because I can't get the final gravity as low as it needs to be without step mashing. 145f for 90/min followed up with a 155f rest for 30 min provides a more fermentable wort that a single infusion at a low temp.
I would think that changing the fermentability of the beer would alter the taste. There would be less sugars in the beer and more alcohol (or vice versa). Both would affect the flavor.
Enter your email address to join: