batch sparge

[itsratso]

what if you don't vorlauf? i am going to try using a paint strainer bag to clear out my trub and hops and really don't see the need to vorlauf with it?

 

[Speedbird]

No. You want to convert the starches to fermentable sugars, and that happens during the mash. During the sparge, you rinse those sugars away from the grain. If there is any efficiency gain by resting during the sparge, then there is a problem somewhere (and not with the sparge).

Thanks for the info! That will save me some time. Sounds like i just need to stir for a few minutes when i sparge then vorlauf and drain.

 

[Puddlethumper]

From what I've read on this forum and from my own experience I doubt it really matters all that much. I drain off my first runnings, add the sparge water, stir and let it set for 15 minutes, vorlouf and drain it off. Efficiency is good, beer is good. Happy camper.

 

[paulster2626]

Didn't read any responses. Here's what you do.

Add sparge water.
Stir 80 times. No more, no less.
Start draining in to a pitcher.
Pour 1 or 2 pitchers back in to fermenter. Same as you did for first runnings.
It'll be clear now. Use that.

I've been drinking. Cheers.

 

[Denny]

Does letting it rest increase efficiency of sugar and protein extraction? Cuz I would definitely shorten my rest period (10-15min now) to save some more time if it doesn't matter.

Nope, it doesn't. By the time you sparge, all of that should have already happened. I've tested it dozens of times and seen no difference.

 

[Denny]

From what I've read on this forum and from my own experience I doubt it really matters all that much. I drain off my first runnings, add the sparge water, stir and let it set for 15 minutes, vorlouf and drain it off. Efficiency is good, beer is good. Happy camper.

Your method is certainly not hurting anything. You're just spending time that you don't need to spend.

 

[MindenMan]

Conflict, conflict, conflict. J/K. My mash tun is a 22 qt pot, my lauter tun is a Zapap bucket system to lauter/ sparge. I am stiill a new brewer with less than 20 batches under my belt, and am I still my own worst critic. For my pieced together system, I didn't start getting good O.G. numbers, until I took more time to vorlaugh, and addition of sparge water let go for 10 minutes.

 

[Denny]

Conflict, conflict, conflict. J/K. My mash tun is a 22 qt pot, my lauter tun is a Zapap bucket system to lauter/ sparge. I am stiill a new brewer with less than 20 batches under my belt, and am I still my own worst critic. For my pieced together system, I didn't start getting good O.G. numbers, until I took more time to vorlaugh, and addition of sparge water let go for 10 minutes.

My guess is that you weren't getting full conversion in the mash. Otherwise, you would not see an increase in efficiency with an increased sparge time. You can check that by using this...

http://braukaiser.com/wiki/index.ph..._Efficiency#Determining_Conversion_Efficiency

 

[FastTalker]

If you need to vorlauf more than a couple of quarts, there is something not right with the false bottom/braid/whatever separation medium. I do 10 gallon batches, and never need to vorlauf more than two quarts, even with a very fine crush.

I never said I vorlauf more than a couple quarts. There is nothing wrong with my system. I vorlauf with a pump at a very slow rate for probably no more than a minute until I get the clarity I want. A settled grain bed gives me the clarify I want with will little effort. Just because I don't do it like you doesn't mean it's wrong.

 

[exc503]

Well in the end I ended up doing a ten minute rest, don't think it had any impact on efficiency, but did give me a few minutes to clear my head and pour another beer (which probably decreased my personal efficiency). By batch spargeing I significantly increased my efficiency over my last go-round. Also made the jump from partial mash to all grain. Between the more accurate temps, etc and some additional reading, including denny's guide and ray daniels book, and adjustment to my techniques finish with my O.G. within 2 points of target.

 

[exc503]

Also vorlaufed, and didn't run super clear but the step to all grain Def helped increase the size of the grain bed and in tie. It's filtration. Also ran it through a standard strainer and some cheese cloth to catch any large particles and ended up with what so far appears to be very clear wort.

 

[rgauthier20420]

Great to here the new process has worked out for you! I love that it shaved almost 1 hours off of my brewday. Cheers!