BIAB Step Mash

[fe_homebrewing]

I plan on brewing Charlie Papazian's "Cucurbito Pepito" in a few days, and it calls for the below mash procedure:

• Add 3 gallons of 130 degree water to the crushed malt; stabilize at 122 degrees and hold for 30 minutes
• Add 1.5 gallons of boiling water and the mashed pumpkin; stabilize at 148-152 degrees and hold for 60 minutes
• Mash out at 165 degrees
• Sparge with 4 gallons of 170 degree water

I use a BIAB system and am wondering to what extent I would need to modify this procedure? Does it make more sense to add water in batches like described, or just use 8.5 gallons of water and heat it up in steps?

 

[Sammy86]

I use a BIAB system and am wondering to what extent I would need to modify this procedure? Does it make more sense to add water in batches like described, or just use 8.5 gallons of water and heat it up in steps?

I would add all your water and then just mash at the temps listed in the recipe. No need to keep adding water for BIAB.

I routinely step mash 143 and 163 to get a good fermentable wort.

 

[CascadesBrewer]

• Add 3 gallons of 130 degree water to the crushed malt; stabilize at 122 degrees and hold for 30 minutes

What does the grain bill look like on that one? Most of Papazian's books are pretty outdated. There is probably little need for a rest at 122F.

 

[DBhomebrew]

As long as your bag is off the bottom. For me, with a bag in a kettle over a gas flame, I'd have to lift the bag for each heating. Infusions are easier in my case.

Also, no need to mash out. Sparge can be room temp.

 

[fe_homebrewing]

What does the grain bill look like on that one? Most of Papazian's books are pretty outdated. There is probably little need for a rest at 122F.

10 pounds six-row pale lager malt
1 pound 20-40 Lovibond crystal/caramel malt
7-10 pounds pumpkin

 

[CascadesBrewer]

10 pounds six-row pale lager malt
1 pound 20-40 Lovibond crystal/caramel malt
7-10 pounds pumpkin

The info from John Palmer is that a Protein Rest might be beneficial for a grain bill with a 20% or more unmalted high protein grains (wheat, oats, etc) but: "Unless you are using less-modified or moderately modified malt, the clarity and head retention of your beer will be better without a protein rest." I cannot speak much from personal experience, as it has been decades since I have done a Protein Rest.

I would skip the rest at 122F.

 

[fe_homebrewing]

What does the grain bill look like on that one? Most of Papazian's books are pretty outdated. There is probably little need for a rest at 122F.

Thank you! In that case would a 90 minute mash at 148-152, with all the grains/pumpkin work?

 

[CascadesBrewer]

Thank you! In that case would a 90 minute mash at 148-152, with all the grains/pumpkin work?

That should work.

 

[BrewZer]

@fe_homebrewing
I saw a warning about putting pumpkin in a BIAB mix... something about clogging the bag.