Boiling extract?

[BarberSurgeon]

Really beginner question, but after several batches, I started wondering why beginner instructions like those from NB have you get your water to a boil before adding your extract (this is before restoring it to a boil and beginning your hop schedule). Why not just start mixing it in after the specialty grains have been steeped?

 

[BigB]

You can, but generally the DME dissolves better in boiling water.

 

[BarberSurgeon]

That makes enough sense for me. Just thought if I could save 20 minutes on a busy brew-day why not know for sure? Thanks!

 

[unionrdr]

After you steep the grains,you have to bring them to a boil to get a hot break 1st. Then add part of the malt extract to do hop additions. Then add the remaining malt extract at the end. You'll get lighter color & cleaner flavor.

 

[kyle6286]

Union,

Do you modify your hop additions when you go with a late extract addition, or do you proceed as normal as if you were to add all of the extract in the beginning? This question is assuming you use a kit and follow the kit instructions.

The two times I've tried with the late extract addition, I was unable to drink the beer due to some keg issue (long story), so I couldn't observe the difference. I've used Beersmith to change the hop additions and keep the IBUs on point when adding extract late, but as I said, I couldn't enjoy it to see if there was a difference.

 

[unionrdr]

I proceed as normal,since by the time I add the rest of the malt extracts & top off in the fermenter,it comes out normal anyway.

 

[BarberSurgeon]

I'm brewing up a dunkelweizen right now, so I'm not too worried about the color. I'm pretty good at avoiding carmelization, too, so I doubt that will be a problem, especially with all the chocolate and roasted barley.

I assume it's a good tip, since it's all I've ever heard here, but I've never really noticed a difference flavor-wise when I do late-extract additions. The only thing it seems to do is kill my boil and throw off my hop schedule. That won't be a problem for long though, as I plan to go to all-grain from here on out!