Mash ph and efficiency

[WaltG]

Just wondering. I typically get 80-82% efficiency. How much difference will I get by dialing in my mash ph??

Also, I know macro breweries get 90% +. What do small micro and Nano breweries get?

 

[RM-MN]

You'll probably get between 80 and 82% efficiency if you get your pH just right. You might improve the flavor of your beer if your original pH was off by a lot.

 

[WaltG]

Im usually 80-82% now. I ordered a ph meter. I guess next time i will see if it helps.

 

[dmtaylor]

Seems to me you've probably been lucky and your pH was already 5.2-5.5 without measurement, so then your efficiency won't change at all. It will only improve if pH was far off.

 

[WaltG]

I was a bit off on my stout (77%) which may have been ph.

 

[mabrungard]

My experience is that pH does not make a difference in efficiency. pH makes a big difference in flavor.

 

[Upthewazzu]

My experience is that pH does not make a difference in efficiency. pH makes a big difference in flavor.

Interesting, as it seemed to have made a rather large difference in my efficiency. I went from making a 6.2% IPA to a 7% IPA with no changes whatsoever to the recipe/process except for dialing in mash pH. Brewhouse efficiency went from <65% to >70% with nothing more than some Lactic acid additions.