cell
Well-Known Member
Why do people switch from extract brewing to partial-mash brewing? Is partial-mash cheaper? Does it make better beer?
Partial mash is simply extract brewing with one extra step -- you steep a bag of grains at the beginning. Everything else is the same. With the wide variety of specialty grains available, adding this one very simple step (requiring zero extra equipment) can give you a lot of flexibility in terms of the flavor of your beer.
It really is a small leap. In fact, my very first kit was an "extract kit" with a bag of grains to steep. I didn't even know at the time that I was technically doing a "partial mash."
PM is more than Extract with steeped grains. It requires steeping at controlled temperatures and using grains with diastatic power (the enzymes to cleave starches into simple sugars).
Well, yes. You have to use the right grains, and you have to steep it correctly. That goes without saying (I thought). But it is correct to say that it only adds one step to the process, and shouldn't be seen as anything to be intimidated by. That was my main point.
Well, yes. You have to use the right grains, and you have to steep it correctly. That goes without saying (I thought). But it is correct to say that it only adds one step to the process, and shouldn't be seen as anything to be intimidated by. That was my main point.
Ok, so maybe I am not doing a PM. Anyone have a good link to a partial mash writeup to clarify?
Here is another good link on partial mashing:
http://***********/component/resource/article/511-countertop-partial-mashing
Wow -- that is a fantastic link. I guess maybe there is no single definition of "partial mash" -- that one to me looks like about half-way between what I've seen called "partial mash" elsewhere and a true all-grain.
It turns out there is a whole spectrum between all-extract and all-grain. The choice of where on that spectrum you end up is completely up to you. Take small steps, stay in your comfort zone, and definitely RDWGAHB!
Thank you all for your replies! I think it answers my question.But I'll stick to extract brewing until I'm ready to spend more $$ on more equipment...
Here is another good link on partial mashing:
http://***********/component/resource/article/511-countertop-partial-mashing
I used my new 3 gal Rubbermaid yesterday w/ a grain bag using this link as a guide and everything worked out fine. Using 4lbs of grain in the mash and 4.4lbs extract added at flameout, I did a 4g partial boil, topped off w/ cold water in the fermenter and got 5 gallons of 1.050 wort which is bubbling away happily now.
I don't think I'll ever go back to an all-extract brew.
But I'll stick to extract brewing until I'm ready to spend more $$ on more equipment...
Thank you all for your replies! I think it answers my question.But I'll stick to extract brewing until I'm ready to spend more $$ on more equipment...
As has been said, the only thing you would need to buy is a large grain bag or a 5 gallon paint strainer (pack of 3 for about $5 at you local hardware store).
See the aforementioned DeathBrewer "Easy Partial Mash Brewing (with Pics)" and see how easy/cheap/good it can be.
I've used his method for 3 batches now - the last one mashing 7# of grain and adding just 2-1/2# DME at the end.
I think the thing that has kept me from going PM or AG is the ability to get a full boil on my stove. My brew pot is (I think) big enough for full wort volume, but I can't even get a full boil going with my extract set-up. At least not in a timely manner...
Using pure LME, I had never once hit my target final gravity
You can still do three gallon boils with partial mashing. You're just replacing some of your fermentables with grain, instead of extract. You can boil a smaller quantity of wort if your stove can't handle five gallons!
I'd like some clarification on this, as I've steeped grains for 30 minutes at 155 degrees for a bunch of my extract brews. But I thought that was just steeping grains. I'm looking at a recipe I'd like to try now on brewtoad.com (it is listed as an extract recipe and indeed has 8 lbs. of malt extract as the main fermentable), but it has 1-2 lbs. of grain listed as "mash" instead of "steep", so I am wondering if there is some difference in the two that I'm not aware of. I've made a couple of recipes on that site, so I know it gives you the option to specify between the two when making an extract recipe. Any knowledge here would be appreciated.
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