So I seem to have gotten this issue sorted out. My last batch, which was today, I had a Mash Eff of 81.9% and an overall efficiency of 70.3% which I am STOKED about! I adjusted my thermometer which I'm sure played a role, but I think the biggest factor, and I can say this with pretty scientific certainty because it was the only variable I changed in my last two brews. I started not letting any wort stay in the boil kettle. Originally I had calculated the dead space in the kettle and just let that wort stay in there. My theory is that whilst cooling the wort all of the sugars would drop to the bottom of the kettle. And thus I wouldn't be getting them into my carboy. Now I've started stirring while I rack the beer from the kettle and pouring all of the liquid from the BK into the carboy. Next time, I'm going to try draining the dead space from my mash tun. I don't think this will have much effect since all of the sugar should be in a relatively homogenous mixture in the mash.
Single Infusion, Medium Body, Batch Sparge Issues
- Thread starter mallob9
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I would definitely start looking for losses in wort along the way, then either correct for them in the water/grist or try to change the process to reclaim some of it.
I only lose about 2-3% points after the mash. (unless the recipe has a lot of hops, since I use mostly whole leaf and they suck up a bunch).
poorboy5
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I had a problem with low mash efficiency this weekend with Yooper's Rogue Dead Guy recipe. I came in .013 below the calculated OG in Beersmith 
and I'm pretty sure it's the crush from the mill at the LHBS- either they "readjusted" it or somebody was turning knobs they weren't supposed to, cause it didn't look as fine as usual. I started batch sparging about 6 months ago, after I heard Denny explain it on the Session. My brewday numbers used to be all over the map, but using the batch sparge I either hit them right on or get within 3 or so points. Since this is a recent thing and I haven't changed anything else in my process I'm chalking it up to a bad crush. I guess in closing, this would be a plug to purchase your own grist mill if you can afford it at all. That's one less wild card to deal with come brewday
and I'm pretty sure it's the crush from the mill at the LHBS- either they "readjusted" it or somebody was turning knobs they weren't supposed to, cause it didn't look as fine as usual. I started batch sparging about 6 months ago, after I heard Denny explain it on the Session. My brewday numbers used to be all over the map, but using the batch sparge I either hit them right on or get within 3 or so points. Since this is a recent thing and I haven't changed anything else in my process I'm chalking it up to a bad crush. I guess in closing, this would be a plug to purchase your own grist mill if you can afford it at all. That's one less wild card to deal with come brewday Similar threads
