Steeping extract grains

[Darlynius]

Hello, everyone!

I'm wondering if there are any rules to steeping extract grains, specifically the volume of water to steep in? The recipe I'm trying calls for steeping in 2.5 gallons of water at 150 F. I have a 10 gal kettle, and want to make a 5 gallon batch. I'm fermenting in an Ask BrewTech 7 gal conical fermenter.

Is it wrong if I start my water volume at 5.5 gals for steeping (20-30 mins), then go straight to boiling as opposed to starting at 2.5 gallons steeping and boiling, then adding 2 gallons of cold water into my fermenter, adding wort, then topping off w/ more water to make the 5 gallon mark?

I don't like the idea of doing so as I'm using campden tablets during my initial steep to reduce Chlorine levels in my water to prevent off flavors in the end.


Thanks!

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

The brewing process for the recipe appears to be ...

... starting at 2.5 gallons steeping and boiling, then adding 2 gallons of cold water into my fermenter, adding wort, then topping off w/ more water to make the 5 gallon mark?

... partial boil with late extract additions.

You questions suggest that you are looking to convert it to a full volume boil.

Forum consensus is that a full volume boil is generally better than a partial boil. So you can add all the water at flame-on and top off in the FV.

Forum consensus is that a late additions of extract is better than all the extract at the start of the boil. This results in a lighter color for the beer.

How to Brew, 4e is probably the best single source for current detailed information.

I'm wondering if there are any rules to steeping extract grains, specifically the volume of water to steep in?

No rules. Kits generally keep this step simple by steeping in the "boil volume". The beer should come out fine steeping the grains in a full volume of water.

Methods of Modern Home Brewing briefly covers five or six different approaches to steeping when brewing extract+steep.

Is it wrong if I start my water volume at 5.5 gals for steeping (20-30 mins), then ...

No (it is not wrong to do this). You have converted one part of the recipe from a partial boil to a full boil.

If you do a late addition of the remaining extract (assuming a 60 minute boil), you will get more utilization (IBUs, ...) from the hops.

If you add all the extract at the start of the boil (assuming a 60 minute boil), you will get similar utilization from the hops, but a darker wort color.

 

[ncbrewer]

If you do a late addition of the remaining extract (assuming a 60 minute boil), you will get more utilization (IBUs, ...) from the hops.

The increased hop utilization will give you more bitterness. If you want to get the bitterness intended by the recipe, I recommend using a calculator like http://realbeer.com/hops/ to adjust the hop additions.

Some sources advise steeping in a small volume of water to reduce tannins - see http://www.madalchemist.com/archives/the-new-brewer-steeping-specialty-grains/ You could treat all your water with campden, and pour off a smaller amount into another pot for steeping.

 

[Darlynius]

I've read that, which is why I was inclined to jump on here and ask. However, I've gotten responses from both ends, some saying that it'll make for a better beer given a higher starting water volume during steeping, and a few have cautioned about the risk of extracting tannins w/ a larger water volume.

I like the pretreat all water idea. Can I just get the full volume to boil after using the 2.5 gallons for steeping as you recommended?

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

... risk of extracting tannins ...

If you taste tannins in your extract+steep beers, How to Brew, 4e has solid ideas on how to avoid them.

Can I just get the full volume to boil after using the 2.5 gallons for steeping as you recommended?

You can.

Sometimes the simplest (and most enjoyable) thing to do is brew the recipe "as is".

 

[Darlynius]

If you taste tannins in your extract+steep beers, How to Brew, 4e has solid ideas on how to avoid them.



You can.

Sometimes the simplest (and most enjoyable) thing to do is brew the recipe "as is".

I shall keep it simple



Thanks!

 

[Alex4mula]

I have done the steep with full volume and 2gals. Didn’t feel any difference. I do full volume boil. I like to have everything mixed already before moving to carboy. Easier to measure OG too. Anyway it should make good beer.

 

[Darlynius]

I have done the steep with full volume and 2gals. Didn’t feel any difference. I do full volume boil. I like to have everything mixed already before moving to carboy. Easier to measure OG too. Anyway it should make good beer.

Thanks! The more I've read, and the more videos I've watched, there are more than 1 ways to skin a cat.

 

[GPNewBrew]

I’ve always use about a gallon of water to steep the grains in, assuming you are talking 8-16 oz of spec grains. Helps keep tannins out. Temp of steeping is most critical - keep under 170 for sure while steeping. Also, as others have said, be careful with hop utilization. Recipes and IBU’s are usually based on full volume, full extract. If you are going with later add of extract, reduce the amount of water proportionately. You want to shoot for a proportion that is going to give you the approx. OG that you are trying to achieve when the boil is complete. Otherwise, use Beersmith or equivalent to figure your hops add out based on partial extract add

 

[Darlynius]

I’ve always use about a gallon of water to steep the grains in, assuming you are talking 8-16 oz of spec grains. Helps keep tannins out. Temp of steeping is most critical - keep under 170 for sure while steeping. Also, as others have said, be careful with hop utilization. Recipes and IBU’s are usually based on full volume, full extract. If you are going with later add of extract, reduce the amount of water proportionately. You want to shoot for a proportion that is going to give you the approx. OG that you are trying to achieve when the boil is complete. Otherwise, use Beersmith or equivalent to figure your hops add out based on partial extract add

I plugged everything into BS and it's recommending I steep using 2 gal of water. I'm going full boil after that, and adding my malt extracts, etc from there.

The called for OG is 1.064, BS has me at 1.65. the ABV calls for 6.4 but BS has me at 7.1. the numbers are off by just a small bit on BS from what the recipe actually calls for. Should I be concerned?