Trying a Partial Mash

[Seanwallner]

Im pretty sure I got the process figured out but Im unsure of one item. Im assuming the steeping grains need to be crushed or milled. Do they come that way, will the HBS do it or can You do it yourself without a mill? Is there a difference between millimg and crushing? Thanks for the info.

 

[dshaggy]

Milling/crushing is the same thing. It's running the grain through to break the inside apart but leave the hull intact. The hull serves as a filter for the sparge water.

 

[Captain Damage]

Have your LHBS crush the grain for you. For a partial mash you're usually looking at 3-5 (or more) lbs of base malt, plus your specialty malts. Too much for you to do with a rolling pin.

 

[tagz]

+1 A rolling pin will work in a jam, but it is a PITA and you probably won't get a consistent crush. Have your LHBS crush them this time around.

If you think you might be doing PMs for a while you can look at picking up a Corona grain mill. They run about $45 and do a pretty solid job. It's no Barley Crusher, but if you are only crushing < 5lbs of grain it's a nice tool. It allows you to buy grains and crush at your convenience (whole grains stay fresh longer).