US 2-Row Mashing

[Omahawk]

I bought several pounds of Rahr 2-Row Malt (US) from Northern Brewer for my first two partial mash batches. From reading Palmer, I understand that most malts are well modified enough that a single temperature mash should suffice. However, I have also been skimming through lots of recipes in "Clone Brews" and all of their British 2-row malt they do a single temp mini-mash, but for US 2-row they do a two-temp step mini-mash (something like 30 min. at 122 F and 60 min at 150 F).

From my skimming, this does not seem to be a style issue, merely whether it's British or US 2-row malt.

Anyone have any explanation for this? Anyone do a single temp with US 2-row and still get good efficiency?

 

[BigEd]

North American malts in general are higher in nitrogen/protein than British malts. Mashing is about more than simply the conversion of starches. The additional mash step is generically called a "protein" rest to reduce the protein content in the final beer among other things. Single step infusion mashes will work will almost any modern malt if you want to keep things simple.

 

[Yooper]

I always do a single infusion with American 2-row, unless I'm using other grains or doing a decoction. You don't need a protein rest, as the malt is fully modified.

 

[The Pol]

I never do step mashing anymore. I used to with wheat, but dont with that anymore either. Mashing at 122F can reduce the head stability of your beer too... single infusion with 2-row is perfectly fine, and try it with any other malt too.

I was once scared of stuck mashes with wheat, but with the NB SS falsie it doesnt seem to be an issue either.

 

[Denny]

Rahr 2 row pale is my house base malt and a single step infusion works great for it. Do yourself a favor and throw away your copy of Clone Brews.

 

[BigEd]

Do yourself a favor and throw away your copy of Clone Brews.

Heh, another fan.

 

[Omahawk]

Rahr 2 row pale is my house base malt and a single step infusion works great for it. Do yourself a favor and throw away your copy of Clone Brews.

First, thanks for the response.

I'm also interested in your statement about Clone Brews, since I look through the recipes and don't see myself making any of them any time soon. I have used it so far to skim through the recipes to get a sense of ingredients. Are your issues with the ingredients, techniques, that they don't taste like their clones or just the fact that one would try and clone a commercial beer?

 

[Omahawk]

Thanks for everyone's advice - it sounds like in general a single temp at 150ish should work fine. Looking forward to my first partial.

 

[Denny]

My problem with Clone Brews is that the recipes just aren't that good. When I saw that they listed pear extract for a Duvel "clone", it was the last straw.

 

[Yooper]

My problem with Clone Brews is that the recipes just aren't that good. When I saw that they listed pear extract for a Duvel "clone", it was the last straw.

Yeah, I've been pretty disappointed with my copy of the book. Ok for reading, but I don't really trust the recipes.

 

[Salmonhouse]

I do a step mash with my us-2row. I was recommended this method by my buddy at the LHBS. Apparently the us 2 row malt isn't as modified as say a British malt. I'm able to 'deal' with using us-2row over British 2-row (Marris) without any real noticeable difference in taste. Using a single step on the us-2row makes for a lesser beer, IME. With this technique i save $1/lb on my base grain bill.

 

[remilard]

I do a step mash with my us-2row. I was recommended this method by my buddy at the LHBS. Apparently the us 2 row malt isn't as modified as say a British malt. I'm able to 'deal' with using us-2row over British 2-row (Marris) without any real noticeable difference in taste. Using a single step on the us-2row makes for a lesser beer, IME. With this technique i save $1/lb on my base grain bill.

Nothing is as modified as British malt.

I step mash everything but I don't think US 2-row generally requires it. I made some great single infusion beers in a cooler with Briess 2-row mostly.

 

[iaefebs]