Using Flakes for Steeping

[HeloBubba]

Hey all,

Getting ready to brew an extract Belgian Wit with oat and wheat flakes in the steeping process, and heard from someone that flakes can really only be used in all grain recipes where mashing is required. Is this true?

I think these flakes would really add to the recipe but if I have to go all grain I think I'll pass. All grain is just not my thing.

Thanks,
HeloBubba

 

[cweston]

You can steep flakes, but you're mostly going to extract unconverted starchses, not fermentable sugars, from them. So your beer will be hazy, which wouldn't necessarily be a problem for a wit.

 

[Kayos]

Do a PM with the flakes with your bottling bucket and a grain bag. IF it sounds fun to you. Otherwise, I would steep them, at 150-160 then sparge with 170. Then you will convert some, but get the mouth feel from the rest.....

 

[EvilTOJ]

You can steep them just fine and it will turn into great beer, but it's been my experience that if you do at least a partial mash you'll get more complex flavors from the wheat and oats. Add a lb or two of cracked pale 2 row and steep (or now it's a mash) at 150 - 155 for an hour. Then put in a strainer and run some 170 degree water through it to get more sugars out of it until you get three gallons of water in the boiler, then boil as normal. No new equipment to buy, just a little bit more grain and an extra half hour.

E;fb you guys are fast1

 

[HeloBubba]

I have a large brewpot with a bazooka screen. That should work for this right?