Using flavor grains with extract

[doctor strangebrew]

Just getting back into brewing beer after many years (finally have a keg) I have never done all-grain so sticking with extract for now. Any advice on using flavor grains? The way I did this before was to use a smaller pan, steep the grains, then pour through a strainer into brew kettle (also pour hot wort over strainer several times) Is there a better way? A simple steeping bag would be easier, but I think my way gets more flavor.

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

Just getting back into brewing beer after many years (finally have a keg) I have never done all-grain so sticking with extract for now. Any advice on using flavor grains? The way I did this before was to use a smaller pan, steep the grains, then pour through a strainer into brew kettle (also pour hot wort over strainer several times)

If I were in your situation, initially I'd brew like I did in the past.

Once I had the process "dialed in", and if I decided to experiment with the steeping process, I would look into a "mini-mash" (base malt and steeping grains soaked in a small pot of 150* F water for around 30 to 45 minutes). BIAB would likely be a process that I'd look into first.

 

[doctor strangebrew]

"mini-mash" sounds interesting. I'll do a search on that. Basically, just mash a small batch, then strain into wort like I do? What is BIAB?

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

"mini-mash" sounds interesting. I'll do a search on that. Basically, just mash a small batch, then strain into wort like I do? What is BIAB?

A mini-mash (also known as partial mash) is basically soaking a bunch of grains in some 150* F-ish water for 30 to 45 minutes. The article Why Partial Mash? (Mashing vs. Steeping) is a good overview. What is different with a mini-mash (vs a steep) is that base malts are involved and the mini-mash process is using enzymes in the base malts to convert starches into sugars.

For BIAB, Brew in a Bag Basics is a good initial overview. BIAB is "all-grain" brewing with out the mash tun.

 

[doctor strangebrew]

I get it! Extra flavor and aroma... nice. Very simple (I'm talking about "partial mash") Not ready to try BIAB yet. I did notice when I used "steeping grains" (like chocolate and black malts) the addition of crystal malt did improve flavor and aroma. Next time I'll add base malt and let it sit at lower temps (like mash) Assuming a 5 gallon batch, mostly extract, with steeping grains, how much base malt? Just need a basic guideline.

 

[Kickass]

I always steeped in a bag and enjoyed the results. I’m not sure I completely understand your process so it’s tough to weigh in but if it works for you then keep doing it.

This is not gospel but should get you close on Points per Pound per Gallon or PPG when figuring out how much partial mash you want to substitute.

Base grains, like 2row- 1.031
LME- 1.036
DME- 1.041

For instance, for a 5 gallon batch, if you did 2 pounds of 2row and 6 pounds of DME

31x2=62
41x6=246

62+246=308

Now divide by 5 (the number of gallons)

308/5=61.6 round to 62 and you have an OG if 1.062

This is just an example to help you understand the differences that a base grain like 2row has when substituting for extract.

Or, use free software like brewers friend, or buy beer smith.

You got this!

 

[doctor strangebrew]

I don't get that technical with ingredients... I could, but I feel it's more of an art, and I learn from experience. Anyway, I was going to use an example of what I might try: a dark beer with medium/high gravity, 7 lbs extract, 1 lb base malt, 1/2 lb chocolate malt, and 1/4 lb black malt. Would it be better using more base malt and less extract? How about 6 lbs extract, 2 lbs base malt, 1/2 lb crystal (or is it called caramel?) 1/2 lb chocolate, and 1/4 lb black?

 

[BrewnWKopperKat]

Assuming a 5 gallon batch, mostly extract, with steeping grains, how much base malt? Just need a basic guideline.

For partial mashes, this chart ( "Lazy Chart For Converting – DME – LME -GRAIN" ) will work for converting DME / LME into base malts.

For the base malt, use 1 lb of base malt for each pound of steeping grains (the intent of this ratio is to provide enough diastatic power to convert any remaining starches in the steeping grains). Use the chart above to remove the appropriate amount of DME / LME.

Anyway, I was going to use an example of what I might try: a dark beer with medium/high gravity, 7 lbs extract, 1 lb base malt, 1/2 lb chocolate malt, and 1/4 lb black malt. Would it be better using more base malt and less extract? How about 6 lbs extract, 2 lbs base malt, 1/2 lb crystal (or is it called caramel?) 1/2 lb chocolate, and 1/4 lb black?

I would start with the first grain bill (7 lbs extract, 1 lb base malt, 1/2 lb chocolate malt, and 1/4 lb black malt) then "season to taste". There is more to say about the 2nd recipe, but I'm out of time at the moment.

 

[doctor strangebrew]

Found some really good articles at MoreBeer website! https://www.morebeer.com/articles

 

[Kickass]

I don't get that technical with ingredients... I could, but I feel it's more of an art, and I learn from experience.

Sure, the math is “technical” but understanding the sugar potential of grain to LME to DME will help you answer the questions that you’re asking. I’d say use as much base malt as you’re comfortable with, increasing as you go and use less extract as you progress.

 

[doctor strangebrew]

The "lazy chart..." is perfect for me.

 

[doctor strangebrew]

By the way, I use a simple water filter that gets rid of bad tastes and chlorine, but we have "hard water" (mostly bicarbonates) Is that a problem? Also, the reason I do my steeping grains (and now doing a "partial mash") in a separate pan is so I can boil the water first (to kill germs) then let it cool down to correct temp. At the same time I bring the main kettle up to boiling (this takes awhile) then pour the "mash" through a strainer and scoop some of the kettle water and pour on grains to get all the "goodness" out. I turn the burner off (gas stove) then add extract. It sounds like extra work (compared to just using a steeping bag) but gives me more control.