Wort queries

[Floody]

Hi all

A couple of basic extract questions:
1. What is the difference between boiling the extract for 60 and 90 minutes?
2. Some recipes call for addition of part of the extract midway through the boil. I have been adding everything at the beginning and boiling for 60 minutes. How does the late addition affect the wort?

Thanks!

Floody

 

[Pilgarlic]

The foremost difference between a 60 and 90 minute boil is the reduction in wort and increase in gravity produced by the longer boil. A secondary effect is the decrease in dimethyl sulfate (dms) which is "boiled off" more completely during a 90 minute boil. Generally speaking, if you have the time and the wort volume it is as well to go 90, unless it's going to drive your gravity higher than you want.

There are also two principle reasons to add extracts later in the boil. The first is that boiling extracts for longer periods causes "maillard" reactions, darkening the beer and causing slight flavor changes. The second is that the extract increases the gravity of the boil, which reduces hops utilization. There are no disadvantages to late extract additions so long as it boils long enough to kill of the bugs. Most say 5-15 minutes. I'd say 5 (after the wort resumes boiling) is adequate.

 

[Floody]

Thanks Pil!

Very informative reply.



floody