I have about 6 full volume BIAB batches under my belt. I have just stumbled upon step mashing for BIAB. Just curious what the general consensus is about BIAB step mashing. Is it done to improve efficiency? If I can pick up a few points I wouldn't mind doing it since it really does not change the overall process much.
TIA!
John
Post #2 made 14 years ago
john,
i am no expert but as far as i know, step mashing isn't about increasing efficiency but more about the wort fermentability and flavor profile of the finished beer.
check this out for more info:
http://braukaiser.com/wiki/index.php/Infusion_Mashing
i am no expert but as far as i know, step mashing isn't about increasing efficiency but more about the wort fermentability and flavor profile of the finished beer.
check this out for more info:
http://braukaiser.com/wiki/index.php/Infusion_Mashing
Cube:
fermenter: Sourdough Spelt Ale, Classic Lambic, Oud Brune, Barrel Aged Belgian Dubbel
Kegs: Bob's Black IPA, Blanc Blond, Soda...
to be brewed:
fermenter: Sourdough Spelt Ale, Classic Lambic, Oud Brune, Barrel Aged Belgian Dubbel
Kegs: Bob's Black IPA, Blanc Blond, Soda...
to be brewed:
Post #3 made 14 years ago
[center]ADMIN NOTE[/center]
Hi there joshua,
The link you have supplied above was the first guide to BIAB that was written, by me (unfortunately
), probably around five years ago now. I wrote the escalator mash into the guide because I was very short on time and it saved me having to write about strike temperatures etc. Shortly after, I wrote a correction to the guide and advised people not to use the escalator mash for several reasons...
1. It is incredibly laborious. You are applying heat which, for a lot of brewers, means constantly agitating the grain to avoid bag burning.
2. Any benefits, if any, are totally dubious.
3. On the one or two escalator mashes that I or others tried (and I only know of one or two), some figures came in under what was expected. In those days, I thought figures from a single brew could be trusted. I now, of course, know better so this last reason is not valid.
So my, 'escalator mash,' is something I wish I had never written about as it has caused a few brewers a lot of labour for no benefits.
As for John's original question in this thread, I think your answers above are excellent. Another helpful answer can be found here
Cheers,
Pat
Hi there joshua,
The link you have supplied above was the first guide to BIAB that was written, by me (unfortunately
), probably around five years ago now. I wrote the escalator mash into the guide because I was very short on time and it saved me having to write about strike temperatures etc. Shortly after, I wrote a correction to the guide and advised people not to use the escalator mash for several reasons...1. It is incredibly laborious. You are applying heat which, for a lot of brewers, means constantly agitating the grain to avoid bag burning.
2. Any benefits, if any, are totally dubious.
3. On the one or two escalator mashes that I or others tried (and I only know of one or two), some figures came in under what was expected. In those days, I thought figures from a single brew could be trusted. I now, of course, know better so this last reason is not valid.
So my, 'escalator mash,' is something I wish I had never written about as it has caused a few brewers a lot of labour for no benefits.
As for John's original question in this thread, I think your answers above are excellent. Another helpful answer can be found here
Cheers,
Pat
Last edited by Pat on 02 Sep 2011, 20:18, edited 5 times in total.
Are you a "Goodwill Brewer?" Pay forward and Buy Some BIPs 
Post #4 made 14 years ago
No apologies needed josh 
. It was fun being reminded of the, "BIAB Booklet," and the information in your posts above is great. One of these days I will try the escalator mash again on a few side by side brews just for fun.
You'll notice that a lot of what is in the booklet is in the current, "The Commentary." This is going to be re-written, yet again, after the new calculator is completed. Hopefully I will do a much better job this time though I am not looking forward to it
.
C'est la vie,
Pat
. It was fun being reminded of the, "BIAB Booklet," and the information in your posts above is great. One of these days I will try the escalator mash again on a few side by side brews just for fun.You'll notice that a lot of what is in the booklet is in the current, "The Commentary." This is going to be re-written, yet again, after the new calculator is completed. Hopefully I will do a much better job this time though I am not looking forward to it
.C'est la vie,
Pat
Are you a "Goodwill Brewer?" Pay forward and Buy Some BIPs
Post #5 made 14 years ago
Yep, and then let the bag drain for hours
And that's why you can get 97% efficiency with BIAB
And that's why you can get 97% efficiency with BIAB
Fermenting: -
Cubed: -
Stirplate: -
On Tap: NS Summer Ale III (WY1272), Landlord III (WY1469), Fighter's 70/- II (WY1272), Roast Porter (WY1028), Cider, Soda
Next: Munich Helles III
5/7/12
Cubed: -
Stirplate: -
On Tap: NS Summer Ale III (WY1272), Landlord III (WY1469), Fighter's 70/- II (WY1272), Roast Porter (WY1028), Cider, Soda
Next: Munich Helles III
5/7/12
Post #6 made 14 years ago
Do they do a mashout in congress mash?
Fermenting: -
Cubed: -
Stirplate: -
On Tap: NS Summer Ale III (WY1272), Landlord III (WY1469), Fighter's 70/- II (WY1272), Roast Porter (WY1028), Cider, Soda
Next: Munich Helles III
5/7/12
Cubed: -
Stirplate: -
On Tap: NS Summer Ale III (WY1272), Landlord III (WY1469), Fighter's 70/- II (WY1272), Roast Porter (WY1028), Cider, Soda
Next: Munich Helles III
5/7/12
Post #7 made 14 years ago
Tried my hand at a step mash on the long weekend. 52-63-72 then ramp to 78.
Hit a mighty 88% efficiency, but this is also the first time I have been able to mashout and hoist the bag via a pully system. So while I don't think the step mash helped efficiency, the ability to hit mashout temp really helped the bag drain once I had it hoisted.
Hit a mighty 88% efficiency, but this is also the first time I have been able to mashout and hoist the bag via a pully system. So while I don't think the step mash helped efficiency, the ability to hit mashout temp really helped the bag drain once I had it hoisted.
