I’m ready to jump from extract to all grain brewing and have a question about timing the various stages in step mashing: should I start the clock when I get to the target temp or when the previous stage step was finished. For example, Protein Rest: 122° F for 20 minutes and then Beta Sacch’ Rest: 149° F for 30 min. Do I start the 30min timer while I bring temp up to 149 or wait until I hit 149 before staring the clock?
Just curious…howcome you want to step mash? It really isn’t necessary, and since this is your first all-grain batch, a single infusion might be a better option.
However to answer your question, I start the timer when the rest temperatures are reached. Same with the time of boil; I don’t start the clock until after hot break is achieved.
Protein rest at 122 F is a bad idea with 21st century malts for any number of minutes. Skip it and just do 149 F, but hold it there for at least 40 minutes.
If you really must do a step mash, wait until you hit your 149 F or whatever before starting the clock.
But trust me on the 122 F. It’s evil. Don’t do it. I’m serious. When I do decoctions (a subset of step mashing), I start either at room temperature or at like 105 F, skip the protein rest, and jump straight up into the 140s or as close to it as I can get.
Step mashing isn’t necessary unless your grain bill has adjuncts such as unmalted wheat, rye, oats. These grains have higher beta glucan (BG) content and become gummy when mashed. Doing a GB rest and the use of rice hulls will help with lautering.
You guys seem awfully sure that step mashing isn’t beneficial…
To answer your question: Yes. Start your timer when you reach your rest temperature.
Try a rest at 149 °F (30 min), 162 °F (30 min) and 170 °F (10 min) and see how you like it. You can always modify this and add extra beta rests down the line if you like the results.
It might be beneficial. But not with a protein rest at 122 F.
Agreed.
Dozens of trials have led me to that conclusion.
Denny, you are smart enough to know that a finished product is greater than the sum of all its parts. Isolating single process variables often doesn’t show the true potential when considered in concert with others.
EDIT: Infusion step mashing versus direct fire is something to consider as well. Actually ramping at a controlled rate to other rests is important.
With that said, everyone should be able to brew how they like. On the other hand, poo-poo’ing something with absolute certainty to other brewers is bad jujus IMHO.
I think many other parts of the process will make a far larger impact on the final product than a step mash, but I do believe in the step mash for certain styles. Absolutely no need for protein rest at 122F tho and no freaking way I’d step mash on my first AG. Classic mistake is to ruin a batch by scorching if direct fire or missing an infusion temp accurately. You can make some seriously great beer with a simple infusion.
All I said is that I,ve tested it dozens of times and reached my own conclusion. Don’t project beyond that.
Not directed exclusively at you Denny, just in general. You are not an island on this one.
perhaps your low oxygen website needs some revision then my friend.
Any examples or glaring errors that you can identify would be greatly appreciated.
honestly, not going to get heavily into matters of delivery, style and presentation grace, but you and thebrewery speak in absolutes more than anyone here. Just seems like you are criticizing denny for stuff you are guilty of doing. But again, I’m sure you make delicious beer and know your stuff, as do most here, It’s just been my experience that criticism of your delivery and open-mindedness to things that go against your very established and regimented LODO procedures and beliefs fall on deaf ears.
Either way, all the best, have a beer for me this weekend, as I’m the DD for a wedding this weekend.
Let’s not forget. Each and every one of us is a moron to somebody. I’m certain I’m a moron to somebody, and I’m okay with that. Live and let die kind of thang. 8)
At the end of the day i’m just advocating for balance. “This works for me but may not for you.” “I have not had success with that but YMMV.”
Meh. Balance, or political correctness, or inclusiveness, or whatever you want to call it, is for sissies. I have opinions and I’m not afraid to yell 'em like facts. (Doh! I’m sure I just offended half of you! Oh well. ;D )
EDIT: Okay, okay, I’m sorry. I don’t really 100% mean that. But I also think we all just need thicker skins too. Someone doesn’t like something somebody says… whatever. Faggeddaboudit.
And always, the “In my experience” and “YMMV” stuff should just go without saying. No? Some of us know every truth of the universe without any doubt whatsoever? Yeah right. The possibility that one person or another is wrong just goes without saying. I don’t care how many sources there are. Soak it all up and figure it out for each one’s self what seems plausible or not. For newbs, I get it, they don’t know who to trust. Well, that’s just part of being a newb. We’ve all been there at some point. It’s called life.
</soapbox for the time being>
One thing I touched upon earlier but didn’t elaborate on is the effect of actually stepping with direct heating at known rate, where you are actually sweeping through a range of temperatures on your way to the next rest point. I think there is something to be said about that.
I have only done an infusion step mash once, and the temperature stabilized rather quickly, meaning you reach the next rest temperature rather quickly. Definitely much quicker than the gradual climb. YMMV.
I want to clarify as well: I personally step mash and preferit but do not disregard single infusion. I will say that single infusion is bounded by step mashing, so its a win win!