Decoction?

[GilesTH]

I'm considering doing a single decoction mash on my next brew just to check out the method and see how it turns out, but in all of my research (and I've looked around the internet, read John Palmer, and listened to the Brew Strong decoction episode) I can't find out WHEN I should pull out a portion of the mash to start the decoction. So let's say I'm doing a single infusion and then decocting for a mash out (that's my plan to get some color and caramelization for a stout I want to brew). Do I let the mash sit for 30-45 minutes then pull out a portion of the mash to boil? Or do I pull the decoction out as soon as I mash in? I'm doing all of the brewing on my stove, so I'm going to have to heat up the mash VERY slowly while stirring constantly. I'm aware that I'll have to consider that with my calculations.

I guess, to simplify, do I need to decoct before or after conversion?

[siwelwerd]

I guess, to simplify, do I need to decoct before or after conversion?

The answer is "yes"

You can either wait 15 minutes for most of the conversion to take place, then pull your decoction and immediately heat to boiling; or more generally (if you are resting the main mash at a temp below conversion temps), pull the decoction, heat to an amylase rest temp (145-155) and hold for 15 minutes, and then heat to boiling.

By the way, I wouldn't mess with decoction for a stout. Save it for your German beers.

[GilesTH]

I guess, to simplify, do I need to decoct before or after conversion?

The answer is "yes"

You can either wait 15 minutes for most of the conversion to take place, then pull your decoction and immediately heat to boiling; or more generally (if you are resting the main mash at a temp below conversion temps), pull the decoction, heat to an amylase rest temp (145-155) and hold for 15 minutes, and then heat to boiling.

By the way, I wouldn't mess with decoction for a stout. Save it for your German beers.

That's kinda what I suspected. The guy who runs my LHBS said decoction is ABSOLUTELY necessary for all beer styles that aren't pale. But that was when he tried to convince me to spend $1000 on an electric RIMS system that he could build for me rather than stick to my budget. Not a very helpful guy. But that's why I ask questions here instead of at the shop.

Thanks for help!

[siwelwerd]

The guy who runs my LHBS said decoction is ABSOLUTELY necessary for all beer styles that aren't pale.

Unfortunately, people who run LHBSs don't always give optimal advice. In fact, decoction is NEVER necessary (although arguably the only way to make the best examples of most German styles, you can make quite good examples without decocting), but in particular, is inarguably NEVER necessary for non-German beers. I'd seek your advice elsewhere, and always have a firm shopping list handy before heading to this LHBS.

[GilesTH]

Unfortunately, people who run LHBSs don't always give optimal advice. In fact, decoction is NEVER necessary (although arguably the only way to make the best examples of most German styles, you can make quite good examples without decocting), but in particular, is inarguably NEVER necessary for non-German beers. I'd seek your advice elsewhere, and always have a firm shopping list handy before heading to this LHBS.

I get all of my advice from the BN . Or a buddy of mine who makes excellent homebrew. I pretty much stick with "Where can I find..." questions for the LHBS owner. Especially because he seems pretty annoyed to see people when they walk in. As if customers are interrupting his peaceful day.

[Ozwald]

Especially because he seems pretty annoyed to see people when they walk in. As if customers are interrupting his peaceful day.

Yeah, that's why we don't shop at Spidey's shop

[Bugeater]

I pretty much stick with "Where can I find..." questions for the LHBS owner. Especially because he seems pretty annoyed to see people when they walk in. As if customers are interrupting his peaceful day.

This sounds like the owner of one of the brew shops here in Omaha.

[Ozwald]

I pretty much stick with "Where can I find..." questions for the LHBS owner. Especially because he seems pretty annoyed to see people when they walk in. As if customers are interrupting his peaceful day.

This sounds like the owner of one of the brew shops here in Omaha.

I think that's pretty much the norm. I've only been to one shop where they knew what they were talking about.