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Beer/steeping grains

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Expert: - 7/15/2007


Question
Getting ready to brew batch #3. Some people say to add the crushed grains to cold water others say add to hot water, some say 15 minutes others say 30 minutes at 160-170 deg. One thing is clear "Don't boil" the grain.

Answer
Daryl,

Let's talk temperature first.  The temperature plays a big part in steeping or mashing grain. You are correct Never Boil your grain.  Temperatures above 170 deg F have a large possibility of producing tannin which something we do not want in beer.  Actually temperature can play a big part in the out come of your beer. You can get a chart of temperature and results at http://www.clanward.com/brewery_files/mashtemp.htm  

As to time the minimum time I would use would be 30 min. depending on the amount of grain being steeped.

As a general guideline I would bring my water up to 160 to 165 degrees.  Then I would kill the fire and add my grain in a steeping bag, cover and let stand for 15 minutes.  Then uncover and dip the bag or stere the water.  Recover and let sit for another 15 minutes.  You can then uncover dip the bag a few times an let all the goodies drain out, discard the grain and add wort to your big mix.  

On a separate note you can compost the grain.  It makes great fertilizer for tomatoes or hops.

Good luck and let me know if you need any more help.

Alan

Beer

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Alan Ward

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I am a home brewer who has been brewing since 2000. For us brewing is a family activity with everyone helping in some small way. We brew mostly all grain batches, but we do some kits. I have built all of our equipment. We bottle and keg. Drop us an line, we will be glad to assist with answer or help you find where the answer is. In October 2008 we opened the Brigadoon Brewery & Brew School at the Texas Renaisance Festival. This is a unique brewpub and teaching facility located on the grounds of the Texas Renaissance Festival in Plantersville, Texas. To our knowledge we are the only functioning brewpub located on the grounds of a renaissance festival brewing using both period specific equipment and modern equipment to brew hand crafted ale and then serving it back to the public. Where we offer hands on training and live period appropriate all grain brewing through out the day. Drop by and we will be glad to answer any question you have. You can checkout the brewery at www.brigadoonbrewery.com or follow on twitter@brewschool.

Experience

Home brewing since 2000. Started with a Mr. Beer kit and worked our way up to all grain.

Former chemistry and physics teacher.

Education:
Bachelors Arts Teaching; Master Instructional Technology
Currently the Managing Member and Brewmaster for Brigadoon Brewery & Brew School.

Organizations
Master Brewers Associaiton of America Texas Craft Brewers Guild American Home Brewers Association Brewers Association

Education/Credentials
Bachelors in Sports Medine from Sam Houston State University Masters in Instructional Technology from American Intercontinental University

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