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View Full Version : Did I find my efficiency problem?


bsay
11-05-2008, 06:32 PM
I was reading a bit in the online How to Brew book, and saw something interesting about flaked wheat. It said that it needs to be mashed with base malt (which I did, 50/50 ratio) and that it also makes a thick mash.

Well that's interesting, because my mash was pretty thick, but not so bad I couldn't stir.....so I thought...maybe it could be that I didn't mix the two kinds of grain, just poured one in after the other and stirred as best I could.

The iodine test came out clear, but if I recall correctly, I put the barley on top, so I likely got a biased sample.

Next time, I'm mixing the two more thoroughly....maybe that will help.

Thoughts?
DrunkenSatyr
11-06-2008, 11:37 AM
It would have to be a REALLY thick mash to keep the enzymes from mixing.
jdoiv
11-06-2008, 11:37 PM
Two words: Rice Hulls.

They will make the sparge run easier and actually boost your efficiency by allowing the sugars to separate from the thick flaked grains. Doesn't do anything as far as enzyme efficiency, but a good sparge is the best thing for efficiency.
Ó Flannagáin
11-07-2008, 12:05 AM
Two words: Rice Hulls.

They will make the sparge run easier and actually boost your efficiency by allowing the sugars to separate from the thick flaked grains. Doesn't do anything as far as enzyme efficiency, but a good sparge is the best thing for efficiency.

Do you use rice hulls in beers other than wheats and such? I could definitely see that boosting efficiency and I just may try it.
Dale
11-16-2008, 06:42 PM
Do you use rice hulls in beers other than wheats and such? I could definitely see that boosting efficiency and I just may try it.

You should try it, I'd be curious to see the results of your experiment. Sparging time/method does seem to be the biggest efficiency factor, outside of the grain crush, in my experience.