Ok, crush... troubleshoot me.
Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 11:00 am
So, it pains me to admit this, but I am having serious mash efficiency issues.
I first noticed (now that I look back on my notes) the issue with a LODO Kolsch that my efficiency dropped a few points from my normal. I think I mentioned this, and tightened down my MM3 and started malt conditioning. Since, my mash efficiency has gone further and further down. Some of this is lauter technique, but there is a consistent theme of lower than normal, sometimes extreme lack of conversion, all with SMB dosages at the recommended rate. I have done everything possible to isolate the issue - and conclude that either; my crush is still not adequately fine, or SMB is interfering with beta-enzyme activity, or a little of both. Everything else has been good - mash pH, water chemistry, high quality continental malt (Weyermann Pils, Barke, BM Heidelberg).
On the Brew-Magic, the crush needs to be coarse enough to allow for circulation during the mash. It's a hybrid RIMS/direct fire system. My MMS is now set at 0.030" and I need to use rice hulls to ensure circulation. For the most part, grain in is at 144F, stepped to 158/160F, mash out, sparge under mash cap slowly. I tried an infusion mash at 152F and still had a 50% mash efficiency. I am leaning toward the crush, because the SMB didn't greatly affect conversion on a few previous batches.
Later today, I am dropping my mill gap to the tightest setting and doing a few mini-mash batches.
Does anyone here use just a false bottom for their HERMS/RIMS system? I know a bag will allow for a much tighter mill. Can you take some close up pics of the grind and post them? I will do the same here in a bit.
I first noticed (now that I look back on my notes) the issue with a LODO Kolsch that my efficiency dropped a few points from my normal. I think I mentioned this, and tightened down my MM3 and started malt conditioning. Since, my mash efficiency has gone further and further down. Some of this is lauter technique, but there is a consistent theme of lower than normal, sometimes extreme lack of conversion, all with SMB dosages at the recommended rate. I have done everything possible to isolate the issue - and conclude that either; my crush is still not adequately fine, or SMB is interfering with beta-enzyme activity, or a little of both. Everything else has been good - mash pH, water chemistry, high quality continental malt (Weyermann Pils, Barke, BM Heidelberg).
On the Brew-Magic, the crush needs to be coarse enough to allow for circulation during the mash. It's a hybrid RIMS/direct fire system. My MMS is now set at 0.030" and I need to use rice hulls to ensure circulation. For the most part, grain in is at 144F, stepped to 158/160F, mash out, sparge under mash cap slowly. I tried an infusion mash at 152F and still had a 50% mash efficiency. I am leaning toward the crush, because the SMB didn't greatly affect conversion on a few previous batches.
Later today, I am dropping my mill gap to the tightest setting and doing a few mini-mash batches.
Does anyone here use just a false bottom for their HERMS/RIMS system? I know a bag will allow for a much tighter mill. Can you take some close up pics of the grind and post them? I will do the same here in a bit.