Just brewed a double IPA for the first time and got crap efficiency. I have been doing single infusion mashing with fly sparge at 168 degrees. My mash rested at 150 for 75 min (as recommended by BeerSmith.) As I understand, higher mash temps make for increased efficiency but lowered fermentability. Although 150 is not high, it is higher than my usual 148 mash for light-bodied, dry ales.
So, if I raised the whole mash to 168 before vorlauf and lautering, would I see an increase in efficiency? I know this is a debated issue so maybe I'm beating a dead horse. I won't even get into the batch sparge vs. fly sparge debate...